What is Jr. Team Tennis?
Jr. Team Tennis (JTT) is the USTA’s recreational tennis league for children, ages 6 to 18. The teams are co-ed and the league emphasizes sportsmanship, team camaraderie, and skill development. The league is organized by age and skill levels, with teams having the opportunity to advance to regional, sectional or national championships.
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Where can I find a 10 and Under Tennis League?
JTT 10 and Under Tennis leagues are starting all over our section. Contact the Tennis Service Representative (TSR) in your region for the latest information.
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How do I start a 10 and Under JTT League?
There is no one way of starting a league, but here is a sample timeline of steps you can take:
16 WEEKS Out
• Organize a kick-off meeting with parents, coaches, and other volunteers
• Meet with community organizations about partnering with your league.
• Finalize your league format, rules, and regulations.
• Create a tentative league schedule.
• Develop a budget.
• Begin contacting court facilities.
• Start recruiting Team Coaches and Volunteers.
12 WEEKS Out
• Secure your courts.
• Set up a meeting for Team Coaches.
• Tentatively organize the teams.
8 WEEKS Out
• Begin promoting your league with your partners.
• Hold a registration drive for signing up players.
4 WEEKS Out
• Hold Team Coaches meeting to distribute league rules
• Team Coaches should collect entry applications and fees from players for registration.
• Create match schedule and distribute to all team managers.
• Order league awards.
• Plan end-of-league social event.
During the Season
• Team Coaches collect and input all match scores into TennisLink.
• Advise teams of advancement opportunities.
Postseason
• Summarize the season with final budget and evaluations.
• End of season party.
A few more hints…..
• Recruit a few parent volunteers to help you, on and off the court.
• Inform coaches and parents what they will need from each kid: A USTA membership (free for the 1st year if your child is 10 and Under and has not been a member in the past; click here or call 1-800-990-8782).
• You will need some equipment …mini nets or caution tape, red pressure less balls if the league will be played on the 36x18 foot court; Orange ball if it’s played in the 60’x27’ court. To get more information on 10 and under tennis and where to get equipment, click here.
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What are the age divisions?
Age groups range from 8 and under to 18 and under; including 10u/12u/14u/16u/18u. There are also different levels within the age groups to cater to all. Levels range from beginner, to novice, intermediate, Junior Varsity, and advanced. It is best to talk to your local instructor or league coordinator to figure out in which level the player will have the best experience and be competitive.
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How do I know if my players are advanced or intermediate?
Advanced players generally play the Eastern Jr. Sanctioned Tournaments; and they generally have standing points or are ranked. Intermediate players are equivalent to 3.0 adult players, they play full court, play high school tennis, and maybe some of the section’s L3 tournaments; but have less than 200 ranking points in the Eastern Section. The exception to the rule is for 18 and under and 12 and under leagues, where players have to play at the advanced level only if they have 300 or more points. If you are unsure; talk to your local league coordinator.
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How much does it cost to play?
The Eastern Section does not charge any money to play in JTT; Active, the server where coordinators register the players, charges a small processing fee. There are also expenses associated with running a league, so most coordinators charge a very low fee, which could range from $10 to $25. The fee will vary depending on the size of the league and the area. There will be costs for balls, court fees, awards, officials, and in some cases a small administrative fee goes to the coordinator.
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What is the format of play?
The official format of play is as follows: Boys’ singles, girls’ singles, boys’ doubles, girls’ doubles, and mixed doubles. This is the format used at districts, regional and section championships. However, the format is flexible at the local level; contact your local coordinator for more information.
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How does the QuickStart format fit into JTT?
QuickStart is a great way to get kids involved in Jr. Team Tennis. Kids can play short sets to 7 points, or to a set amount of time – the coordinator will decide. Kids get to play on teams and enjoy a social atmosphere at an early age. Belonging to a team gives kids an extra incentive to stay involved and have fun while playing tennis with their peers. The Eastern Section will be hosting the first 10u and 8u Section Championships in August 2012.
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