USA Table Tennis (USATT) Announces Bidding for the New USATT State Series
by USA Table Tennis
October 2024 – Colorado Springs, CO – USA Table Tennis (USATT) is excited to announce that bidding is now open for member clubs to host events in the newly revamped USATT State Series. The series has been divided into two distinct formats to better meet the varying needs of states and players: the USATT State Closed Championships, which will now be closed to state residents only, and the USATT State Open Championships, open to all competitors regardless of residency.
The USATT State Closed Championships are designed to crown the best table tennis players in each state. Players must provide proof of residency to participate, and while individuals who reside in multiple states may choose which state’s event to compete in, they will only be allowed to compete in more than one state’s closed event. Clubs hosting the State Championships will be responsible for verifying participant eligibility.
In contrast, the USATT State Open Championships will be open to all players without any residency restrictions. These events are designed to attract participants from across the country, allowing players to travel and compete in any number of state opens they wish. This format is aimed at fostering a spirit of cross-state competition and allowing players to experience the level of play and hospitality in different regions.
"We have learned a lot over the past two years," said Vlad Farcas, USATT Event Coordinator. "Different states have different needs, and we are pleased to offer options for both. The USATT State Closed Championships will help states determine their top talent, while the State Open Championships provide smaller or more geographically diverse states the chance to attract out-of-state players, creating more competition and fostering stronger ties within the table tennis community."
USATT is inviting all member clubs to apply for the chance to host either series by the December 1st, 2024 deadline. Detailed information regarding requirements and applications can be found in the USATT State Series Event Manual.
The basic requirements for host clubs are:
- Current USATT Member Club
- Club administrators and tournament staff are SafeSport compliant
- All tournaments must offer separate Men’s and Women’s events. Closed Championships are encouraged to include youth and senior events.
- The selected date must be approved by USATT Event Staff
- Host clubs must work with USATT to follow the official format and branding of the USATT State Series.
- All events must go through the official USATT sanctioning process.
- A $5 per player fee will be collected by USATT from the host club after the conclusion of the event.
- Host clubs are responsible for promoting the event in collaboration with USATT including submitting quotes from the Men’s and Women’s Singles Champions, as well as a quote from the Tournament Director.
- Host clubs will be responsible for collecting entry fees and paying out any prize money.
USATT sees this The restructuring of the State Series is a pivotal moment in expanding the reach and participation of table tennis at the grassroots level, while also catering to the competitive desires of players across the country. The two-tiered approach, with the State Closed Championships and State Open Championships, provides flexibility for different states to tailor events to their specific needs.
Interested clubs are encouraged to submit their applications promptly and reach out to USATT Event Staff for any questions regarding the application process or event structure.
To Submit an application please follow this link https://forms.office.com/r/7kUR1bMYph
