With the country showing positive momentum in the fight against the coronavirus pandemic, the pathway back to professional doubles is becoming increasingly clear.
While we wish we could host events in the near term, at this time we are unable to confidently schedule full ranking events in the spring or summer, with planning further complicated by travel restrictions between the U.S. and Canada. Possibilities remain for the hosting of a limited number of invitationals and exhibitions over the coming months as a way to re-engage players and fans; the SDA support staff will help coordinate participants, coverage and streaming whenever possible.
Looking to the fall, the SDA is planning for a return to a full 2021-2022 season, with rankings also resuming at the start of the season. There are nearly ten events currently penciled in, with a potential opportunity for a kick-off at the Arlen Specter US Squash Center in Philadelphia with the first-ever blue doubles courts built specifically to optimize video production (image below). We will share the 2021-2022 calendar with you as soon as possible, once the schedule takes shape and more events are confirmed.
Please keep a look out for communications scheduling another player Zoom call, as we stay in touch with our players on a more regular basis through the start of next season.
Lastly, we are using this forced break from competition to re-evaluate the structure of SDA dues, including a change to a fiscal year membership instead of the previous rolling 12 month membership. To aid in the transition, more payment options will be offered including 50% at the beginning of the season and 50% in 2022, as well as a half-price option for those joining after March 1, 2022.
We wish good health to all of you and those close to you, and we cannot wait to see many of you back on court soon. As always, we appreciate your understanding and flexibility as we make our way out of the unimaginable difficulties of the past year.
