2011 Director's Message

May 7, 2011

Dear Racquetball Director / Club Manager / Team Captain:

My apologies for getting this out later than normal ... but the 26th Annual Pepsi Cup / Colorado Team Racquetball Championships is set for June 9-12th at Highlands Ranch Recreation Center, along with co-hosting by the Littleton Family YMCA.

The majority of you of you understand the concept behind the Pepsi Cup. It’s a unique event that marks the end of the current competitive season, yet serves as a reminder that the 2011 / 2012 season isn’t far away. The Pepsi Cup is the only state level team racquetball championship in the nation. It has a storied tradition and is second only to the CRA State Championships for longevity. First CRA State Championship, 1973/74. Pepsi Cup, 1986.

Last year I missed the 25th Anniversary event. As part of a National Disaster Response Team I have few guarantees of where I’ll be and when. Last year at this time I was in Santiago, Chile. The CRA graciously ran the event on my behalf, and did an outstanding job. This year I’m doing what I can to be in attendance and the CRA will still be involved. One way or another we’ll have another great event. Besides this is a PLAYERS TOURNAMENT. Many people have pitched in through the years. This year will be no different. I may have developed the concept, but it belongs to us all.

Because the Pepsi Cup is a different format than most tournaments that also affects how the tournament is directed. In addition to the tournament director there’s also a three person executive committee. This committee handles match disputes, player eligibility questions, situations above and beyond normal tournament director duties. The committee consists of the tournament director, a floating CRA board member, and a non conflicting tournament player (a player with whom the decision doesn’t affect their club). This insures fairness in most all situations.

All of the event guideline documents are shown at left, and the Captain's Packet (containing the Code of Conduct and team roster) can be downloaded here.

The Pepsi Cup continually strives to improve. There are two important changes for 2011. Both concern team eligibility. Once upon a time private clubs ruled. That’s no longer the case. It seems now more people play at recreational facilities. With that the eligibility guidelines of the past are no longer applicable. Too many gray areas player wise plus the private facility has been at a huge disadvantage over the past few years. Thus the following two changes. 

• Each team will be allowed (4) captains picks. These players need not be members of your club. Captains picks must be clearly identified on the team roster.
• Players ranked in the top 24 of the Men or Womens Pro Tour and/or top 16 of the Classic Pro Tour, are not eligible to participate. In addition you must be a Colorado resident, with a verifiable primary Colorado address.

As with other aspects of the tournament the executive committee will have the final say in the event there’s a question. This is a fairness issue and applies to the Pepsi Cup only. How the CRA deals with it state wide is another issue. The Pepsi Cup format works as follows. The Pepsi Cup matches club level players in a team racquetball format. Players compete for individual trophies and at the same time earn points for their club. The team compiling the most points at the end of the competition is recognized as the Pepsi Cup/Colorado Team Racquetball Champion for 2011. The tournament is USRA/CRA sanctioned. Competing players earn USAR and Colorado ranking points.

One of the most common questions is do you have to send a full team to compete? Absolutely not. In fact that’s one of the great draws of the tournament. Pepsi Cup history has shown over and over it’s quality over quantity. Case in point Flatirons won the 2006 title with nine, count’em, 9 players. CAC / Monaco placed fifth that year with seven players. Two of which lost in the first round. Quantity and quality is a tough combo (think CAC / Aurora in their prime). However the landscape has changed. There are more good players in various locations. No one club dominates the landscape. Quantity is good early on, quality is what finishes things off.

One player, five players, ten players, doesn’t matter. What’s important is it’s a true representation of your club. You have the ability to add from the outside this year. However, the team nucleus should be comprised of players you compete against day in, day out. Have pride in your team regardless of the size. Personal satisfaction is still the best reward.

The cost to participate is $38, first event, $14, second event.

Your club is eligible to field two players in each of the singles divisions with the exception of the Elite. As with the doubles, there’s one roster position available in this division. Players may compete in a maximum of one singles, and one doubles event, or two doubles. You may not play two singles events. Awards are given to first, second place finishers (minimum of eight in the division). USAR/CRA ranking points are awarded in all divisions (with the exception of doubles).

A team can consist of up to 30 players…..2 each in Men & Women’s Open, A, B, C singles, 1 each in the Men and Women’s Elite singles, and 1 team each in Men, Women’s and Mixed Open/A and B Doubles. First round losers in the Open / A Doubles division will drop in to a separate A division

Remember - you do not have to send a full team to compete. It’s OK to send less.

