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2014 USTA Middle States
Jr. Team Tennis Overview
2
Table of Contents
Pages
4
Introduction
ALC Contacts
Program Overview
Getting Started
Divisions of Play
Seasons/Fees
Local League Requirements
Intermediate Benchmark/Rankings
FAQ on Jr. Team Tennis Program
5-18
Marketing Materials
19-22
Samples
Coaches Agenda
Local Rules
Modifications for 10&U
Thank you sample
23-28
Policies and Procedures
Coach, parent, and player policies
Coaches code of conduct
Championships
29-35
34-36
Dates
Rules
Background Checks
37
Notes
39
USTA Middle States Section
JTT Section Coordinator
Meghan Goodwin
Goodwin@ms.usta.com
1288 Valley Forge Rd. Suite 74
Valley Forge, PA 19482
484.302.0756
PLEASE CHECK WWW.MIDDLESTATES.USTA.COM FOR THE MOST RECENT INFORMATION
(Manual updated Jan-2014)
3
INTRODUCTION TO USTA JR. TEAM TENNIS
USTA Jr. Team Tennis is a grassroots USTA program that is marketed to boys and girls ages 6 to 18 of all
skill levels. The philosophy of the program is fun, fitness and friends in an environment that stresses
sportsmanship and socialization in a team tennis atmosphere.
This manual is designed to give you a description of the USTA Middle States Section Rules and Regulations
for USTA Jr. Team Tennis for the 2014 Championship Year (seasons that run in the fall of 2013 and winter,
spring and summer of 2014). Should this manual not cover an area you are inquiring about, please refer to
the 2014 National USTA Jr. Team Tennis Regulations Manual.
PLAYER AGREEMENT-USTA NATIONAL JR. TEAM TENNIS REGULATION 1.04
As a condition of their participation, all players participating in the USTA Jr. Team Tennis League agree to
abide and be bound by the USTA Constitution and Bylaws; the USTA Regulations; the Rules of Tennis; the
USTA Jr. Team Tennis Regulations; and the standards of good conduct, fair play, and good sportsmanship.
AREA LEAGUE COORDINATORS (ALCs)
District
NJD
Area League Coordinators
Email
Deb Magarrell (Cherry Hill)
Lori Walsh (Hopewell)
Lisa Ullmann ( Mercer County)
Eric Wall (Princeton Tennis Program)
Karen Kelner (South Jersey)
Pat Edelschein (Moorestown Tennis)
debmag@comcast.net
walsh110@comcast.net
Lkremerullmann@aol.com
ericwallptp@yahoo.com
bennjosmom@aol.com
pat@moorestowntennisclub.com
PATD
Georgia Gaul (Bucks County)
bucksjrteamtennis@yahoo.com
Justin DePietropaolo (Mont/Chester/DE County) Justin@phillyteamtennis.org
buckscountytennis@verizon.net
Laura Canfield (Bucks County)
CPD
April Gift - Central PA
Denise Dunn (York/ Hanover)
Carol Oliver (Centre County)
Jody Wilson (Lancaster—LTPA)
agift0810@comcast.net
tennis55@comcast.net
carololivertennis@gmail.com
jodyswilson@gmail.com
EPD
Cindy Ashworth (Lehigh Valley)
Ryan Knarr (Berks County)
ashcd@ptd.net
ryan_knarr@yahoo.com
DD
Monty Collum (Wilmington)
Lisa Murray (Middletown)
David Taylor (Wilmington - 10 and Under)
Elyse Baney-Barton (Dover)
montstrings@yahoo.com
frymur@yahoo.com
dtaylor@myserve.net
elysebaney@comcast.net
AMD
Megan Foster (Beginner & Intermediate)
Deb Hazlett (Advanced)
mfoster.3@netzero.com
drhazlett@verizon.net
4
GETTING STARTED
1. Define Characteristics of Your League
Who - Target market (age and ability)
What - Example Team Match:
2 singles
2 doubles
1-2 mixed doubles
When and Where
- After-school or weekends
- Length of season (recommend 6-10 wks.)
- Season (Spring, Summer, Fall, or Winter)
How – Who is going to coach/manage teams and run practices?
- Volunteer parents
- Pros/coaches
- Division coordinator
(Need at least one captain per team)
How Much?
2. Hold Town Hall Meeting
Invite local community leaders, coaches and parents
3. TennisLink Training
Go through TennisLink Tutorial
Become Program Coordinator and set up league on line
4. Use flyers and promote to target audience
Schools
Park & rec. Web sites/newsletters
Sign-ups around area
5. Register players and Set up Teams
Set up teams and register players
Create and publish schedule using “Scheduler”
Ensure scores by division managers or designated score enterer
6. Hold Captains Meeting
7. Run League
Matches begin!
8. Coordinate End of Season Event or Party
9. Distribute End of Season Survey
To coaches and parents to evaluate for next season
10. Send in Stipend Application
5
6
Who is your Target Player?
10 & Under
8 & Under
 60 ft. courts- play is faster than red stage
 Slower play on smaller courts - 36 ft.
 Shorter racquets enable earlier rally/play  Implementation of advanced techniques
and tactics
 Individual team games and Activities
 Longer matches for individual/team events
are played
 Gender blind
 Development of technique and
 Can be travel or single site
simple tactics
 4-8 players on a team
 Gender blind
 Can be just skills based team
 4-8 players on a team
organization
 Can be travel or single site
 Can be skills based
12 &Under
 Play is faster vs. orange stage
 Continued development of technique





and movement
Individual/team events played
Currently offer beginner and
intermediate levels
Only intermediate advance to
championships
Travel league encouraged
3 girls and 3 boys per team
14 & Under





Great for developing players
Team events played
3 girls and 3 boys per team
Beginner, intermediate, & advanced
Int. & advanced move on to
championships
18 & Under






Great for JV and High School players
Team events played
3 girls and 3 boys per team
Possible single gender non-advancing leagues
Beginner, intermediate, & advanced
Int. & advanced move on to championships
7
DIVISIONS OF PLAY AND LEVEL DESCRIPTIONS
Age
8 and Under
10 and Under
Skill Level
Beginner
(red/foam ball)
Beginner/
Intermediate
(orange/LC ball)
12 and Under
Beginner/
Intermediate
14 and Under
Intermediate
Advanced
18 and Under
Intermediate
Advanced
The 8 & Under and 10 & Under Beginner (NTRP 2.0 & Below) division players are your novice players that
are new to the game and have had no formal tennis instruction. They are just learning to play and judge
where the ball is going. They enjoy tennis as a recreational sport and have very little or no match play
experience. Recommended play for the 8 & Under division will be held on the 36’ modified tennis court and
play for the 10 & Under division will be held on a 60’ court. Both divisions are to use age appropriate tennis
racquets, balls, and scoring. *Currently these divisions will only be held at the local level.
