BLTA Defends Coaching Selection

NASSAU, BAHAMAS – President of the Bahamas Lawn Tennis Association, Perry Newton Jr., says coaches selected for recent national team trips had the required qualifications, and in some cases performed well.

Jared Higgs tells us his comments come after criticism from a group of parents.

Newton Jr. fired back at the concerned parents who held a press conference on Monday, accusing the BLTA of selecting coaching for a national team trip who they say weren’t coaching high-performance players.

Newton Jr. says all the coaches had the minimum Level 1 certification from the ITF, and were approved by the ITF.

Newton Jr. says while some of the coaches were new to the national stage, they performed well, including one newcomer who led a team to the quarterfinals.

That group of parents also took issue with what they say was a lack of communication by the BLTA, and the coaching team, prior to travel.

Newton Jr. says those meetings were held.

The BLTA President says an ITF regional Level 2 coaching course will be held in The Bahamas.

The Level 2 license focuses on instructing advanced players.