Obviously teams with a full complement of players have more opportunities to accumulate points. The size of the team helps, but it’s not a guarantee your team will win. As the rounds progress the points accumulated become larger. Many a Pepsi Cup title has been lost in the quirky quarterfinals. It’s in these rounds that the teams start shuffling for position. Having Open players on your team is great but they earn the same amount of points as your B and C players. It’s not out of the question for a Pepsi Cup title to come down to the last matches on Sunday. Sometimes those matches have involved B and C players. It’s a lot of pressure, but also what makes the tournament what it is. The truth of the matter is the B and C players generally have an opportunity to earn more points due to the fact their divisions many times have more players, thus more rounds. Big club, little club, it doesn’t matter. It’s an exciting format and fun for all involved.

The most competitive teams come from facilities that allow their players the opportunity to earn a position on the team rather than simply be chosen. Start that process now! Get organized, determine your selection process, and drum up some interest. Take the following criteria into consideration. a. If player from the club is a state or regional finalist, or the defending Pepsi Cup Open champion, they automatically have a roster position on your team if they choose to play. b. Other positions are determined by allowing players to sign up and compete in a playoff system. c. The number of players competing for a particular position determines the playoff format. It may be a regular draw or round robin.

Creating a competitive situation almost always results in a stronger team. This toughness comes from knowing positions were earned rather than given. The more input your players have, the more they become a team.

There’s no doubt the ultimate goal is to win the team title. Almost as important is the opportunity the Pepsi Cup offers to create a true team concept within your racquetball group. These are the things that bond players and solidify your racquetball program.

Additional information will be emailed as it becomes available.

IMPORTANT – PLEASE READ AND UNDERSTAND THE GUIDELINES IN WHICH A PLAYERS IS ELIGBILE FOR YOUR TEAM.

Players found in violation of this policy during the tournament will be dropped from the event and points earned to that point deducted from the team total.

Team captains it’s your responsibility to understand how things work. Pleading ignorant later isn’t a valid excuse. If possible distribute a copy to your team players to avoid any confusion as to how the tournament works. We’ve had problems in the past due to the fact players didn’t understand the general guidelines. It’s to everyone’s benefit to know what’s going on . Your help in this area would be appreciated.

Team captains are invited to take part in the seeding process. The tournament committee generally meets on Sunday afternoon the weekend prior to the Tournament. If you’re interested in taking part contact me directly no later than the Friday prior to the event. Time and place to be determined.

Team Roster Deadline: Friday, June 3rd, by 8pm.

The team captain is responsible for insuring players are paid. Payment may be made online by virtue of R2 Sports. A mailing address will be provided for those who have collected checks.

Note: player substitutions received after the entry deadline and/or once the draw has been set may, or may not, receive consideration in a seeding position.

Starting Times: Tuesday, June 7th, after 7:00pm. Starting times will be posted on the CRA website via R2 Sports.

Players need to provide their own locks and towels. Towels are provided at the Littleton YMCA with proper identification

Email your completed roster, captains code of conduct, and seeding information to the email provided below

Should you have questions please contact me direct. Be aware, if on a project, I may not respond immediately. Email is best unless you must speak with me personally.

(303) 699-8121 (H) or (720) 987-6302 (M) Email: jwfoust@aol.com Organizer/Executive Director Pepsi Cup/Colorado Team Racquetball Championships

Current Sponsors

American Motor’s / Victor Manilla Award and Sign Connection Beyond Graphics Ektelon Racquetball Lindita’s Salsa Old Chicago Pepsi Cola

The Basics

The Pepsi Cup is a unique event. It’s the only state team racquetball championship in the nation. It has a storied tradition and is second only to the CRA State Championships for longevity.

There will be a three person executive committee to manage and address any problems, consisting of the tournament director, a floating CRA board member, and a non-conflicting tournament player (a player with whom the decision doesn’t affect their club).

Pepsi Cup Format
The Pepsi Cup matches club level players in a team racquetball format. Players compete for individual trophies and at the same time earn points for their club. The team compiling the most points at the end of the competition is recognized as the Pepsi Cup/Colorado Team Racquetball Champion for 2010. The tournament is USRA/CRA sanctioned and competing players earn USAR and Colorado ranking points. [ view the scoring details ]

The low per-person cost to participate is a bargain in this day and age and may be underwritten by your club in total, in part, or by the players themselves. We encourage club support of your players in some form as they are serving as representatives of your athletic facility.