*At this level, membership can be requested to be waived by Section Coordinator.
12 & Under Beginner/Intermediate (NTRP 3.0 & Below) division players are beginner to intermediate players that are new to match play and not quite ready for the 14 and U but have the ability to play on a full sized
court with regular tennis balls.
*The winner of each local league will be eligible to advance to Championships.
14 & Under and 18 & Under Intermediate (NTRP 3.0 & Below) division players are your low-intermediate to
intermediate players that have learned how to serve and keep regular scoring on their own, are fairly consistent when hitting medium paced shots, but are not comfortable with all strokes and lacks execution when
trying for directional control, depth, or power. These players are beginning to compete at tennis in local Jr.
Team Tennis programs, Mid-School tennis program or Junior Varsity High School tennis as well as district/
section tennis tournaments, some even winning smaller local tournaments.
*The winner of each division in the local league will be eligible to advance to Championships.
14 & Under and 18 & Under Advanced (NTRP 3.5 and Above) division players are your high-intermediate
to advanced players that have achieved improved stroke dependability with directional control on moderate
shots, but need to develop depth and variety. They exhibit more aggressive net play, have improved court
coverage, and are developing teamwork in doubles. These players may be entering and playing USTA Sanctioned events and tournaments or compete on Varsity High School teams.
*The winner of each division in the local league will be eligible to advance to Championships.
.
8
SEASONS
USTA Middle States offers USTA Jr. Team Tennis in four seasons throughout the year. Below are tentative
season guidelines. An ALC can decide what season dates work in their community and the dates may fall
outside the sample range below
SEASON
.
START
REGISTRATION
DEADLINE
END
Fall
August 1st
November 30th
October 31th
Winter
November 1st
April 1st
March 1st
Spring
March 1st
July 1st
June 1st
Summer
June 1st
August 31st
July 31st
*These are overall parameters, you league should run a total of 4-10 weeks
Championships are always in the Summer
See Championships section for exact dates.
** All leagues planning on advancing to their District or Section Championships must have their 3 match history prior to district championships. Please check your District Championship Schedule.
***Summer and Fall Seasons would be for the following championship year.
Tips and suggestions:
Spring is our largest season- with most leagues starting after the high school season is over.
All leagues advancing to championships must complete all match play and have scores in TennisLink by July 1st
Single gender leagues are good to have during the opposite of the high school season. i.e.. Have an all boys league in
the fall when the girls are in season.
Winter is great for off-season play, but harder to get court time, and can use shorter scoring formats.
9
PROGRAM FEES
How to Determine your League Fee
Local league program fees are at the discretion of the Area League Coordinator running the league and are subject to an additional TennisLink fee.
1. Are you securing courts or is it the discretion of each team?
2. Will you be providing balls or awards at the end of the season?
3. Admininistrative Fee
TennisLink Pricing Tips:
Program Providers:
Program Fee in TL : This is the fee that the ALC will receive. (All ALC’s need to add $2
to this to be sent back to the section to cover background checks)
When parents/players checkout:
The TennisLink fee will be added at checkout - $4+
*** if the program fee is over $32.51, the TennisLink processing will be more than $4 it
will be 7.5% +.50 +1.0.
Example:
Kasey's Winter JTT:
1. Kasey needs $55 per player to cover court rental, balls and a pizza party.
2. She puts $57 in TL
3. The cost at checkout would be: $62.78
(This is more than $4 because it is over $32.51)
10
JR. TEAM TENNIS PROGRAM REQUIREMENTS
Below are a list of Minimum League Requirements for local leagues advancing to District, Section
and National Championships.
1. Program Name: Please pick a name that helps identify where you are geographically as well as the
season and year the program is offered.
2. USTA Membership: All participants must have a valid USTA Membership for the duration of the local
season.
3. TennisLink: TennisLink Jr. Team Tennis must be used to manage the league. The ALC must have the
local league schedule set in TennisLink prior to the play of any team matches.
4. Age Eligibility: Jr. Team Tennis age eligibility requirements are by the calendar year. A player
must remain “age eligible” through August 31st of the championship year to be eligible for advancement
opportunities to Section and National Championships.
5. Number of Teams: Program must have a minimum of 2 teams, ideally with at least 4 teams.
6. Team Minimum: Teams must consist of a minimum of three boys and three girls. Only exception is for
10&Under and non-advancing leagues.
7. Team Matches: Program must offer at least 3 matches during a season.
8. Score Entry: All team match scores must be entered into TennisLink within one week of the completion
of the match by the home team captain. Visiting team captains must log in to “Confirm” all scores.
9. More Than One Team: Players may play on more than one local team during the same season. Prior to
any advancement to a championship (district, section, national), the player must declare which team he or
she will participate on in such championship. \
10. Progression: Players must participate in a minimum of three team matches at the local level to qualify
for District, Section or National Championships. The method of determining the winning team of the local
league competition to advance to the next level of competition is determined by the ALC.
11
MODIFIED RANKING LISTS FOR 2014 CHAMPIONSHIP YEAR
JR. TEAM TENNIS LEAGUES 14&U and 18&U INTERMEDIATE / ADVANCED LEVELS
The NTRP (National Tennis Rating Program) which defines the characteristics of a player’s levels, is
the official system for determining the levels of competition for the USTA’s Jr. Team Tennis
Leagues. In addition, USTA Middle States has determined that players ranked in the top third of the
Section in any age division need to participate at the advanced level.
Please note that a child ranked below these ranking guidelines may in fact be at a higher NTRP level, therefore coaches/captains and Area League Coordinators must use good faith in the placement
of participants into the appropriate levels. The Area League Coordinator may choose to move a
player to the appropriate level if necessary.
Middle States Intermediate Benchmarks are based on 2013 Final Rankings. Players ranked at or
above the rankings below in the combined rankings in any age category must play at the advanced
level. Please note that if a player is playing up in age, they must comply with the benchmarks for
each age division. Also any player that places in the top 4 positions in their respective state singles
championship tournament also must play at the advanced level.
12s: Top 40
14s: Top 70
16s: Top 70
18s: Top 70
***2013 Final Rankings will not be finalized until January 15, 2014
Prior to January 2014, players can check the 2013 standings list***
How to Check a Players Ranking:
1. Go to https://tennislink.usta.com/Tournaments/Rankings/RankingHome.aspx
2. Under Ranking Search, select the following:
National/Section/District: Middle States, Year: 2013 Division: Junior Singles List Type: Final Ranking
(for current standing list, select Standing List)
3. Click on each age division your player has competed in. Check to see if they are within that age
ranges cut-off.
