On the Line

‘ON THE LINE’ is a detailed autobiography written by Eileen Edwards about her tennis officiating career, presented almost in diary format over four decades from 1972.  Eileen tells of her initial interest in tennis when, in 1987, she joined the British Tennis Umpires Association (BTUA).  This game, set and match narrative continues through until 2012 with the Association of British Tennis Officials (ABTO) as a top tennis official and having served as a member of the Committee of Management.  Eileen wrote everything down with meticulous detail throughout her distinguished officiating career, reminiscing details of matches she officiated, including pro-celebrity tournaments and several conversations with officials, players, royalty, celebrities and her beloved, Cliff Richard.

What you do find in this book is a very revealing account of the tennis officiating industry.  You also get the distinct feeling that writing the book was actually cathartic for Eileen, putting her concerns to print and righting some wrongs with those within the industry.  Her book reads like the history of British tennis over the last four decades, and it is a revealing account of the camaraderie, favouritism, in-fighting and back-biting within the tennis association.

Sadly, Eileen’s exceptional and eventful career was tinged with bitterness and seems sad that her fantastic experiences and years of devotion to the tennis association would end in such a way.  There are stories she tells that will shock you.  However, with her three children, also as top tennis officials, there are plenty of amusing stories Eileen tells that will make you laugh and even the odd words with her and her children’s wonderful sense of humour and fun.  This book is a really interesting read for any tennis aficionado.