Appendix 2021 Guidelines for the Allocation of Wimbledon Tickets to Counties and Directly Affiliated Organisations (DAOs)
←
→
Page content transcription
If your browser does not render page correctly, please read the page content below
Appendix 2021 Guidelines for the Allocation of Wimbledon Tickets to Counties and Directly Affiliated Organisations (DAOs) Version 1: November 2020 NB: This document replaces a similar Appendix called ‘Guidelines on County Association Version 2 Discretionary Allocation of Wimbledon Tickets’ Date: 23 November 2020
1
INTRODUCTION
In summer 2020, the allocation of LTA Wimbledon tickets was reviewed to ensure that they are
allocated in a way that is of maximum benefit for tennis in Britain and which supports the LTA strategy
to open tennis up to as many people as possible. The new process was discussed at length with a
wide representation of County volunteers and the new process was presented to volunteers in all
Counties and DAOs through live webinars. Questions were submitted by attendees and a
comprehensive set of FAQs was created.
We are very pleased to have received support to the rationale (supporting the LTA strategy to Open
Tennis Up) behind the Wimbledon Ticket Reform. We have had many positive responses and, whilst
there have been certain isolated concerns; most of those have been resolved through further
clarifications.
This guide refers to ticket allocations for 2021 for County/DAO sponsors, County/DAO volunteers,
County Awards winners, venue volunteers, coaches, officials and patrons. Where nominations are
required, instructions will be available in January 2021.
There are 3 sections:
1. Reasons for change
2. Key points of the process for 2021
3. Details of the Allocation and Ballot Processes 2021
REASONS FOR CHANGE
The situation prior to 2021:
County discretionary ticket allocations ranged from 53 to 1234 pairs (not including Islands).
Allocation of tickets for Centre Court, No1 Court and Courts 2 & 3 were inconsistent from
County to County.
Allocations made by Counties to volunteers on committees varied from 6 pairs annually to 1
pair every alternate year.
26 Counties run Patron Schemes, with an average chance of 90% to receive tickets (vs circa
20% in other LTA ballots). This contravened the AELTC ticket conditions.
Sponsorship opportunity was limited for smaller Counties whilst larger Counties with
allocations of a high quality and number of tickets were more able to attract multiple sponsors.
Venue registration income for Counties varies from £10,000 to £110,000 which further
accentuates the financial difficulties of smaller Counties.
The aims of the new process:
To reward a greater number of volunteers, coaches and officials who drive our sport.
To make Wimbledon available to a wider audience in keeping with opening up tennis.
To create fairness across all Counties and DAOs in the opportunity to reward key volunteers.
To give all Counties and DAOs the same opportunity to raise funds through sponsorship and
request sponsor tickets.
To ensure compliance with the AELTC ticket conditions.
To modernise alongside the intention of the AELTC to move to digital ticketing which is a more
robust and safer method of fulfilment. This also reduces the administration for volunteers in
Counties.2
KEY POINTS OF THE PROCESS 2021:
It is important to note that this reform is designed to apply for ‘The Championships’ over the long term
and when held with a full spectator capacity. However, in the likely case of continued restrictions in
2021, due to Covid 19, the changes will still be implemented, and is particularly relevant given the
need to, equitably scale any allocation we may receive, when relevant information is known. Thus,
there is the potential that the provision of all these tickets may be altered.
Ticket fulfillment:
This will be carried out by the LTA. Counties and DAOs will not physically distribute tickets.
Digital Ticketing:
It is expected that, from 2021, tickets will be digital and therefore non-transferable and more secure.
Alternative arrangements will be available for those who cannot access digital tickets and have a
verified valid reason, (verified reasoning is to be confirmed and is at the discretion of the AELTC).
Sponsors:
All Counties and DAOs will have the same opportunity to submit requests for tickets for sponsors.
There is no limited number and the tickets will be allocated centrally, provided tickets are offered in
line with guidance on sponsor tickets. Counties and DAOs keep their own sponsorship monies raised.
County and DAO Volunteers:
All Counties and DAOs will have the same opportunity to nominate key volunteers for a guaranteed
offer of tickets.
County Award winners:
All County Award winners will be offered tickets, following submission of names by Counties.