12
ADDITIONAL MIDDLES STATES RULES
All coordinators, coaches and players must abide by the USTA Jr. Team Tennis National Regulations as well
as the following Middle States addendums to the rules: The National Regulations can be found at :
http://assets.usta.com/assets/1/15/2014_JTT_Regulations_FINAL_8-27-13.pdf
Addendum 1.0 National Championship Teams
Teams that win the Section Championship at the Intermediate level or 14 Advanced must either move up to
the Advanced level as a team or disperse to form new teams at the same level for the next Championship
year. The new team(s) may have no more than three (3) players (one boy and two girls or two boys and one
girl) who were on the Section Championship roster. The 14&U Intermediate and 14&U Advanced Section
Championship team may also remain intact, if they move up to the 18&U corresponding level. 18&U Advanced does not need to split up as there is no where to move up to.
Addendum 2.0 Program Approval
All Jr. Team Tennis Leagues in Middle States will be approved by the Section Coordinator once submitted in
TennisLink based on but not limited too; geographic location, divisions offered, season, length of season and/
or existing leagues in vicinity. USTA Middle States reserves the right to deny the application of leagues
based on these or other characteristics.
Addendum 3.0 Out of Section Benchmarks
All players from other USTA sections participating in Middle States Jr. Team Tennis will be required to use
benchmarks from their home section when determining their level of play. All Middle States players playing in
Jr. Team Tennis in another section will be required to use a Middle States benchmark when determining their
level of play.
Addendum 4.0 Division Set-Up
All Jr. Team Tennis leagues in Middle States must receive approval from the Jr. Competition Committee in
order to combine age categories or levels of play (beginner, Intermediate, etc.). All divisions must have a
minimum of 2 teams.
Addendum 5.0 Advancing League Registration Dates
All advancing Jr. Team Tennis leagues must be completely set-up in TennisLink (approved shell, divisions &
flights created, players registered – a minimum of 3 boys and 3 girls, and schedules for each flight posted) 30
days prior to the end of the season.
SEASON
Fall
Winter
Spring
Summer
START
August 1st
November 1st
March 1st
June 1st
END
November 30th
April 1st
July 1st
August 31st
REGISTRATION
DEADLINE
October 31th
March 1st
June 1st
July 31st
Addendum 6.0 Leagues Advancing to Districts
Only the eligible winning team from each flight are guaranteed to advance to the district championships in
their respective districts.
13
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Q: How many players do you recommend per team?
A: 8-10. This allows some flexibility if players need to miss a match, yet the team is still small
enough that the players get to play and feel like a valued member. The team
minimum for championship advancing teams is 6, 3 boys and 3 girls.
Q: Do the players need to be USTA Members?
A: YES! All participants in USTA Jr. Team Tennis must be current members of the USTA for the duration of the local league season. Membership must also be valid should the team advance to the
championship level. (The only exception is for the 10U & 8U)
Q: Can a player play on more than one team?
A: Yes, but only during the local league. The player must declare which team they will
participate on should both advance to the championship level.
Q: Who is in charge of recording match scores?
A: The home team coach/captain, but the visiting team coach/captain should go on
TennisLink to confirm that the correct scores were entered.
Q: What if I have one player who is advanced and the rest of the team is intermediate, what
level should the team play at?
A: If that player is going to play on your team, the entire team must play up to the Advanced level.
Q: If I have two teams, can I switch players back and forth between the teams during the local
season?
A: No. Unless you register those players on both teams, paying for two registration fees.
14
FINDING COURTS
Step 1. Determine your Court Needs
Before you can go looking for courts, you need to understand your needs. You’ll need to know this
information before you can speak to facility managers about using their courts.
1. How long will your practices and matches be? Recommended 2 hours per match
2. How many days a week will you need courts?
3. How many courts will you need each day?
4. How long is the season?
**Remember: the minimum number of courts per match is two.
Step 2. Brainstorm Courts in Your Community
City Parks
City offices typically have a Parks and Recreation department which controls all of the public park
facilities. If residents of their city have the opportunity to participate in the Jr. Team Tennis league,
you will have higher priority of renting their courts or even using them for free.
Community Centers and Public Tennis Facilities
When considering using a community center or public tennis facility, it is very important to find out
who owns and operates the facilities. It is a good idea to research what the mission of the facility is.
Facilities want to support programs that are in line with their mission statement and showcase this
mission to the community and donors.
Schools
Some schools will post their facility rental policies and the contact information on their official school
websites. If not, contact the high school tennis coach or school district to find out who controls the
tennis court rentals. It is important to recognize that most schools have a predetermined list of who
has priority when it comes to renting the courts. Peak hours for high school courts are after school
on weekdays while school is in session. The person who controls court rentals will know more about
other programming that may be taking place on those courts and when they are available.
Colleges
College campuses have more flexibility during the school year and players on college teams are an
excellent source of volunteers or coaches, especially if their college has a community service requirement for graduation.
Private Tennis Clubs
Private facilities are membership driven, so they will be most interested in a program that will attract
new members while pleasing their current membership base. The management will want to know if
Jr. Team Tennis is a program that will appeal to their membership and bring more revenue in to their
facility. As with all facilities, the goal is to maximize court usage. If you can coordinate your league
to accommodate when their courts are slowest, you may be able to secure a lower court rate. Also,
be sure to ask what their non-member policy is.
Apartment Complexes/Gated Communities
These private facilities are similar to private tennis clubs, but they may have more availability and
lower prices because they do not depend solely on membership dues. It’s especially helpful if you, a
15
FINDING COURTS CONTINUED
Step 3. Contact Facilities to Learn Availability and Fees (if any)
Some facilities may charge you for the rental of their tennis courts. Tennis courts at commercial
clubs and indoor facilities are often more expensive than school or public park courts.
Step 4. Meet with Facility Managers
It is very important to establish and maintain a positive relationship with the tennis facility managers. Prior to securing court time, set up a face to face meeting with the facility contact person.
During this meeting, introduce yourself and your role within the tennis community, explain the
nature of your league and who participates, and articulate your court needs and what you are looking for in a host facility.
It is also a good idea to see if there is a bulletin board or display board at the facility that your
league information/schedule could be posted on.
Be sure to clearly communicate the facility rules to your players and coaches, so they can respect
and abide by them. You should always leave the facility as clean or cleaner than when you arrived.
16
FINDING TEAM MANAGERS
In Jr. Team Tennis, the person responsible for player supervision and instruction is the
Team Manager.