Your club is eligible to field two players in each of the singles divisions with the exception of the Elite. As with the doubles, there’s one roster position available in this division. Players may compete in a maximum of one singles, and one doubles event, or two doubles. You may not play two singles events. Awards are given to first, second place finishers (minimum of eight in the division). USAR/CRA ranking points are awarded in all divisions (with the exception of doubles).

Team Size: A team can consist of up to 30 players…..2 each in Men & Women’s Open, A, B, C singles, 1 each in the Men and Women’s Elite singles, and 1 team each in Men, Women’s and Mixed Open/A and B Doubles.

Remember - you do not have to send a full team to compete. It’s OK to send less.

Team Composition: Obviously teams with a full complement of players have more opportunities to accumulate points. As previously stated - the size of the team helps, but it’s not a guarantee your team will win. As the rounds progress the points accumulated becomes greater. Many a Pepsi Cup title has been lost in the quirky quarterfinals. It’s in these rounds that the teams start shuffling for position.

While having Open players on your team is great they still earn the same amount of points as your B and C players. Many a Pepsi Cup has rested on the shoulders of the less experienced players. The truth of the matter the B and C players generally have an opportunity to earn more points due to the fact they have more players, thus more rounds. Big club, little club, it doesn’t matter. It’s an exciting format and fun for all involved.

The most competitive teams come from athletic clubs that allows their players the opportunity to earn a position on the team rather than simply be chosen. Start that process now! Get organized, determine your selection process, and drum up some interest. Here are some criteria to take into consideration.

•  If a player from the club is a state or regional finalist, or the defending Pepsi Cup Open champion, they automatically have a roster position in that division.
• Other positions are determined by allowing players to sign up and compete in a playoff system.
• The number of players competing for a particular position determines the playoff format. It may be a regular draw, or a round robin.

Creating a competitive situation almost always results in a stronger team. This toughness comes from knowing positions were earned rather than given. The more input your players have, the more they become a team.

There’s no doubt the ultimate goal is to win the team title. Almost as important is the opportunity the Pepsi Cup offers to create a true team concept within your racquetball group. These are the things that bond players and solidify your racquetball program.

Team captains are invited to take part in the seeding process. The tournament committee generally meets on Sunday afternoon the weekend prior to the Tournament. If you’re interested in taking part contact John Foust no later than Saturday for the time and place.

Tournament Guidelines

2011 PEPSI CUP / COLORADO TEAM CHAMPIONSHIPS

1. Tournament and player eligibility. Private club members must have a club membership card. Military ID or civilian ID for military. Family members of military qualify for that team. Recreation based players must have a verifiable form of participation / membership at their home facility. This means being able to produce a punch card or other means of verification upon request. Not being able to produce documentation, at the event, prior to playing can result in disqualification. If during the tournament it is determined that a player, or players, do not meet team criteria the points earned by the player(s) to that point will be deducted from the overall team score, the player in question pulled from the draw, no refund.

2. NEW ... Each team will be allowed 4 captains picks. These players need not be members of your club. The captains picks must be identified and designated as such on the team roster as per the team captain.

3. Any player ranked in the top 24, men or women’s pro tour, and/or top 16 of the Classic Tour, is not eligible to participate. This is an amateur club championship. You must be a Colorado resident to participate.

4. CRA/USAR rankings, if provided, and results from the current year will be used to determine proper player classification. If there is a question up front about a player’s classification it will be pursued through the team captain and/or with the club. The tournament director, in association with the executive committee, will have final say regarding disputes that may arise during the actual event.

5. Seeding will be based on current CRA/USAR state rankings (if provided), current state championship results, recent tournaments, and past Pepsi Cup results. Team captains are responsible for an honest assessment of player ability.

6. Individuals will be limited to playing a maximum of two events (both may be doubles). Players entered in two events must be prepared to play matches back to back if scheduling requires.

7. All entry fees must be paid prior to the start of the tournament. It is the responsibility of the club and team captain to insure all entry fees are paid. Fees not paid prior to the start of the first match will be charged a late fee of $5.00. No entry refunds after draw has been set.

8. Roster changes. If a player substitution is made after the draw has been finalized the new player will take the previous players position, regardless of ability, or lack thereof.

10. Roster changes after entry deadline are accepted at the discretion of the tournament director.

11. Each club will designate a team captain, or contact person, who will be responsible for their team. This person will serve as a liaison should questions arise in regards to seeding, scheduling, conflicts, etc. If the team captain is not available during the event a back up contact should be designated. The team captain must sign a team captains tournament code of conduct.

