GREAT NEWS – The City is allowing full re-opening of our facility as of Monday July 19, 2021.
As you enter the facility you will be asked to provide : name, phone number and vaccination status (CITY REQUIREMENTS).

Some tables will be available only under the online reservation system at : www.tt-clubs.com A reservation will guarantee that you have a table for a certain time. Very helpful, especially for those that travel from far to get to the club.

The remaining tables are for open play as in the past. Bear in mind that, according to our rules, all open play tables are Challenge tables. A player waiting to play may challenge the winner at any table.

It has been a long time since we’ve all seen each other. Please be patient as we resume full activities while including the reservation system. Maurizio has spent many hours/days/weeks, to develop it and is improving it constantly. There are many features which, once we learn how to use them, will be very beneficial.

This email is being sent to all members who had joined in 2019, 2020 and/or 2021. If you paid for membership in 2020 your dues are valid for 2021. If you paid in 2019 then please obtain a 2020 membership card (valid for 2021) from any board member. The online payment system is being revised to reflect payment changes.
We look forward to seeing you soon.

-SDTTA Board

PS: Interested in joining the board? Please contact any one of us or come to future meetings which will be held in person at the club. Meeting details will be emailed and/or posted at the club.

Hello Table Tennis Enthusiast,

We’re back!  The City of San Diego has released the reopening plan and protocols effective Tuesday, June 15, for the Balboa Park Activity Center and how it will affect play for the San Diego Table Tennis Association.

The City will require us to limit the number of tables we set up to 10 and requires everyone to wear a mask even while playing.  Note the screening requirements listed in the city’s reopening plan below.  We will use an online reservation software program designed by club member Maurizio Bassi to control who plays and when.   A reservation will be required to play at the Activity Center.  Reservations are made at https://www.tt-clubs.com with instructions for its use provided at this site.

The reservation software will allow only one reservation slot of 1 hour during the first reservation window on Sunday.  A second reservation window will open 24 hours before the slot time and if there are still tables available, members will be able to reserve another slot of 1 hour.

New days and times for table tennis are as follows:

Monday: Closed
Tuesday: 11:00 am – 8:30 pm
Wednesday: Closed
Thursday: 11:00 am – 8:30 pm
Friday: 12:00 pm -8:00 pm
Saturday: 9:00 am – 3:00 pm
Sunday: Closed

The resumption of Club activities such as Coaching, Thursday Round Robin, and monthly Double Elimination tournament will be announced at a later date.

We will honor club memberships purchased in 2020 for the remaining months of 2021.  For those not already 2020 or 2021 members a membership can be purchased according to the schedule below and valid through December 31, 2021.

Prorated June – Dec 2021 = $45, July – Dec 2021 = $40, Aug – Dec 2021 = $35, Sept – Dec 2021 = $30, Oct – Dec 2021 = $25, Nov – Dec 2021 = $20, Dec 2021 = $15.  Courtesy – first visit free.  Juniors under 18 are no charge.  Daily Drop-in fee $5.

The City’s and our Club’s policies are subject to change as we do our best to navigate the requirements placed on us for a return with a safe environment.  We ask for members patience and understanding as we work through these unprecedented times and we learn what works and what does not.

See you at the Club!

SDTTA

SDTTA Monthly Board Meeting February 11, 2020

Balboa Park Activity Center Board Meeting Room

Call to order at 7:09PM

• Board Members present: Steve McGrew, Phil Van De Wiele, Jeff Ruiz, Jean Shi, Dennis Seisum, Perry Shwartzberg, Ruben Guilloty
• Other Members: Mustafa Ucozler