The job of the Team Manager is to organize the players to play tennis, have fun, and learn the
values of the game. That’s it. You don’t need to be a tennis “expert” to be a Team Manager.
A good team manger is anyone who can:
• Excite players and make sure they enjoy the game and league play
• Organize activities, practices, and games
• Teach simple tasks and aspects of the game in a positive learning environment
• Motivate players to play their best so they keep playing and learning.
Once potential Team Managers understand this, getting them to join your league becomes a lot
easier. In your search, you should consider:
Parents of players:
Some of the best team mangers/coaches are interested mothers, fathers or grandparents of current players. Since parents are making participation decisions for their children, why not involve
them.
School Teachers or Administrators:
If the team or league is starting at a school setting, identify individuals who would be willing to participate and to be trained. Having school teachers or faculty involved in the activity will only
strengthen the future growth of the league. If a teacher does not have the time needed to be a
team manager, maybe ask them to donate a limited amount of their personal time to the team
which fits into their schedule.
Adult League Players
Over 330,000 adults presently participate in USTA League tennis. These groups of individuals are
a wonderful source for team mangers/coaches. They already have a good understanding of the
game and many have leisure time they are willing to give back to the community in which they reside.
Recent graduates or former players
There are many young adults who have graduated from high school or college who would like to
give back to the sport or to their community. Many also have requirements for “community service
hours” and coaching is a great way to fulfill the requirement. These individuals would also be wonderful in assisting the team, as it is a great opportunity for training.
Coaches from other sports
Coaches from other sports have experience in the aspects of coaching and could learn the basics
of tennis if proper training is provided. They are one of your best resources if your tennis season
does not conflict with other youth sport offerings in your community.
17
FINDING PARENTS & PLAYERS
Start Small
People who know you, who know your passion for the game and your desire to improve your community are the best place to start.
Use Word of Mouth
This remains the best recruiting source. Talking up your new league among existing tennis players
and parents is the fastest and easiest way to get started. Be sure to clearly define your league’s
mission and goals: to help develop kids into successful adults.
Partnerships
Partnering with existing organizations will give you access to their audience of interested parents
and players. Their newsletters and notice boards are important ways to reach people who are already participating in other activities. Some potential partners for your league include:
• Adult Leagues: Offer to expand an existing adult league. Tennis is a lifetime sport that eventually parents and kids can play together. Why not suggest it now? Contact members of the leagues
and see if their kids want to play.
• Churches
• Community Organizations (YMCA)
• After-School Programs (Boys’ and Girls’ Clubs)
• Schools
• Parks and Recreation Agencies: Many organizations have e-mail newsletters, bulletin boards,
and flyers where you can promote your league.
Use Email
It is quick, easy and inexpensive. Gaining access to the email lists of your partners is the easiest
way to expand your reach beyond word of mouth.
Start a Website
Starting a website is critical to establish credibility for your league and provide a way for parents to
find out more information. The good news is that these days there are a number of free and easy
ways to do so. Free online services like wordpress.com and blogger.com, eteamz.com and simple
to use and will give you professional presence on the web in less than an hour.
Other things to remember:
Benefits for the player and team are critical in holding onto players season to season. Try to keep
introductory program costs at a minimum. Parents don’t want to have large cash outlays until they
are convinced their child truly enjoys the sport.
As an organizer, arranging multiple play levels could be a nightmare but it is vital to keep children
of the same age in appropriate groupings. Children will have a better experience if they are in the
right group. Developmental windows of opportunity exist at specific ages so make sure you are
aware of these windows and what activity is appropriate for your levels.
18
USTA MARKETING MATERIALS AND RESOURCES
There are many materials, such as this manual, that are available to Jr. Team Tennis coaches that will aid in
coordinating a Jr. Team Tennis league, whether big or small. Some of those materials and resources include:
Helpful websites:
USTA Middle States Section web site: www.middlestates.usta.com and click on Jr. Team Tennis
National Jr. Team Tennis web site: www.jrteamtennis.usta.com
10 & Under Tennis web sites:
USTA Tennis Products and promotions: www.tennisawards.com
Marketing Materials :
USTA Ad customization website: www.usta.com/ctmarketing
1. First time users need to register for a user account before you can start building any flyers or
posters. (Returning users can enter in their username and password).
2. Hit the “register” button, once approved you will receive an email from
noreply@ustamailing.com stating you have been approved.
3. Once your account is created, you can log in.
4. Select “Creative Request” from the menu bar and then choose “Materials for Download”.
5. Now select USTA Jr. Team Tennis or Youth Team Tennis form the menu drop down.
6. Hit the blue select button underneath the piece you would like to use.
7. Enter in your product description in the text box (i.e. JTT Spring League) and hit “submit”.
8. Choose “Download Word Doc.”
9. Enter in your league information in the “customize here” portion on the flyer/poster.
10. Save and distribute to local papers, schools, etc.
**See the following page for an example.
For help or ideas on how to better market your program, please contact Meghan Goodwin
at Goodwin@ms.usta.com
19
MARKETING IDEAS
There are so many ways to promote your new league. Here’s a list of proven programs compiled from years
of running successful leagues that will get your imagination going.
Get a Free Website:
If your league elects to become a Community Tennis Association, they will have the opportunity to participate
on the USTA.com network. The website hosting and design is free. Users are provided with free training,
and the design and functionality are current technologies.
E-mail:
Effective e-mailing can be a successful tool in reminding previous participants or participants in other events
that the upcoming season is open for registration. Work with your partners to get access to their e-mail lists to
broaden your reach.
School assemblies:
Conducting a school assembly is a great way to create excitement for your league. Make sure to include
some sort of take-home information that kids can bring to their parents.
Town Hall Meetings:
Like school assemblies, town hall meetings can create excitement among the general community. These
meetings are also a great way to attract volunteers.
Open house registration days:
These are often important for creating interest and buzz about the league as well as providing a personal
touch to answer questions that parents may have. When scheduling registration open houses, it is always
best to use a combination of weekends, weekdays, days, and nights.
Promotional giveaways:
If your budget allows, promotional giveaways such as bag tags, shirts, hats, tennis balls, or stickers with
league sign-up information can be a useful tool in building interest in your league.
Community Bulletin Boards:
Both physical and virtual, there are many bulletin boards where fliers can be posted to the public. Look for
these bulletin boards in community centers, churches, restaurants, and outside of tennis courts. Online,
many local TV and Radio stations offer areas for posting community events and programs.
Social Networking Websites:
Websites like Facebook are popular among kids and can provide a great venue for posting pictures, sending
messages, and attracting general interest to your program.
