Who is Guy Rule??

In the early years of USTA Adult League in Virginia Beach, NO ONE was more instrumental in keeping the leagues running healthy than Guy Rule!! From the early 80’s on, he would visit every single tennis complex and court in Hampton Roads on a weekly basis. He was relentless. Visiting city parks, military bases, private clubs, recreation centers, school courts and others… he knew them ALL!!!

Always with his notebook and pencil in hand, he watched and analyzed every player and would intercept them as they headed to their cars. He would ask, with his infectious smile, “Have you ever considered playing USTA Adult League?” Then say, “You will love it and I have a team for you.” He would then take names and numbers and thus another new league player was born. Many, many people can thank Guy Rule for introducing them to league play! He could be counted on to fill teams looking for players and for creating many teams. If he couldn’t recruit a captain, he would do it himself; often captaining 4 teams at a time! He worked as level coordinator and helped with the administrative aspects of the league.

For years he organized mixed doubles round robins at Little Creek Amphibious Base, at Owl Creek and Lynnhaven Middle School courts on Friday nights, in addition to other groups. One day Guy heard that the USTA was starting Senior League tennis and he immediately sprang into action. Having already been building up and captaining Adult Leagues, Guy established senior teams as well. In fact, he was SOLELY RESPONSIBLE for bringing Senior League tennis to Virginia Beach!

And so it began – again– creating teams and also even playing on them himself. He was enthusiastic, organized, knowledgeable, driven and efficient. Additionally, he did it all with a great attitude, and, who can forget his great sense of humor???

Guy was on the board of the Virginia Beach Tennis Patrons for many years and he helped with every function and event they sponsored. He only slowed down to care for his dear wife Barbara as her health declined. He also experienced ill health during her illness and after her passing. He however, did not stop!!!!!!!!!!

Why did he do it?  Because he loved tennis and the people involved, and he wanted to help them enjoy the game, “the sport of a lifetime” just as he did.

For all that he has done, we dedicate “The Guy Rule Memorial Tennis Tournament” in his honor!