• Steve submitted the January Minutes for approval. All approved except Dennis and Ruben because they were not present, otherwise the minutes were approved unanimously.
• Mustafa and Chi Sun Incident
  • Mustafa described the incident that occurred on January 23^rd between Chi Sun Chui and him following a summary he prepared and brought copies to the meeting. In addition the Board was provided with write ups from Jaxon, Chi Sun, Vadim and Puneet. Details of these will be kept in the Board files.
  • At the end of the discussion, Steve recommended (and board agreed) for Ruben to issue a summary letter of the investigation (attached) describing the incident . During the week,  other commentary has come forth on how to communicate the warning to both players, but in summary agreed to not take further disciplinary action and we will document the Verbal action.  
• SDDTTA OPEN
  • Steve/Perry discussed that we will get a $1,000 gift Certificate from Paddle Palace to print their Logo in the SDTTA Open Tournament Entry Form.  All members agreed.
  • There were other recommendations submitted by Perry to increase the prizes on some of the events. All recommendations were accepted and will be included in the Omnipong SD Open page.
  • Discussed the options for lunch or vouchers and agreed that we will provide FREE lunch vouchers to participants for the day of their events. At the time of Registration the participants can purchase additional vouches for family and friends at $8.00 per person. NO VOUCHERS WILL BE SOLD AT THE TOURNAMENT, only sold during Registration.
  • Perry and Dennis suggested we hire Clean and Pick up resources to help at the end of the tournament. There was agreement to proceed with this option. In addition we also agreed to solicit the help of volunteers to also help us pick up and that we would compensate them with Dinner right after the event covered by the Club. 
  • Perry suggested the purchase of a Swifter to clean the floors. It was approved by the Board.
• OUTREACH PROGRAM
  • Jeff brought a general overview of his proposed Table Tennis Outreach Program (attached). There was consensus that the outreach program will be a good thing to do and we agreed that Jeff will be in contact with the different City Community Activity Centers to initiate communications with Management to see how they can participate, support and help us finance this program. Jeff also has certain potential sponsors in mind that can help financially, He will approach them. Jeff ‘s preference is to start with the City of Chula Vista. He will be approaching them and will come back to the Board with their feedback.
• By Laws & Do’s and Don’ts
  • Phil indicated that he has some recommendations of changes the by laws and updates to the Do’s and Don’ts. Phil will update at the next meeting. He also plans to combine the new brochure’s Dos and Don’ts with the Dos and Don’ts Jerry presented that he took from our website.
• October Sanctioned Tournament
  • With the experience gained with the Monthly Tournaments under Phil’s direction we believe that we can have a Sanctioned Tournament in the October timeframe. Phil will identify a Team to help him plan and execute the event.
• Board Organization
  • During the January meeting it was proposed for Ruben to be the Secretary, but during the February meeting Dennis indicated that he needs to transition out of the Treasury activities as he has been in the position for several years. The Board agreed to appoint Ruben (me) to begin a transition into treasurer and that by 2021 Ruben could take over the position and replace Dennis. The Board agreed.
  • Dennis to meet with Ruben to initiate Treasurer integration and transition process
  • As a result of this, Perry will take over the Secretary position moving forward.  All agreed.
• Miscellaneous / Others
  • Confirmed agreement of the SDTTA Subsidized Training at $75.00 X 2 sessions X 3 Trainers = $450.00 + $5.00 to be paid by each student.
  • Trainers (Perry, Pisa and Jean). Perry to post sign-up sheets and set up training schedule.
  • Steve indicated that Patrick and Jema were requesting training support for their upcoming competitions. We agreed that they can join the subsidized training program.
  • Patrick wants to see the P&L (Profit & Loss Statement). The board agreed that it is OK to do this. Dennis will bring the most recent P& L and will show it to Patrick. Timing is TBD

Meeting closed at 8:25 PM

Meeting called to order by Chairperson  at 7:02 p.m.

Members present: Steve McGrew, Phil Van De Wiele, Perry Schwartzberg, Jean Shi, and Jeff Ruiz.. 

Dennis Seisun and Ruben Guilloty absent.

Jerry Harris guest also present.

Perry makes a motion to adopt a discipline procedure. Seconded by Phil. Jerry Harris takes the floor.