YouTube Videos:
Posting videos of players or matches can help boost excitement. Try offering a contest for the player who
posts the most creative Jr. Team Tennis video (make sure, of course, that the necessary legal permission is
granted).
20
MARKETING IDEAS
Distribute fliers at high-traffic locations:
Consider health clubs, sporting goods stores, grocery stores, schools, and community centers to reach a
good cross-section of the general public.
Slides at movie theaters:
Local movie theaters often display promotional slides before a feature movie. Some even offer free space for
community programming as a public service.
Fliers on car windshield fliers at other youth sporting events:
Depending on the season of your league, one youth sport or another should be finishing up just as you are
kicking off. By leaving fliers on the windshields of all the cars in the parking lot of a Little League field, for example, you can reach a captive audience of young athletes looking for their next activity.
Tennis Club newsletters:
Printing a message in a Club newsletter reaches the decision-makers (parents) directly. Offer to write the
piece on their behalf to improve your chances of publication.
Free promotional articles in local publications:
Many local newspapers and magazines contain a calendar section for community events. Listings are free
and effective. In addition, these publications often publish Editorials or feature stories about community programs and events. For a better chance of getting published, write the story that you can submit to the editor.
Cross-promotional partnerships with local businesses:
Local businesses of all types (banks, restaurants, sporting goods stores, movie theaters, etc.) are often willing
to trade space in their stores for exposure. For example, negotiate with a local supermarket that they will
place a flier for your league in everyone’s grocery bag. In exchange offer to post their banner at your event
and on you website.
Newspaper advertisements:
While sometimes costly, newspaper advertisements should be run 7-10 days in advance in multiple papers.
Advertisers can often ask for value-added items in return such as public service announcements, prizes, promotions, editorials, or other coverage.
Cross-marketing with other sports:
Any activities that target juniors (tennis and non-tennis) are great cross-marketing opportunities. For example, try sponsoring a team in a youth soccer or T-Ball league.
Sponsorships:
Try sponsoring a tennis tournament or a high school league in order to inform players that your league provides a place to play on a team in the off season.
Bumper Stickers:
A great fundraising opportunity, selling bumper stickers, license plate holders, and decals can earn you hundreds of free billboards across your area.
21
MARKETING IDEAS
Other Useful Tips:
• Define your objectives. Figure out how many people you want to attract and let your goal drive
your efforts.
• Get help. Solicit volunteers with experience or expertise in advertising to see if they will assist
you.
•
All advertisements should include a phone number and a website.
• If possible, translate your promotional material into different languages to reach a broader audience.
• Make use of community contacts with local publications, printing companies, and facilities to provide more exposure for your league.
• Identify the most influential information for parents: dates, locations, age are important, formats
and rules are not.
22
USTA JR. TEAM TENNIS SAMPLE COACHES MEETING AGENDA
1. Welcome and Introductions
2. General Information about USTA Jr. Team Tennis
A. USTA Jr. Team Tennis is a fun youth sports program that promotes sportsmanship through
playing on teams.
B. JTT is co-ed and teams consist of a minimum of 3 girls and 3 boys.
C. Winners of the league are based on total games won not by matches or sets.
3. Start and End Dates and Divisions of League
4. Costs
A. USTA Membership- All players MUST be USTA members. This can be done by phone or
through www.usta.com. A player must be a member in order to register for their team.
Junior membership is $20 per year.
B. Court Costs, balls, awards
C. Additional manager stipend
6. Levels of Play
A. Advanced.
B. Intermediate.
C. Beginner-Intermediate.
7. League Rules and Regulations and Format of Play
Go over league rules and your format of play. Also, every team should get a copy of the 2014
USTA Jr. Team Tennis Regulations Book. If you haven’t received one at a meeting, you can download
them here: http://www.ustajtt.com/index.php?page=championships---regulations
8. Advancement
League winners in the Intermediate and Advanced Divisions win the right to advance to District
Championships. To play in these, each team must pay $100 to participate, and all players must have
played in at least 3 team matches.
9. Team Registration
Make sure all coaches know how to register. A team registration form is attached and can be
found at www.middlestates.usta.com and by clicking on Jr. Team Tennis.
10. Player Registration
Player registration is attached and can be found at www.middlestates.usta.com and by clicking
on Jr. Team Tennis. Remember to make sure players have correct team #s before registering.
11. Score Entry/League Maintenance
Make sure coaches know they will be in charge of score entry and they can print scorecards
online.
12. Have Fun and Promote Good Sportsmanship!
23
USTA MIDDLE STATES JR. TEAM TENNIS RULES TO CONSIDER
FOR LOCAL PLAY
Please use the following as guideline for creating rules for your local league and pay special attention to the parts that are bold.
1. When: Make sure coaches and players have the Schedule
2. Where: Are Coach/Captain’s responsible for securing own 2 courts for their match for 2 hours or do
you have locations set?
3. Who is responsible for the tennis balls: Home teams are responsible for providing balls for the
match. Each match should require 2 cans of balls.
4. Match Format: Each match is one set each of male singles, female singles, male doubles, female doubles, and two sets of mixed doubles. It is suggested that you put the two doubles matches on two courts
first, and then singles, and then mixed doubles.
5. The team that wins the most games wins the match. If the score is tied at the end, then the result is a
tie. Standings are based on games won. If there is a tie at the end of the season, the team with the best
win-loss record, wins the league.
6. League winners in the Intermediate and Advanced Divisions win the right to advance to the District
Championships Insert your District Championships HERE. To play in these, each team must pay $75
to participate.
7. Home teams are responsible for reporting scores through TennisLink, although away teams also have
this ability to do so if they choose.
8. What to do in regards to weather? In the event of inclement weather, the home team coach/captain
is responsible for making the decision on a match. He or she can:
A. Book indoor courts to play the match at a nearby club. Note: Both teams must agree to play the
match indoors, and if so, cover the cost of the courts.
B. You need to set a deadline to make up matches.
C. Coach/Captains should communicate with their opposing coach/captain at least 24 hours before the match to coordinate details such as directions, number of players, etc.
9. What to do if at team doesn’t have enough players for a match
A. Defaulting? (Ex. If Team A only shows up with 1 girl they should default girls doubles)
10. Each coach/captain should bring a scorecard for the match.
A. Every player must be registered on TennisLink in order to play. We recommend that each
coach/captain prints out a lineup card and makes sure everybody playing that day is registered. If they
are not, they will not be able to play.
B. Coaching can be done at every changeover.
24
USTA MIDDLE STATES JR. TEAM TENNIS SAMPLE SCORING
FOR LOCAL PLAY
Singles and doubles play within a team match. (1girls singles & doubles, 1 boys singles & doubles, 1 mixed doubles.)
