World Juniors in Santo Domingo
Players and their families heading to the Dominican Republic in December need to start planning now. The World Junior Championships will take place in Santo Domingo, December 14-20, and the event's host hotel has released its special tournament services and rates.

Located In the heart of the oldest city in the Americas, the Hotel Santo Domingo offers a resort environment with city conveniences. Download a summary >>

From the President
The recent US OPEN was an outstanding tournament, with almost 700 players at the event. Five members of the IRF Executive Board attended and they were all in attendance for the social that the IRF hosted on Wednesday. This social was well attended and everyone seemed to enjoy the food, drink and conversations. My thanks to Lucy Zachrisson, Yuni Cobb, Usher Barnoff and Dr. Wer for assisting, and I know that they all talked to many people about the IRF. [ more ]

From the Secretary General
IRF Secretary General Luke St. Onge has shared a new list of recent accomplishments, which includes upgrade plans to its web site and, with the support of the IOC, PASO, and ARISF, embarking on a major level 3 certification of its coaches and officials through its IPRO coaching and certification arm. IPRO is recognized by the IOC, PASO, and ACODEPA for coaching and official certification.

World Games DVDs
The IRF recently announced the release of over 35 hours of videotaped action from the 2009 World Games in Kaohsiung. A complete set of 16 DVDs can be purchased for $160 (shipping incl.) by contacting Luke St. Onge for ordering instructions.

In the men's final, USA teammates faced off, with Jack Huczek defeating Rocky Carson in a tiebreaker. Among the women, Mexico's Paola Longoria also went to three games to defeat USA's Rhonda Rajsich. Throughout the championship week abroad, thirty of racquetball's best athletes, from eleven countries, competed on the glass portable court. The top 16 men and women to qualify represented Argentina, Bolivia, Canada, Chile, Costa Rica, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, Japan, Korea, Mexico and the USA.

Central American Caribbean Games Venue Update
The ground-up new venue for the Central American Caribbean Games continues to take shape in Puerto Rico. Below left is a rendering of the completed facility, at right is the exhibition court, under construction.

Future "Team Guatemala"
The Guatemalan Women's Team, including a group of 35 up-and-coming junior hopefuls, were treated to a visit by Mexican Team Coach, Aaron Palomino in August. The coach was on hand to assist the team in preparing for the VIII Central American Games. Although the team only has access to two courts, its successful junior program has regained strength and is growing.