The United States Professional Tennis Association (USPTA) and the Professional Tennis Registry (PTR) announced a landmark and unprecedented programmatic alliance in an effort to elevate the standards of tennis-teaching professionals across the country.
The collaborative efforts include both associations embracing the pathway presented by the USTA for 10 and Under Tennis education by adhering to the minimum standards set in the curriculum and testing to be developed in Stage I and Stage II for all new professionals becoming certified in 2014 and beyond.
USPTA and PTR agree to continuing education for all professionals post-certification in terms of number of hours during a three-year cycle until the minimum education is achieved.
Both associations will support child welfare and safety education, certification and ultimately licensing of teaching professionals, in conjunction with the USTA, United States Olympic Committee (USOC) and any other organization that oversees childhood education.
Finally, there will be an open-door policy for members of either association to participate in each other’s symposiums or conferences at the local, divisional and national level at the going member registration rate. The attendance will count toward continuing education credits for each member for either organization.
“The USPTA believes the industry should have a strong voice representing the population of teaching professionals,” said USPTA President Tom Daglis. “An alliance to elevate the standards of teaching professionals is a step toward accomplishing that goal.”
“PTR believes that this is a step in the right direction to strengthen the tennis teaching industry in the United States,” said PTR President Jorge Andrew. “This commitment is important for the growth of tennis.”