A time for change

Rusedski and Henman win in Ecuador

In his weekly column for BBC Sport Online BBC tennis correspondent Iain Carter assesses the need for reforms in the British game.

These should be happy times for British tennis.

Returning to the World Group of the Davis Cup is just cause for popping champagne corks.

But the celebrations went decidedly flat with subsequent events.

A special general meeting of the Lawn Tennis Association on 27 September failed to adopt wide ranging reforms put forward by the organisation's senior management.

As revealed some months ago on BBC Radio Five Live and BBC Sport Online, the plans were aimed at revolutionising the way the sport is run in Britain.

Crowther is keen to make reforms

Effectively a 130-strong council was being asked to vote itself out of existence to allow the professionals a free hand to run the sport.

This was bound to upset councillors whose often voluntary and unstinting contributions to British tennis had been rewarded by a seat at the top table.

But changing times require changing structures and in professional sport these days there's sadly little room for the well-intentioned volunteer.

Tim Henman and Greg Rusedski apart, British tennis has very little to show from the millions generated each year by the Wimbledon Championships (Henman's initial development was from a private scheme).

Disgraceful position

No one else, male or female, is currently in the world's top hundred.

It's a disgraceful position, but of even more concern is that the LTA's own figures show a decline in the numbers of people taking up tennis.

The current structure is patently failing even though people like chief executive John Crowther has the vision and determination to reverse the trend.

Crowther recognises that tennis is in competition with every other sport.

He wants to be able to take decisions and reap instant benefits. Impossible when most of them have to be approved and ratified by such an unwieldy body.

There is no room for second best, especially in a ruthless sport like tennis.

Team spirit

Roger Taylor threw everything into Britain's tie in Ecuador, travelling the world with his players for a full year in preparation.

Look at the team spirit. Look at the result. It's no coincidence.

The only consolation for Crowther and his board is that the council have unanimously agreed that there is need for change.

Now another intense lobbying period is underway.

Sadly this involves taking the eye from the ball to play another round of politics.

Crowther once again has to seek approval for his plans and he may need to concede modifications.

Councillors swallow your pride and back your chief executive.

The thirst for change is such that half measures will not do.