1) Discipline Policy: 

    a) Verbal warning documented

    b) Formal written warning on SDTTA “Discipline & Complaint Form” presented to            member which sets forth the violation. Member being warned is required to sign the club ‘Do’s & Don’ts’ sheet and also receive a copy of the clubs rules and regulations.  

     c) If there is another incident with the same member, another formal complaint will be administered and the member must attend the next board meeting to explain their position. 

     d) The board will listen and review the information from the member accused of misbehavior and decide what action is warranted. The board may render the decision in a closed session after the open session with the accused member.

      e) It is of the utmost importance that everyone is treated fairly. Refusal to sign the ‘Do’s and Dont’s’ sheet may require disciplinary action at that point.

Board votes 5-0 unanimous to approve Disciplinary Policy.

Board thanks Jerry Harris for his invaluable input and he departs.

New News

The decision for the San Diego Open is to be run once again by Craig Crum and Atilla Malek with Perry Schwartzberg to oversee the event. 

Motion made and passed 5-0.

Board positions are as follows:

Steve McGrew Chairman   

Perry Schwartzberg Vice Chairman 

Phil Van De Wiele Executive Director

Dennis Seisun Treasurer

Ruben Guilloty Secretary

Jean Shi Member Relations

Jeff Ruiz Public Relations

All positions passed unanimously with 7-0 votes with proxy votes for Dennis and Ruben.

Jeff would like to create a coaching committee. All agree that this would be a very good idea for the club.

Three gross of balls are to be ordered for the membership drive. 

Subsidized coaching is discussed. Phil would like payment from the club be based on the size of the group being coached. This seems like a good idea. More ideas are passed around and it is agreed to table the subsidized coaching program until the coaches discuss it further.

Steve stars a discussion about making an addendum so that we can have a quorum to make a vote via e-mail. For example, Phil would like us to vote by e-mail to make a modification that a member must be a member one year before taking office, not one year before the election.

Phil also mentions that the brochure must be changed to reflect the new member fees later in the year, which are lessened each month. 

Pisa job of picking up tables is discussed and approved 6-1

Jeff would like to start an outreach program to make contact with players from other recreation centers so that we can assist them with coaching, equipment, or other needs. All board members agree this is a good way to utilize our resources.

Phil would like us to run a club tournament, sort of a larger version of his Second Sunday event. This would be our club championship, for members only.

Jean insists that we need our website updated more regularly to keep members posted of coming events and closures. Perhaps weekly would be fine. All agree this would be an asset to the membership.

Meeting closes at 8:47.

Below are the results of the 2019 SDTTA survey.

Thank you all who voted and participated in the survey!!  We really appreciate your input.

December 10, 2019 SDTTA Board Meeting

Called to order at 7:06PM

All board members present. Newly elected board members present: Jeff Ruiz, Jean Shi, Ruben Guilloty.

