Editor-in-Chief Rob Thomas may have missed the Racquets Wave, but millions of others have been swept up in the resurgence of racquet sports—from tennis to pickleball to padel. The Directors’ Club is ensuring the professionals overseeing the sport(s) are well equipped and supported.

I remember it like it was yesterday. The fall weather had decidedly shifted toward winter and my 2023 golf season had ended. My childhood interest in tennis returned because of all the coverage we were sharing, so I decided to join a local racquet club that boasted 10 indoor tennis courts, as well as squash.

But then came the waiting game. While wait lists are a terrific sign of a club’s strength, being on the other end was brutal. I waited—patiently—and finally got in! After paying the initiation fee and several months of dues, I had only used the club three times and quit. In surfing terms, I missed my wave.

I get it … I’m at fault and I often regret that snap decision. Would my family and I be using the outdoor Har-Tru clay courts or lounging by the pool this summer? We’ll never know. But one thing we do know, is that the racquets industry is still thriving … and getting ever bigger.

Because of the growing popularity of racquets, we had Jarrett Chirico, Director of Racquets at Royal Oaks Country Club and the Founder/President of The Directors’ Club, on an episode of the Club + Resort Talks podcast. He and I had a wonderful conversation about everything from the importance of certifications in the racquets industry and the evolution and current state of racquet sports, to the mission and success of The Director’s Club and what the future may hold.

Jarrett has an extensive list of certifications (DCA, CRSE, PTR, PPR, PCR, PPTR, SCR, USPTA, PPTA) and explained how certification in the racquets industry has evolved. Historically, organizations like the United States Professional Tennis Association aimed to enhance the skills of teaching professionals and add value for their students, he said. Over time, as racquet sports gained prominence, the role of certification expanded.

Jarrett emphasized that while some organizations may now seem more focused on retaining members for revenue, certifications remain crucial. They provide a network, fostering connections that are vital for success. He stressed that ongoing education is essential, advocating for a continuous learning mindset over merely obtaining certifications.

One thing I really focused on in our chat was the importance of asking for help, even at the pinnacle of one’s career.

Jarrett concurred, sharing that true leadership involves vulnerability and the willingness to acknowledge one’s limitations. Effective leaders, Jarrett believes, are those who can unite a community to solve problems collectively. He underscores the value of relationships and networking, describing them as transactional in the sense of mutual benefit. He encourages celebrating others’ successes, which fosters a supportive professional environment and ensures long-term relevance and innovation.

The Directors’ Club is built upon that foundation. Jarrett describes The Directors’ Club as a unifying force in the racquets industry. He explains that traditional conferences often fall short in fostering meaningful connections, especially for those who are not well-connected. The Directors’ Club aims to bridge this gap by bringing together leaders to share their stories and experiences in a personal, engaging manner.

The club has grown rapidly, boasting 700 members across more than 200 clubs in North America. Jarrett emphasizes the importance of genuine relationships and continuous learning in driving professional success.

The inaugural Directors’ Club retreat at Boca Woods Country Club, for example, exemplified these principles. It included high-profile speakers and ample opportunities for networking. The positive feedback from attendees underscored the retreat’s success in fostering connections and sharing valuable insights.

As for the future of racquet sports and club management, Jarrett foresees a shift toward a more integrated approach, with clubs employing Racquets Directors and Pros rather than specialists for individual sports. He believes this will enhance the overall club experience, as racquet sports touch all aspects of club life. Jarrett also anticipates a greater investment in staff, recognizing that the success of facilities ultimately depends on the quality of their leaders. He predicts a significant growth in racquet sports participation, driven by the ongoing racquets boom and increased interest in various racquet sports.

Perhaps that will, again, involve me. Returning to surf analogies … They say if you miss one wave, there’s always another one coming along.

 

 

 

Rob Thomas,
Editor-in-Chief