Venue volunteers
A new LTA ballot will create the opportunity to recognise volunteers in venues. County volunteers will
also be eligible to opt in to this ballot if they are listed as a volunteer by their venues.
Coaches
The LTA Accredited+ Coaches ballot has been enhanced.
Officials
A new centralized ballot is being introduced for LTA Licensed Officials.
Patrons Schemes
A centralised ballot for patrons that is in line with other ballots, following submission of names by
Counties.
DETAILS OF THE ALLOCATION AND BALLOT PROCESSES 2021
In all cases, unless mentioned, the tickets are in pairs and are fulfilled by the LTA centrally.
Sponsors
The same opportunity for all Counties to submit requests for tickets for sponsors. No limited
number.
An LTA commitment to cater for sponsors in keeping with their support of County tennis.
The maximum allowance to each sponsor remains at 10 pairs.
An agreement template and guidelines are provided.
Requests with sponsor agreements to be submitted to Ali Ensor by 31 March (for 2021 only,
otherwise 31 January) with some flexibility for late sponsors if tickets are still available.
Information about hospitality opportunities is circulated separately.
Managing relationships with sponsors remains with individual Counties/DAOs.3
Tickets for County and Directly Affiliated Organisation (DAO) volunteers and Award winners
A nomination process carried out by Counties with a guaranteed offer of 1 pair of tickets. This
includes County Award winners in LTA Award categories. There will be no defined number but
an ‘expected’ guide according to size of organisation. Large Counties are expected to have
more volunteers than small Counties.
An additional allocation of No1 Court tickets will be available for exceptional volunteers,
expected to be those on a Management Committee or similar, with a maximum of 12
additional pairs of tickets allocated to each county, reflecting the guidance of the Code for
Sports Governance that a Board of Directors should be limited to a maximum of 12 members.
Guidelines with broad criteria for ‘key’ volunteers including types of roles expected, and an
allowance for valued paid staff who carry out volunteer roles over and above their paid work.
Up to five additional pairs of discretionary tickets according to size of organisation, for
contributors who do not fit the guidelines.
st nd rd
Volunteers can specify a day and court preference in 1 , 2 and 3 choices.
Nominations must be submitted by organisations, with information required, to Ali Ensor, by 31
March (for 2021 only, otherwise 31 January).
Tickets will be for personal use only.
Nominated volunteers and Award winners can opt-in for other ballots for which they qualify,
thereby recognising the level of contribution.
4 Management Committee volunteers from each County will be invited to a President’s Lunch
each year (single tickets).
Tickets for venue volunteers
A new LTA ballot will create the opportunity to recognise volunteers in venues. Volunteers will
be eligible for this ballot if they are listed as a volunteer by their venues, via the venue
registration process.
Volunteers will need to be LTA members and opt in.
Tickets for coaches
The LTA Accredited+ Coaches ballot has been enhanced. There will be a new opt in process,
that will allow for more representative ticket allocations. Ticket offers will include; a ground
pass offer for final 5 days for Accredited+ coaches and a two week pass offer for Level 5
coaches.
Tickets for officials
A new centralized ballot is being introduced for LTA Licensed Officials, enhancing their
experience and ensuring they are catered for to the same high standard as other key
workforce groups.
Patrons Schemes
Counties will be asked to provide details of patrons who want to be included in the centralised
ballot for all patrons to Ali Ensor, by 31 March (for 2021 only).
Day and court preference is not possible.
Making a difference
Taking account of all allocations and ballots, the larger Counties may see a reduction of tickets
received in their Counties, from previous years. This, in turn, accommodates an increase for smaller
Counties. Larger Counties, appropriately, will still receive a larger number. A minority of individuals,
who have in the past had multiple tickets and personal choice, may feel less rewarded but in turn,
many additional hard working volunteers will be the beneficiaries of the wider distribution of tickets.
Access to tickets for Wimbledon is a significant benefit and sharing more widely the opportunity to
attend will play a huge part in supporting all those who are playing such an important role in opening
tennis up. In order to show appreciation for all volunteers driving our sport, it is also important that
both the LTA and Counties and organisations find alternative ways to reward volunteers, and we are
open to suggestions as to any way we can support this centrally.You can also read
