Ball"kids"
The ballkids at the U.S. Open are awesome as they are at all the other Grand Slams. You never notice them which is as it should be… But one “big” difference from the other Grand Slams is the average age of the “ballkids” – look at them! There are many “ballboys” who have clearly been shaving for at least a decade and many of the “ballgirls” look more like women. Most tennis pros were ballkids at some point in their early years. It’s a wonderful, inspiring experience because you get to see the top pros up close. It’s a treat for the ballkids. So should there be a focus on offering, or limiting, the opportunity to become a U.S. Open ballperson to those under age 18? Should it be an honor given to aspiring junior players?
|| Comments (6)
Comments
It should be just for kids under 18
Posted by: Jimmy | September 5, 2006 10:16 PM
good idea!
Posted by: Annie | September 8, 2006 09:17 PM
I think that kids under 18 should be able to get exposure then again the US Open can intefere with back to school week......(when you're 18 you are usually in college)>>>>>>>>>> thus College students have more time on their hands......
Posted by: Christopher Anosike | April 21, 2007 09:22 PM
I'm a ballboy for the open myself and am, at 14, in the younger range of the veterans. I have ballperson friends ranging from 7-48 in age, it truly is a disparate bunch.
Most people don't really understand the ballperson position. Yes its a great expirience and most people (including me) are serious about tennis. But there are also people who do not play tennis, and are excellent at their work.
Maxod
Posted by: Maxod | May 9, 2007 09:37 PM
I think that it would be great for kids under 18 to be able to be up-close and personal with the U.S. Open experience in general, but it should also be available to men and women 18 and older. Tennis is a timeless pastime, so shouldn't the people who play it be timeless, too?
Posted by: Miku | November 25, 2007 08:55 PM
If it is apart of a school activity or if they are eligble to get working papers in New York should a child be a ball kid. The ball kids or adults as they all look are at the age of majority where they are able to work under the EEOC standards. Children under the age of 18 must get approval through their schools to be able to hold a job. Clearly being a ball kid falls under employment and not a privilege.
Posted by: alyce | August 31, 2008 06:42 PM