Team matches will be played in the following order (based on 2 courts per team match):
Boys & Girls Doubles
Boys & Girls Singles
Mixed Doubles
Matches will consist of FIRST to FOUR game sets (ex. 4-3)
A TIE-BREAKER will be played at 3-3. Winner of breaker will be first to acquire 7 points
(not winning by two.) The player whose turn it is to serve will serve the first point of the
tie-break game. After this, each player will serve alternately for two consecutive points until
the end of the tie-break game.
Scoring will be NO-AD. On a 40-40 game point, receiver may choose which side to receive
from. In mixed doubles, the serve must be gender to gender.
Players will switch sides on the ODD numbered games.
Team matches are won by the HIGHEST NUMBER OF GAMES SCORED.
If at the end of the mixed doubles match teams have TIED, the MIXED TEAM will play a
MATCH TIE-BREAKER to decide the match. Winner of breaker will be first to acquire 7
points. (not winning by two)
25
MODIFIED SCORING FOR 10 & UNDER
8 & Under
 Meeting once a week for 1 hour, 30 minutes practice, 20 to 30 minutes play
 Match play scoring
-One 7 point game
-Match play scoring modified to a 5 point set, 2 sets are played, and each player serves
an entire set and then switches. The winner of the set receives 100 points for the team;
the losing player receives 50 points for the team.
-Player scores a point when the ball goes over the net.
 Starting a point
-Eliminate service boxes
-Move closer
-Coach toss to player
-Drop hit
-Underhand serve
-Toss the ball over the net
 Other modifications
-Multiple bounces
-Volunteer/coach is on the court with the player hitting the balls that the player misses
to keep the rally going.
-Four players assigned to a court, two are playing the other two are keeping score. The
players switch roles for the second match and then all come on the court for doubles.
-Using caution tape as a net, even balls that go under are still in play as long as it is
bouncing, rolling balls are out of play.
-Use team activities to score point for your team instead of matches to promote skill
development.
10 & Under
 Less skilled player start on the 36 ft. court, next they move to the service boxes of the 78 ft.
court and then to the 60 ft. court
 Shortened scoring
 Serving from the service line
Most of the modification done is at the 8 & Under level. The modifications are done so that the
children can be successful and improve. When the modifications are used the children improve over the course of a season—6 to 8 weeks.
26
SAMPLE SEASON ACTIVITES FOR 10 & UNDER
WEEK 1
Team
Name
Ice Cream
cone catch
Koosh Ball
Pass
Team Tunnel
Ball
Doubles
Match Total
Points Won
Singles Match
Total Points
Won
Singles Match
Total Points
Won
Tennis
Hockey
Tennis Sandwich Relay
Lobster Traps
Doubles
Match Total
Points Won
Singles Match
Total Points
Won
Singles Match
Total Points
Won
Koosh Ball
Passes –
Backhands
Hula Hoop
Tennis
Toss, Hit,
Catch – Forehands
Doubles
Match Total
Points Won
Singles Match
Total Points
Won
Singles Match
Total Points
Won
Toss, Hit,
Catch –
Backhands
Team Rallies
with a coach
Stuffed Shirt
Doubles
Match Total
Points Won
Singles Match
Total Points
Won
Singles Match
Total Points
Won
Toss, Volley
Catch
Team Volleys
with coach
Serve and
Trap
Doubles
Match Total
Points Won
Singles Match
Total Points
Won
Singles Match
Total Points
Won
Racquet
Quickness
Team Rallies
Beat the
Coach
Doubles
Match Total
Points Won
Singles Match
Total Points
Won
Singles Match
Total Points
Won
WEEK 2
Team
Name
WEEK 3
Team
Name
WEEK 4
Team
Name
WEEK 5
Team
Name
WEEK 6
Team
Name
27
SAMPLE COACHES THANK YOU
Dear Mercer Jr. Team Tennis participant,
First of all, let me express my sincerest thanks for your continued cooperation, support, and
dedication towards Jr. Team Tennis.
To the players: Thank you for bringing your youthful enthusiasm, endless energy, athletic talent, and gracious gamesmanship to the courts each week. It's been an honor and a privilege to
be your local league coordinator. I wish everyone continued success in tennis and future endeavors. And, I'm hoping to see everyone again in future tennis seasons.
To the parents/family: Thank you for believing in Jr. Team Tennis. Without your willingness to
enroll your child in a new tennis program, this season would not have been. I applaud and
commend your dedication to your children's extracurricular activities. Thank you for spending
Saturday afternoons with me and the league.
To the Team Managers: You've been amazing and helpful throughout the season. You've kept
me organized and made sure all the players were in the line-ups each week. Thanks again for
all the time and energy you put into the league. You made my job so much easier. I thank you,
and I know the players and parents are just as appreciative.
Thank you for the sporting goods gift card. It was a very generous gift and it will be put to good
use in the very near future!
After 6 hard-fought regular season matches, the Mercer Aces will be the team representing our
league at Districts on July 16. To view final team standings, go to http://teamtennis.usta.com
and search for your team name. You can also find individual player information there as well.
I encourage everyone to utilize your USTA memberships this summer. Sign up for a local tournament or two to gain more practice and match experience.
Thanks again for all you've done this tennis season. I'll be in touch later in the summer with
details about Mercer's 2nd Jr. Team Tennis season. As always, spread the word to other players and parents. Our goal for next season is to have an 18 and under division and a few more
teams!
Kind regards,
Coach A
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POLICIES AND PROCEDURES
Before your league is off and running, it’s worth spending some time planning for the unexpected. Laying out policies and procedures in few key areas will help make sure that everyone
involved in your league is on the same page. You should think about:
•
•
•
•
•
Safety
Inclement weather
Facilities
Refund policy
Code of Conduct
Medical Release Form
You and every Team Manager should be aware of all medical conditions, allergies, or potential
areas of concern for each one of your participants. Prior to their first practice, all players
should submit a medical release form that has been completed and signed by their parent or
guardian.
First Aid Kit
If your partners don’t have them on site, every Team Manager should provide a first aid kit to
every practice and match. This is the first line of action should an injury occur.
Medical Emergency Plan
Your league should have a documented Medical Emergency Plan on hand for all practices and
matches. This document is a detailed summary of the steps to be taken in the event of a medical emergency to a player or spectator.
Inclement Weather
Your league should have a documented plan in case of inclement weather such as rain, thunder, or lightning. This plan will help parents and participants respond the right way, with no
confusion or miscommunication. As part of this plan, you should also establish a way to communicate with the parents of participants.