12. Consolation is a part of the points process. Players are automatically dropped in to a consolation or drop down division.

13. USAR rules will prevail. Players must be able to show verification of membership, if asked, prior to playing their first match. USAR memberships are available at the tournament desk.

14. Losers referee next match or find a suitable replacement. Players who do not complete referee duties will have points deducted from their team total. Neither apply if the referee your own match system is in effect.

15. First place finishers in any division from years past must play, at a minimum, the next highest division. Open players and/or open doubles winners are excluded. B Doubles winners may not play with same partner.

16. B Doubles is for B level players. Those choosing to play at a higher level in a USAR / CRA sanctioned event, with four or more teams, and winning, are not eligible to play B Doubles in the Pepsi Cup.

17. Team points, as well as USAR ranking points, will be given to the third and fourth place finishers. See scoring format for more detailed explanation.

Questions? Contact John Foust at 303-699-8121 (H) or 720-987-6302 (M)

Deadlines & Details

VENUE: Highlands Ranch Recreation Center
DATE: June 9-12, 2011

Fees: $38 first event, $14 second event
Team Roster* Deadline: Friday, June 3rd, 9pm

Starting Times: Wednesday, June 7th, after 8:00pm
Enter Online: http://www.r2sports.com/tourney.asp?TID=8443  

This year the tournament will be hosted by the Highlands Ranch Recreation Center. They’ve hosted the event for the past three years and have done a wonderful job. The Littleton Family YMCA will be used on Saturday. For those of you haven’t played at HRRC a reminder – you need to bring your own lock and towel.

*Payment must accompany roster. Ultimately it’s the team captain and club’s responsibility to insure the players are properly registered and paid online in advance of check-in. Note: player substitutions received after the entry deadline and/or once the draw has been set may, or may not, receive consideration in a seeding position.

Should you have questions please contact John Foust at 720.987.6302.

PLAYERS NOT AFFILIATED WITH AN ATHLETIC CLUB CANNOT COMPETE UNLESS THEY MEET THE TRADEOUT AGREEMENT AS STIPULATED IN THE GUIDELINES.

Players found in violation of this policy during the tournament will be dropped from the event and points earned to that point deducted from the team total. Team captains should review ALL of the online information and, if possible, distribute guidelines to your team players to avoid any confusion as to how the tournament works. There have been problems in the past because players simply didn’t understand the general guidelines, so help in this area would be appreciated.

Captains List

Check with these past captains to see if they'll be coordinating this year, or can direct you to a new contact person:

• Bally's / Westminster -- Bruce Evans
• Buckley Air Force Base -- Steve Guzman
• CAC / Monaco -- Marc Stander, Ken Mendelsberg
• Cherry Creek Athletic CLub - Jo Shattuck
• Conditioning Spa Health and Fitness Center -- Michael Nigro
• Country Club of the Rockies -- Alok Mehta
• Denver Athletic Club -- Debbie Beldring
• Downtown YMCA / C.S. -- Mark Sikorski
• Flatirons Athletic Club -- Rick Sorenson
• Goodson Recreation -- Bruce Burkland
• Heartwood Athletic Club -- Josh Martin
• Highlands Ranch Rec. -- Joe Perrault, Woody Clouse
• Hot Springs Athletic Club -- Mark Russo
• Lakewood Recreation -- Rich Ownens, Alan Roy
• Lifetime Fitness Centennial - Mike Rieber
• Lifetime Fitness Parker - Mike Rieber
• Littleton Family YMCA -- Bruce Burgess, Marcia Richards
• Lynmar Racquet Club -- Eddie Meredith
• North Jeffco Racquetball & Fitness -- Brent Andersen
• Orchards Atheltic Club -- Nick Riffel
• Peterson AFB - Ray Cordero, Richard Romero
• Pueblo Athletic Club -- Dan Beaudry, John Garcia
• Trails Recreation Center -- Victor Manilla
• Thorton Recreation Center -- Andrew Rodriguez
• Buck Recreation Center -- Dennis Chandler
• Schlessman YMCA -- Ralph Graham
• University of Denver -- Armando Vasquez

2011 Sponsors

Tournaments don't happen without generous support from sponsors and supporters. The 2010 group of Pepsi Cup sponsors was exceptional, and we're very grateful to:

• American Motors
• Award & Sign Connection
• Beyond Graphics.com
• Chambers Wine & Liquor
• Highlands Ranch Recreation Center
• Lindita's Salsa & Mi Ranchito Chips
• Littleton YMCA
• Old Chicago