Q&A with USTA Missouri Valley officials selected to work the 2024 US Open

Roland Garros and Wimbledon both experienced a lot of rain delays this year. What do you like to do to pass the time during a US Open rain delay?

Conway: I like to close my eyes and rest. I also like to work on puzzles, read a book or play games on my phone.

Kilgore: It really just depends. It seems like a lot of officials venture into the dining area and grab some food and/or visit with other umpires during rain delays. Many times, when they close the roof on Arthur Ashe or Armstrong Stadium, you can watch the tennis being played on these two courts on the TVs in the officials’ area. Sometimes the office will hand out sudoku puzzles to help pass the time, or people play cards. I don’t tend to nap during the day, but many officials catch a little catnap on a comfy chair or couch. Rain delays are not a whole lot of fun, but it can be a good time to regroup your thoughts and get a little rest and time away from being on court.

Lady: I like to read, catch up on emails or visit with other officials. It is also important to be ready to get back on court when needed. It is good to do some stretching exercises and focus on the match you will be working at.

What is one item you can’t do without when officiating?

Conway: My sunglasses! And my chapstick with sunscreen!

Lady: Three things to always have: stopwatch, flipping coin and measuring tape.

How do you stay composed and focused during key junctures of a set, lengthy points or long-lasting matches?

Conway: As a match assistant, I try to keep track of the score without looking at the scoreboard and keep track of the ball.

Kilgore: Focus is key when you are on court and in the chair. I use a breathing technique I learned years ago, and it helps calm my mind. I also practice this breathing technique between points when I am scanning the court to ensure everything is as it should be. It helps me prepare and be ready for the next point.

Lady: As a match assistant, when things are tense, I focus on breathing. I try not to let my mind wander. The match that I am working at is the priority. Other things can wait until I am off court.

What advice would you give to younger officials aspiring to work high-level tournaments like the Grand Slams?

Conway: Learn the rules—roving is a great way to do this—and how to be a team player. Higher-level tournaments utilize people from everywhere with all sorts of personalities. If you can get along with everyone, it makes for a much more cohesive environment.

Kilgore: Continue to work events around the country and apply for higher-level events that use match assistants to gain experience. The centers of excellence being offered around the country are also a wonderful opportunity to gain knowledge and experience for officials wanting to do more in their officiating career. It’s also good to have a mentor or someone you trust that you feel comfortable approaching with any situations you’d like to discuss or questions that come up during or after working an event.

Lady: Try to work as many events as possible. It is good to get experience as a roving official, line umpire and chair umpire. The more events you work, the more people you meet and connections you will make to work other tournaments.

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