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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What is the advantage of USTA Eastern JTT leagues over other non sanctioned programs?
Playing in a sanctioned JTT league gives your child the opportunity to advance to Region, Section or National Championships. A sanctioned league also ensures that the players are all within the same level, the format of play is consistent throughout the league and players can earn ranking points once they reach the regional and sectional events. Another important aspect of sanctioned leagues is that the Eastern Section approves the leagues before they start and they have to meet certain criteria in order to be approved. For 10 and Under JTT, Eastern makes sure that the leagues are run by qualified professionals who are adhering to the official court and equipment size, as well as the proper format of play.
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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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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 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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When do local JTT leagues start and end?
Leagues start at different times in the year. Throughout USTA Eastern, there is a fall season, winter season, spring, and summer season. To get start and end dates, click here.
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Where are the local and other championship tournaments held, and what are the dates?
District tournaments are held in areas where there is more than one league. Teams have to play for a spot at the Regional events; which move from area to area to give different cities a chance to host. The same applies to the Section Championships: sites change from year to year, however the Eastern Section attempts to make it a central spot so that everyone has to travel a similar distance.
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Where can you find programs or activities in your area?
Click here! This will guide you directly to local leagues and local coordinators. Contact your local coordinator to get your child involved in a league. Some leagues are seasonal.
If you are still not finding what you are looking for, then contact your local Tennis Service Representative who will be able to give you updated information.
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Where can I find a 10 and Under Tennis League?
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How do I become a coach or parent captain/manager?
Becoming a coach or parent captain/manager is very easy and simple. Just contact your league coordinator and let them know you want to volunteer. Being a manager just means that you will "manage" the team; make sure everyone knows when practices and matches are scheduled, keeping a score sheet and submitting to your coordinator; possibly organizing rides, and just being there when your team plays. You can be a mentor for the kids and make a big difference in their lives. If you are ready to commit, just contact your local league coordinators and they will get you started.
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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 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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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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I am ready to launch my new league. Is there marketing assistance?
The only limit when it comes to marketing your league is your imagination. Even with a small budget or no budget, there are many ways to get your league’s name out there. For inspiration, we’ve created a list of sample marketing materials that you can find online.
In addition, your local Tennis Service Representatives are the when it comes to knowing what’s happening in your area and will be best equipped to assist you to either find a team or a league or launch your own.
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