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Bridging the Player Gap

BRIDGING THE GAP JUNIOR CAMPAIGN

Purpose
Colorado Racquetball Bridging the Gap Campaign provides ongoing statewide programs a design to recruit introductory level players, to maintain their interest in the sport of racquetball, and enhance training of participants for state, regional and national competitions.

Overview
The bridge The Gap Campaign is an outreach program of the CRA. A member of the CRA board with its own junior board and funding will chair it. Each level eventually should be self sustaining, having its own purpose and attract certain types of participants. The combinations of these programs support one another and provide a foundation from one level to the next. Each program should solicit people to form sub-committees.

Types of Programs

Colorado Junior Team-This is the highest level and will attract the higher skilled and most committed players. They represent Colorado in regional, national, and world competitions. There is a non-restrictive roster, fund raising events, training camps, and the players represent Colorado in tournament competitions.
Colorado Tournament Player-This is a level where players start playing in local area tournaments. They are interested in taking their game to the next level. There will be clinics available, a scholarship program to help them seek out more instruction/coaching.
Collegiate Club Leagues-This is an organized group of students interested in playing racquetball. The goal is to bring them to a level of play so they can participate in recreational and local tournaments. The students may start in a PE class or intramural program and them progress into a competitive team. The ultimate goal will be to have the college send a team to the National Collegiate Championships.
High School Club Leagues- This is an organized group of students interested in playing racquetball. The goal is to bring them to a level of play so they can participate in recreational or local tournaments as a club, team, or individual. The students may start in a PE class or after school club leagues and them progress into a competitive team. A High School Open Tournament will culminate the season and eventually players could attend the National High School Championships
Junior Development Leagues-This is open to 6-18 year olds who will be introduced to the game of racquetball. They will learn the basics while having fun and be exposed to some competitive play. Clinics will be organized to introduce players to the game. Funding is available through the CRA for these type of clinics.

Program Hierarchy
This chart shows the working relationship between the different types of programs. At each level a group of volunteers work to achieve the program goals. You can see how rewarding it can be to see a junior grow and develop into a mature player. If you are interested in helping with any aspect of these programs please do not hesitate to contact us. You do not need to be a racquetball player or instructor, just an advocate to see the sport grow. Each level will need coordinator to communicate between players and facilities any upcoming events and help them organize the programs into a strong working community.

TOGETHER WE CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE

Start Up ...

Youth bring back the game of the 80's

Denver, CO (1/24/2005): Carmody Recreation Center (Lakewood, CO) will be the site for the first ever Scholastic Racquetball Meet between Colorado Academy and Mullen High School “Touring Squads”. The meets will happen on Friday January 28th and again on February 2.

The event features a sport that has regained national exposure especially at the youth level, since its prominence in the 80's. Matches will be played starting at 4 p.m. and features singles matches for both boys and girls with individual and team scoring. There is no cost to view the meet.

"Bridging the Gap" is a new program under the Colorado Racquetball Association to bring together the many youth of Colorado who enjoy this fast and endurance testing sport. The Colorado Racquetball Association, which boasts an already successful adult program, is adding this campaign to maintain promise and support of youth players.

This program will help promote and publicize racquetball at the grassroots level. Jo Shattuck, the director of "Bridging the Gap" says, "There are pockets of youth players all over, and designing and implementing such a program will help bring them together to enjoy the sport, and nature of competition." For more information or to form a Touring Squad, please contact joshattuck@hotmail.com (303) 949 7785, or imacoach@aol.com (303) 738-9797