• November minutes: approved pending amendments.
• Amendment to By-Laws
  • Proposal to clarify By-Law concerning candidate eligibility to run for the board.
  • By-Laws state “The Board will confirm that each candidate has been a member in good standing for at least one year preceding the election”
  • Proposed change/ clarification to state: “The Board will confirm that each candidate has been a member in good standing for at least twelve months preceding the start of the term of office. A membership obtained during the month qualifies as a membership for the entire month.”
  • Change to the by-laws proposed to allow members who join in January to be allowed to run for a board position the following year.  
• Coaching: the city is not allowing additional coaches / coaching applications.
• San Diego Open Tournament
  • Tentatively scheduled for May, dates still undetermined.
    • Need to check other tournaments scheduled to avoid conflicts.
  • Phil and Jaxon now have access to Omnipong.
  • The club would like to hold a smaller tournament in February to test the Omnipong software.
    • Smaller tournament may be sanctioned.
  • Club member Maurizio Bassi also developing tournament software. The club may evaluate his software along with Omnipong.
  • Phil to propose February tournament in January board meeting.
  • Board may consider running SD Open tournament in house pending results of smaller tournament.
    • A large obstacle to running the tournament in house is collecting entry fees and distributing prize money.
• Election volunteers: the board would like to gift a 3-pack of Nittaku balls to members who volunteered to collect election ballots.
• Treasury Report
  • In 2019, the club collected $21k and spent $19.6k
  • May need to distribute 1099 forms to all persons who received $600 or more from the club.
    • May or may not include reimbursement money
    • Consult with treasurer from badminton club and or Jerry Harris
    • In the future, it may be better for board members to make purchases exclusively using the Club Card to avoid reimbursement checks.
• Website: On the motion for Bob to continue to update and maintain the website the board voted 7-0 in favor.
• Club Survey: Phil shares the results of his club survey. Results to be shared on the website.
• The club’s USATT membership needs to be renewed. Dennis is working on the renewal process.
• Club Closures in January: the 11th, 12th, and 19th
• International Relations Committee: On the motion for Behnam to organize an international relations committee to serve as a liaison with foreign players such as those from the Baja Club, the board voted 7-0 in favor.
  • Behnam / the committee will post dates when the Baja club or other clubs may be visiting to encourage a high turnout from San Diego club members.
• Coaches on the board:
  • Since 3 out of the 7 new board members are also currently coaching at the club, the board suggests they collectively offer weekend seminars or free coaching sessions for club members.
  • Jeff has completed Safe Sport requirements and is awaiting confirmation of completion.
  • On the motion that for future board votes relating to coaching at the club, Perry, Jean, and Jeff get a combined vote counting as only a single vote, the board voted 7-0 in favor.
• Membership drive in January: 3 packs of Nittaku balls need to be ordered.
• Member Richard Kinsler and Phil to run next Thursday night Round Robin
• Behnman suggests that since Phil received the most votes in the election, he should be nominated to be the board president.

Meeting closed at 8:18PM

Meeting called to order at 7:05 pm.

All board members present with the exception of Jaxon.

George Pisa present as guest.

Old News:

1) Last months minutes approved with the amendment that the line that Suresh will be helped for ballot printing by Jaxon needs to be removed. 5-1 approved

George Pisa exits meeting.

2) Jeff Ruiz’s request to continue the current league until April is approved by all.

3) Butterfly table tennis equipment company would like the SDTTA to continue to spend $2500 annually to keep its current status.

4) As of this meeting, the Linda Vista club had not picked up the table it requested to purchase.

5) Dennis Suisen explains in detail his reasoning to allow Jean Shi to run for election in this current election. This involved a more intricate interpretation of membership to be paid by Jan.1-31 of the year of the election. This would constitute a full membership for the year in question. Behnam mentions that this is contrary to past elections wherein the player was required to be a paid member for one year prior to the election. There is spirited discussion about the positives and negatives about allowing Jean to run this year and after a 5-2 vote in favor, the board chose to change the eligibility to Jan 1-31 of the year of election.

6) A new policy for paying dues nearing the end of the fiscal year is as follows (all fees paid allow membership to Dec. 31):
$45 June

$40 July

$35 August

$30 September

$25 October

$20 November

$15 December

Full year membership remains the same at $50

Approved 6-0.

7) CD is purchased for the club at 1.75% in order to gain some interest payment on the current holdings.

8) Important to keep water off of the floor. Better methods are discussed and all are concerned of  issues with the Balboa staff concerning our cooperation.

9) Jean Shi has multiple programs for coaching various groups which will be discussed with her and others.

10) San Diego Senior National Championships will be in our venue in 2021. There will be more players, perhaps the need for more tables. Steve will find out how large the event will actually be so that we can make certain to be prepared.

11) The survey by Phil is welcomed by all and important to find out the needs of our membership.

12) Phil mentions that the next 2nd Sunday tournament will take place in January due to scheduling in December.l

13) Although initially set for Dec. 2-6, the floor will now be worked on from Dec. 19th-25th when the club will be closed throughout this time.

14) It is mentioned once again that all coaches and those providing more than just simple coaching must be safesport approved and also certified by the City of San Diego.

Meeting closes 8 pm