ABSTRACT
This chapter discusses the developments for coaches in the context of intensifying disagreements surrounding appropriate talent-development methods. The social hierarchy within many clubs naturally resembled country houses; while scullery maids deferred to house stewards in the latter, in tennis clubs ballboys accepted the seniority of the head professional, and undertook whatever menial or demeaning tasks that accompanied their positions. Coaching professionals were careful not to "forget themselves", as strict etiquette between themselves and club members sustained their differing social positions often without the need for official sanction. The Lawn Tennis Association (LTA) also sanctioned doubles matches between amateurs and coaching professionals. The open-tournament idea was returned to repeatedly over the next few years, but defeated at every opportunity with either tenuous or anachronistic arguments. The LTA's lackadaisical attitude toward the institution of a comprehensive coach-development system was indicative of their hands-off paternalist relationship with coaches generally.
