Q&A with USTA St. Louis Officials

Palmer: I became an official to get more involved in tennis and help the next generation enjoy tennis as much as I do.

Lahm: Shortly after joining the USTA St. Louis office, I learned about the severe shortage of tennis officials. My own children went through high school with a shortage of sports officials, so I understood the need and the impacts of not having enough officials. I didn’t hesitate to jump in. I have been a USTA official for 14 months and an ITA official for eight months. Becoming an official was my way of giving back to the tennis community, but it also added to my love of all things tennis.

What experience did you have before becoming an official?

Biesiadecki: I am a teaching pro and have worked with the Missouri Valley juniors at the national level and with juniors just starting to learn how to play. I have coached high school tennis as well for 25 years.

Heidbreder: My experience has been only as a spectator. My wife and I have traveled to the US Open twice, Cincinnati, Miami and three times to Indian Wells for professional events, and I rarely miss one of my daughter’s matches.

Palmer: Besides playing tennis and watching pro tournaments, I had no prior officiating experience!

Lahm: I was an avid player both socially and competitively. I had observed officials on the courts through USTA districts and sectionals, and at the state high school level. Since the St. Louis officials community is rather small, these same officials are now my friends. We have a tight group that mentors each other and shares our on-court experiences.

What has been your most memorable moment of officiating a match?

Biesiadecki: The moment a player realized that I was there to help keep the peace, provide a path to sportsmanship and be a real-time rule book.

Heidbreder: I’m still new, so there hasn’t been one single memorable moment. I really enjoy seeing the ability and talent that many of the participants bring to their matches.

Palmer: The most memorable moment was when a player apologized for calling me on their court multiple times during a days-long tournament. I told them they didn’t need to be sorry, and that’s what we are out there for. I could tell they appreciated it a lot.

Lahm: At a recent L3 tournament, I was asked to come to a court to watch the lines. Both singles players shook my hand at the end of the match and thanked me for being there. This always reinforces that my role as an official is beneficial to the players and valued. Either win or lose, it showed I supported fair play for both, and they acknowledged that. I find this very rewarding even though it is my role.

What strategies do you use to encourage good sportsmanship?

Biesiadecki: In my pre-match routine at the net, I am myself: approachable, friendly and I work at putting players at ease with an official being there. It may be the first time for an individual. I remind the players to be clear and loud when making calls, and if they are not sure, they should play the ball to be fair.

Heidbreder: I watch for potential problems. When you see someone getting upset and coming close to crossing a line, I will approach during a changeover to warn them of potential violations if the behavior worsens. Often, this is enough to calm the nerves as they see real-world consequences to their actions.

Palmer: As a tennis player myself, I use my past experiences to understand that when you are losing, it gets frustrating. However, I make sure that they know you have to be nice to your opponent, your equipment and to all the spectators. Also, with close calls, I tell everyone to make sure they give their opponent the benefit of doubt. If you can’t be 100% sure it was out, you don’t call the ball out.

Lahm: I start all matches with a coin flip and reminder to the players that good sportsmanship is expected. I remind them that the point penalty system is in place and will be used if warranted. I also take time to reward good sportsmanship. Often a tournament has a good sportsmanship award or prize that is given by officials. A simple thank you goes a long way when good sportsmanship is exemplified.

What techniques do you use to keep calm during high-pressure matches?

Biesiadecki: Keeping calm is what we do. It is not easy, but you sometimes are the receiver of anger and frustration that is not caused by you. However, you are there to keep the match going, listen to an issue and move on. I have learned that most of the time a player just wants to be heard and vent. I give them about 25 seconds.

Heidbreder: I haven’t had the high-pressure matches that many other officials have experienced. My technique, which I’m sure is similar to most every other official, is simply to watch the match as a detached spectator. That way, emotions are out of the equation.

Palmer: I think about how I have learned to be calm in high-stress situations through various jobs I’ve had. Plus, in being calm, you can get the answers you need quicker and help everyone come to an agreement.

Lahm: I worked in crisis and emergency management before retiring. This was always high pressure, so I came already prepared to officiate. The most important aspect to officiating is to act decisively and timely. It also helps to not take anything personally.

USTA St. Louis welcomes our new officials and congratulates Lahm on her award! We’d like to thank all of our officials for their hard work and dedication to the sport. Be sure to thank an official at your next match or tournament!

Officiating is calling! Learn more about becoming a tennis official by clicking here. Check out a previously published USTA St. Louis story on Liz Lahm by clicking here.