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New Physical Education Guide for Teaching Tennis in Schools
High School No-Cut Coaches Recognition Program
USTA School Tennis for Physical Educators
USTA School Tennis Notebook Spring 2008 issue
Guiding Principles and National Standards
Vision:
For tennis to be the most popular sport in physical education classes, at recess, and after school and that when participation studies are done in the future, people will remember their first experience in schools and parks as a great one!
Overall Philosophy:
USTA School Tennis must reach beyond introducing tennis to students in physical education classes. The goal should be to establish and direct students to organized after school and summer programs (ideally involving team tennis formats). The most effective school tennis approach involves coordinating with parks and recreation, youth organizations, community tennis associations, and facilities in order to create a complete pathway of program options for children of all ages.
Key initiatives that support this philosophy include Adopt-a-School efforts and the establishment of intramural and interscholastic based programs (e.g. mid-school leagues).
For more information on USTA School Tennis, contact Bruce Stone.
Qualifications for USTA School Tennis Support
 Schools can qualify for USTA School Tennis support including free and discounted equipment, teacher training, curriculum materials, and a school assembly by meeting the following requirements:
- Attend a USTA School Tennis In-service (3 hours) provided free of charge by the USTA.
- Agree to offer tennis within the physical education curriculum (minimum of 6 contact sessions.
- Agree to implement and teach After-School Tennis Program at the school or help publicize and promote an after school tennis program available in the area.
- Respond each year to a USTA questionnaire (one per school) which asks for suggestions and overall evaluation of USTA School Tennis support.
- Agree to take advantage of available programs offered to enhance the tennis curriculum, such as a USTA School Tennis assembly, Kids Day Tennis Event, or Recreational Coaches Workshop.
- Join the USTA as an organizational member for $35.00
- Schools must submit a commitment form agreeing to the requirements listed above to receive USTA School Tennis resources.
Equipment/ Resources
- Teachers that meet the requirements for USTA School Tennis support and submit a School Tennis Commitment Form are eligible to receive free equipment from the USTA as follows:
- Set of racquets (1:2 class ratio)
- Curriculum Guide
- Case of foam or low compression balls
- Lightweight short court system (available on a buy 1 get 1 free program through the section, while supplies last)
- Additional equipment and teaching aids can be purchased through Wilson Racquet Sports at a discounted price
- By providing equipment in a matching format, it requires an upfront commitment by the schools to offer the program.
- Racquets will be allocated a 1:2 ratio based on the class size of the school. The school can purchase additional racquets at the USTA price of $6.25. Refer to racquet order and procedures for more information.
- School sponsored special populations or wheelchair programs are eligible for the same equipment and training support normally provided to traditional physical education classes. Equipment allotments allocated by national should be used to fulfill the needs of these programs.
- Equipment provided by the USTA becomes part of the school's permanent inventory. Although, failure of a school to offer a tennis unit or submit the annual USTA survey may result in forfeiture of equipment to be used in the development of additional school tennis programs.
- A teacher that has met the USTA School Tennis support requirements and moves to a new school is eligible for a new allotment of equipment.
In-Services
- All requests for USTA School Tennis Teacher Trainings (In-services) are on a first come first serve basis.
- There must be a minimum of at least twelve teachers for the USTA to conduct an in-service.
- School teachers should be expected to attend an in-service at least once every three years. Annual refresher in-services can be an effective way to develop rapport with key programs.
- In-services are typically 3 hours in length. Expanded in-services can be offered in conjunction with state requirement for continuing education credits. Requirements vary per state and school district.
- Each school with a physical educator who attended a USTA School Tennis Teacher Training has the option to have an assembly (based on staff and clinician availability).
 Assemblies
- Assemblies are typically 30 - 60 minutes in length and are intended to get kids excited about tennis and promote after school tennis opportunities.
- Program leaders should be utilized in the assemblies and fliers should be on hand to provide to the children, with school approval.
- Whenever possible, program leaders should be trained to conduct the assemblies and in-service trainings, which will result in a stronger link between in school and after school programs.
- The USTA Section staff member or clinician will conduct an assembly on one selected day per school year based on availability.
- To maximize the time of staff and clinicians, assemblies should not be arranged or conducted for less than 100 students and ideally should be conducted for at least 50% of the student population.
Clinicians
- Individuals interested in conducting USTA Teacher In-Services and School Assemblies should complete a clinician application with their respective section.
- Clinicians should be required to attend a section clinician's training or Development Coaches Workshop and apprentice under the leadership of a staff member or experienced clinician for a minimum of 2 assemblies and 2 in-services.
- USTA School Tennis Teacher Trainings and Assemblies must be cleared through the appropriate Section or District Schools Coordinator.
- States should have trainer equipment kits that can be loaned to clinicians for trainings and assemblies. Suggested equipment includes: 24 racquets, short court set, large foam balls, low compression balls, bean bags, set of throw-down lines, roll of barrier tape, and rubber spots.
- Payment of clinicians to conduct in-services and assemblies is left to the discretion of each state.
"USA School Tennis should not be viewed as a racquet donation program but be respected as a community enrichment program."
Thanks to all the 2008 USTA Kentucky No-Cut High School Coaches & Teams.
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