Facilities
Your league’s facilities will have their own policies and procedures. You should ensure that all
Team Managers know what is expected of them and their teams at all times. After all, you want
to make sure that you’ll always be welcome.
Refund Policy
Not every player who starts with your league at the beginning of the season will be able to stay
involved to the end. Just as you expect a clear refund policy from places where you shop, you
should provide the same for the parents of your participants.
Code of Conduct
The goal of your league is to have a positive impact on the lives of kids and help them develop
into successful adults. A Code of Conduct will help everyone involved in your league understand what’s expected of them to achieve that goal.
29
POLICIES AND PROCEDURES 2
For Players
Play for fun! You deserve to have fun playing tennis. Alert your parents or coaches if it stops
being fun.
Work hard and improve your skills. Remember working hard and trying your best is more important than winning and will help you become a better player.
Be a team player – get along with and be supportive of your teammates. Treat all players as
you would like to be treated.
Learn the rules and play by them. Do your best to listen and learn from your coaches.
Demonstrate good sportsmanship regardless of the score by acting in a positive manner towards your coach, teammates, your parents, opponent and officials
Don’t use drugs, tobacco or alcohol at any practice or match and remind others on the team
not to do so.
For Parents
Be a cheerleader – for both teams: Offer applause and cheer for both teams following a good
play or a great effort.
Respect volunteers: Remember all JTT coaches and administrators are volunteers. Respect
the fact they are willing to give so much of their time to your child. Be supportive of their efforts
to create a positive and enjoyable experience for all.
Be a good sport: Set the example by showing respect, dignity, and total sportsmanship at all
times. Do not criticize the opponents, their parents or coaches. Remain positive at all times.
If your child spots you kicking and screaming on the sidelines, he/she will learn that it’s acceptable for them to do so too.
Provide a safe environment: Demand a sports environment for your child that is free of drugs
and alcohol, and will refrain from their use at all tennis events. You and your child must treat
other players, coaches, fans, and officials with respect regardless of race, sex, sexual orientation, creed or ability.
Let kids be kids: Tennis is a game and playing should be fun. Let your child enjoy it with his/
her friends. Encourage your child to do their best and don’t worry about winning.
Be informed: Learning the rules of the game and policies of the league will help ensure your
child has a positive experience. Ask coaches for their point of view before making assumptions or creating a negative situation in front of the children.
30
POLICIES AND PROCEDURES 3
For Coaches
Always be positive: Offering support and encouragement builds a player’s confidence and self
esteem. Young players are going to make mistakes and miss shots, that is how children learn.
As a coach it is important to congratulate the effort instead of the result. Treat each player as
an individual, remembering the large range of emotional and physical development from the
same age group.
Lead by example: Demonstrate fair play and sportsmanship to all players, coaches and league
officials. As a youth sports coach, the game is for the children. Remember that this is an educational and recreational league designed to help all kids learn and love to play tennis.
Safety first: Provide a sports environment for my team that is free of drugs, tobacco, and alcohol, and refrain from their use at all tennis events. Also you should always place the emotional
and physical well being of the children ahead of a personal desire to win.
Learn the game: Be knowledgeable of the rules of tennis and teach these rules to the players
and their parents. Organize practices that are fun and challenging for the players.
The Rule of Seven
You are expected to give children greater care than adults. Depending on the age of the child,
children are held to various degrees of responsibility for their own actions. The Rule of Seven
identifies how children handle responsibility based on their age:
• Children under the age of 7 are not responsible for their own actions. They can not recognize dangerous situations or read warning signs. Your greatest responsibility for supervision
lies with this age group.
• Children between the ages of 7 and 14 are considered partially responsible for their actions
and welfare. They understand most warning signs and comprehend some dangerous situations.
• Youth 14 through 18 years of age are mostly responsible for their own actions. They have
the experience to make many good decisions related to their personal danger.
•
Adults are considered responsible for their behavior.
31
COACHES CODE OF CONDUCT
USTA Jr. Team Tennis Coaches Code of Conduct System
USTA Jr. Team Tennis (JTT) should be a fun and rewarding experience for our children. Character building lessons such as hard work, discipline, sportsmanship, and handling adversity
are regularly on display. Parents of JTT players should also enjoy the time spent with their
children and watching them develop not just into better tennis players, but into good citizens.
Coaches and organizers of Jr. Team Tennis are under a duty to encourage and maintain high
standards of proper conduct, fair play, and good sportsmanship. They are under an obligation
to avoid acts which may be considered detrimental to the game of tennis. Coaches shall not
engage in unsportsmanlike conduct.
The JTT Coaches Code of Conduct System shall apply to all local JTT matches, and championships.
• during the entire team match and practices
• at match facilities
During the course of a match or practice a coach shall not engage in:
a. Verbal abuse. Swear at a spectator or an opponent in a voice that can be heard by any person;
b. Visible or audible profanity. Use profanity or insulting, abusive or obscene language in any
way that may be heard by any person or use obscene, insulting or abusive gestures;
c. Racket or Ball abuse. Deliberately throw or hit a ball/racquet in any direction;
d. Threaten players, parents, or spectators in any way;
e. Physical abuse. Threaten or inflict bodily injury to anyone; or Threaten or inflict bodily injury
to anyone; or
f. Other unsportsmanlike or inappropriate conduct on or off court at locations such as the
match site, or parking lot
g. Physical act of violence against another person on or off the court by a player, parent, relative, coach, or other person associated with a player
h. Illegal use of drugs or possession of illegal drugs or Possession or consumption of alcohol
beverages
i. Destruction of property
32
COACHES CODE OF CONDUCT pg. 2
How do coaches get reported?
1. A coach, parent, player, or program administrator directly involved must complete a short
reporting form to be found on the middle states website and submit to USTA Middle States.
2. USTA Middle States will maintain records of reports against coaches.
3. All reports will be reviewed by a USTA Middle States Jr. Team Tennis Task Force in
accordance with the USTA Jr. Team Tennis grievance procedures on pages 19-27 in the
regulations booklet. Also found at www.usta.com/jtt
4. The USTA Middle States Jr. Team Tennis Task Force will determine and enforce appropriate penalties.
Penalties:
1. First Report - Receive a warning and sign sportsmanship contract
2. 2nd Report - Take a Positive Coaches Alliance online double goal coaches workshop and
pass with at least 80%.
3. 3rd Report - Suspended for the rest of the season and from championships that year.
The task force has the power to suspend coaches immediately if it believes that the coaches
conduct is so severe as to warrant immediate suspension, whether or not that conduct is specifically listed in this document.
