The View from the Umpire Chair: Not Always the Best Seat in the House

Typically, when we watch tennis matches we focus on the players; watching it on our television or, if we are lucky enough, from a seat in the stands. But do you ever wonder what a tennis match would look like sitting in the umpire chair?

Sitting in the umpire chair during a match not only gives you the best view but you are the final say on all calls; a rather powerful position.

Although sitting in the umpire chair gives a sense of authority, the view from the top isn’t always as great as you would think.

In September of 2011, many top tennis officials decided not to participate in the US Open and opted to give up their prime seat on the umpire chair.

The 2011 US Open raked in a record high $23.7 million in prize money with the tournaments total earnings exceeding $200 million. Despite the tournament`s high revenue,  the gold badge chair umpires, some who officiate at the legendary Wimbledon tournament, only make $250 per day sitting in the umpire chairs at the US Open; the lowest pay for any Grand Slam tournament.

A retired gold badge chair umpire, Norm Chryst, stated that, “The U.S. Open … Read more at FryingPanSports

The Grand National

It’s one of those races which pulls in visitors from all over the planet – The Grand National is an iconic horse race which punishes both horse and rider, with a long history of injury for both.

Origins of the Grand National

The Grand National, or simply ‘National’ is known throughout the world as one of the toughest horse races on earth, with terrifyingly tall jumps, ditches and water troughs which pose serious threats to both horse and rider. The original course was laid out by a local hotel owner, William Lynn and a local Lord, the 2nd Earl of Sefton.

There is actually quite a bit of debate over when the first race took place, with some saying that this happened in 1836, whilst the majority saying that races before 1838 happened on a different course. It is clear that in 1838-89 the small, local race turned into a national extravaganza when the railway arrived in Liverpool, enabling a large influx of visitors to the race and an explosion of publicity.

Further Changes

The Grand National captured the imagination of the public in the UK and worldwide, however the race wasn’t originally a handicap race. This was done after … Read more at FryingPanSports

Tonight on the radio version of News, Notes and Rumors

We continue all NFL draft all the time tonight.

Our friend Paul Banks owner of Chicago Sports Guru and the Sports Bank.com joins us to talk about the draft.

Eric Galko, Dir. Of Scouting for OptimumScouting.com, joins us to talk about my Browns Mock draft and what corrections it needs.

NOTE:  There will be no show on Wednesday. 

 

IF you want Browns draft coverage of the live draft, join us.

Thursday join us for our live draft coverage starting at 7:30 PM EDT.  John Tuzey, senior draft analyst for theHuddle.com will be my co-host and we will get live updates from the floor of the draft from Eric Galko, and Samantha Bunten.  We will also talk to Bob Karlovec as well.

Friday the coverage will begin at 7:00 PM EDT and my co-host will be Matt Waldman of

Rookie Scouting Portfolio.  We will cover rounds 2 and 3.

Saturday we will begin coverage at noon EDT.  My co-host will be Ken Becks of

1stdownscouting.com/1st down.  We will be on the air for as long as the voice of the old man (me) holds up. 

Our NNR Sportsims.net football league will start on May 2.  The league is free to Read more at FryingPanSports

Super Summer Sports Perfect For A Sunny Day

Super Summer Sports Perfect For A Sunny Day

Enjoy the summer sun with some great sports to get the heart rate pumping. Do them in combination with your diet to help the pounds slide away. Here is a list of summer sports to start you off.

With spring and summer comes the chance to brush off those winter cobwebs and get out of doors. The warmer summer months are perfect for enjoying a range of sports, from something simple to the more adventurous, here’s a list of some great activities for enjoying the summer.

1: Tennis. This traditional spring game can be played anytime during the warmer months, outdoor or indoor. Whether you’re a complete novice or a bit of a pro, there’s nothing better than a quick knock around to start off the season and it’ll help you earn those strawberries and cream.

2: Mountain Biking. Get out and about in the fresh air with this exhilarating sport. Suitable for any age or ability you’ll be sure to find the perfect track for you. Whether it’s a gentle peddle through the forests to an adrenaline fuelled whiz through the hills, mountain biking is a great way to get out … Read more at FryingPanSports

Who To Watch For The London 2012 Summer Paralympics

While people may well recognise household sporting names such as Usain Bolt or Chris Hoy from the Olympics, sometimes I get the feeling that equally talented athletes in the Paralympics are overlooked by the general public.

With that in mind, here are some of the most promising athletes in the run-up to the 2012 Paralympics.

Image by Ben Sutherland, some rights reserved.

 

Chinese Superiority

China dominated the 2008 Summer Paralympics with 211 medals, with stunning performances from many athletes.

Especially interesting were Guo Wei, who won gold in his category in Discus, Javelin and Shot put, and intends to compete again in 2012, and the Chinese  4×100 metre teams, were strong in various categories.

Keep an eye on their relay teams, throwing athletes, and on the blind judo.

Great Britain

Needless to say, as host country Great Britain will be looking to do well. As the second placed team in the 2008 Paralympics, they might even be looking to challenge China for the top spot.

If so, they face a stiff challenge, but if they can keep competitors like Darren Kenny, David Roberts and Lee Pearson doing so exceptionally well (with three to four golds each), they might … Read more at FryingPanSports

Don’t Miss Out On The Olympic Spectacular

The Olympic Games is the biggest sporting fiesta in the world, and provides some of the most spectacular action you are ever likely to see, ranging from dramatic recoveries from seemingly impossible positions to majestic dominance from the moment an event begins to the second it is won. Every four years, we settle down to watch the excitement unfold, and here are three of the sports to watch out for at London 2012.

Two-wheeled typhoons

The cycling is one of the most breath-taking events of all in any Olympic Games, and this year promises to be a classic. The Great Britain side swept all before them in 2008, and with home advantage they may be even more dominant than last time around. Of the 18 gold medals awarded in Beijing, eight of them went to UK riders. The London Velopark is located in the Olympic Park itself, and will provide spectators with a wonderful day’s entertainment. If you can’t attend, however, watching the action on a 46 inch LCD TV will prove to be just as much fun.

The fastest on the planet

While there are several events in the athletics programme that will undoubtedly catch the eye, the blue … Read more at FryingPanSports