ate also in the notice the hours of play, the number of sets
to the match, the kind of balls that are to be used, and announce any
special regulations that it may have been found necessary to adopt.
Finally, enumerate the prizes; but remember that it is always in better
taste to make these inexpensive and more in the nature of souvenirs of
the occasion than trophies.
The notices disposed of and sent out, the managers should now see that
the courts are rolled and otherwise put in order, so that they may be in
the best possible condition on the day set for the tournament. There
should be a plentiful supply of balls, for sometimes an entire box is
used in a match. In large tournaments I have seen the players dispose of
a box every set. At each end of the net put up a couple of chairs on
boxes for the umpires, and arrange seats about the court for the
spectators. If there are not enough chairs and benches handy, lay boards
on boxes, and so produce impromptu settees. Don't fail to hire a couple
of boys to pick up the balls.
All these details are necessary ones; there are a few others that might
be termed luxuries, such as having printed tickets and programmes, and
an awning stretched along one side of the court to shelter the ladies
from the sun. One more necessary point, however, is to secure competent
judges and umpires, otherwise something might occur during play that
would mar the pleasure of the day. Of course it would be a
misunderstanding, but this can be easily avoided by having officials
fully conversant with the game and familiar with the duties required of
them.
After all the entries have been received, make the drawings, and, if
possible, post them somewhere where all those interested in the coming
tournament will be able to see them. When, on the day set, the hour to
begin play arrives, start promptly. Delay is always fatal to the success
of any sporting event. People don't like to sit around and wait. But all
that I have said here is merely in the line of suggestion. Many little
matters crop up as soon as any enterprise of this kind is entered into,
and these questions have to be settled according to the emergency. Let
the central idea be to anticipate anything that might happen; then, as a
rule, nothing will happen.
THE GRADUATE.
[Illustration: THE CAMERA CLUB]
This Department is conducted in the interest of stamp and coin
collectors, and the Editor will be pleased to answer any
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