If the task force determination is for suspension of a coach, the coach may appeal to the Junior
Competition Committee provided that the appeal is received by the USTA Middle States Section coordinator within 5 business days of the notice of determination. In the case of immediate
suspension, by the task force, that suspension will remain in effect until the appeal process
has been completed.
33
DISTRICT JR. TEAM TENNIS EVENTS
District
Site
Dates
Allegheny
Mountain 00
TBD
TBD
Central PA
District
Hempfield Area Rec. Commission
Lancaster, PA.
July 16th-18th
Eastern PA
District
WestEnd Racquet Club
Allentown, PA
July 19th
Philadelphia
District
Frosty Hollow and
Core Creek Park
July 9th and 10th
New Jersey
District
Mercer County Park
Hamilton, NJ
July 15th
Middletown High School
Middletown, DE
July 10th.
(Rain Date July 11th)
Delaware
District
Entry Fees: $100 per team and will be paid online in order to participate.
Team Deposit: $100. The deposit is a hold on a credit card to ensure the team participates throughout the event. If team withdraws after registration or is a no show at
the event, both the deposit and entry fees will be forfeited.
34
SECTION AND NATIONAL JR. TEAM TENNIS EVENTS
USTA Middle States Section Championships:
July 30—August 1
Mercer County Park Tennis Courts
640 S. Broad St. P.O. Box 8068
Trenton, NJ 08650
Phone: (609) 448-2088
Entry Fees: $140 per team and will be paid online in order to participate.
Team Deposit: $140. The deposit is a hold on a credit card to ensure the team participates throughout the event. If team withdraws after registration or is a no show at the event, both
the deposit and entry fees will be forfeited.
The winners from all divisions except 12 & U will advance to National Championships.
USTA National Championships:
The USTA 2014 National Championships will be held in Cayce, SC
14 & Under Advanced and Intermediate - October 17-19, 2014
18 & Under Advanced and Intermediate - October 24-26, 2014
35
USTA MIDDLE STATES JR. TEAM TENNIS SECTION CHAMPIONSHIP REGULATIONS
Below are regulations created by the USTA Middle States Section Community Tennis Department
from the National 2014 USTA Jr. Team Tennis Regulation book for teams advancing to and participating in the Section Championships. Please refer to the National Regulation Book for a complete
list of the championship regulations.
1. ELIGIBILITY: A player is eligible to progress to championship level competition, including
National Championships, if that player has played on the same team in at least three team
matches during its local USTA Jr. Team Tennis season on three separate dates and has the
results of said three matches recorded in TennisLink Team Tennis. Only one match result
may be the product of a defaulted or forfeited match by the opposing team to count towards
advancing for all players involved. A retired match shall count toward advancing for all players
involved.
2. PROGRESSION: Winning teams of the local league or competition (such as an Area Playoff) set
by the ALC will be entitled to advance to the District Championships. Winners from District
Championships will advance to Section Championships.
3. TEAM SUBSTITUTIONS: If a player on a qualifying team advancing to a championship
competition is, for whatever reason, unable to participate, and this brings the team below the 3
girl and 3 boy minimum, a substitute player may be added to the qualifying team’s roster from
the same local league in order to meet the minimum team size requirement. In no event can
more than two substitutes be added to a team’s roster for competition. Any substitutions must
be submitted to and approved by Meghan Goodwin at Goodwin@ms.usta.com prior to the
championship.
4. AGE ELIGIBILITY: Players must remain age eligible through August 31st of the championship
year to be eligible for advancement opportunities.
5. USTA MEMBERSHIP: Any individual who progresses to the Section Championship must be a
current USTA member for the duration of the championship.
36
Background Check Procedures
The 3 steps outlined below must be fulfilled to be eligible to serve as a Jr. Team Tennis coach/manager,
co-manager, or local/area coordinator. Please allow 10 business days for completion.
Step 1: View training video: http://training.safesport.org. You will be prompted to create an account. The
video is 90 minutes long. If you are unable to complete the course at one time, you can return and continue using
the account you created.
Step 2: Read the Youth Protection Policies and Procedures for USTA Jr. Team Tennis. Click here to download: http:assets.usta.comassets/1/15Youth_Protection_Policies_and_Procedures_for_USTA_Jr_-_2-2213_Clean.pdf
Step 3: Complete Your Background Screen Application. In the application, you will be required to certify and
affirm that you have successfully completed (1) and (2) above. The USTA has retained the services of an independent third party, the National Center for Safety Initiatives (NCSI), to conduct background screenings of all applicants. Please begin your background screen through NCSI:
https://www.ncsisafe.com/members/SelfRegLandingUSTAJTT.aspx
Once you submit your application, you will receive your NCSI Applicant ID number on the screen. You will this
number to check the status of your background screen (see (a) below) as well as when you login to TennisLink
for the first time.
My NCSI Applicant ID Number is:
a) Once you have submitted your background screen information, results will be generated in approximately 10
business days. Please be sure to add ncsisafe.com to your accepted email domain list. Watch for an email from
Compliance@ncsisafe.com in the days following your application; this will also contain your NCSI Applicant ID
number which can be used to check the status of your application on NCSI’s website.
b) NCSI may contact you within the 10 business day waiting period to request more information. You can confirm
the legitimacy of the request by checking your status on NCSI’s website using the NCSI Applicant ID number;
your status will note the same request for information. Please watch for communications from NCSI as these
emails may end up in your “spam” folder.
c) When you screen is complete you will receive either a green or red light, based on the results of your application and the USTA’s criteria. If you receive a green light, you will receive an email from the USTA notifying you
that you’ve been cleared through Safe Play with instructions on what to do next. You also will be listed on the results page of USTA.com: http://www.usta.com/About-USTA/background_screening_program_results/. If you received a red light, you will be notified by NCSI of your status and you will not be eligible to participate in Jr. Team
Tennis.
d) For more info and FAQ’s: http://www.usta.com/About-USTA/background_screening_policy_faqs_for_jtt/
For all questions related to the background screen system, please contact:
The National Center for Safety Initiatives
Phone: (866) 833-7100 or E-Mail: clientservices@ncsisafe.com
For all policy-related questions, please contact:
United States Tennis Association
E-Mail: safeplay@usta.com
37
USTA Middle States would like to thank you for your participation
in USTA Jr. Team Tennis! Your dedication and hard work is why
this program continues to grow.
Without priceless volunteers like you, our juniors would not be
able to compete with their friends, experience teamwork and unity, have fun, and learn life lessons on and off the court.
We hope that your experiences USTA Jr. Team Tennis will keep
you supporting our program and juniors in Middle States!
Thanks again!
Sincerely,
Meghan Goodwin
Goodwin@ms.usta.com
610-935-5000 ex. 229
38
Notes:
39