THANKYOU. 1. Free to event attendees 2. Open to the public and to all ages and abilities 3. Held between September 1 October 6, 2012

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1 EVENTGUIDE

2 THANKYOU for joining our rally to combat childhood obesity by registering to host a USTA Free Tennis Play Day in celebration of Nickelodeon s Worldwide Day of Play between September 1 October 6, September is National Childhood Obesity Awareness Month, and we are thrilled that you already recognize the impact your event can have to get more kids active in your community. Leverage the power of Nickelodeon s Worldwide Day of Play, and you ll get kids excited about the sport and grow the game! Now, the USTA wants to ensure you have all of the tools and resources you need to make your event a success. Use this guide to help you organize your event, drive participation and create excitement and enthusiasm about tennis in your community! You may be asking yourself what the differences are between a traditional Play Day and a USTA Free Tennis Play Day in celebration of Nickelodeon s Worldwide Day of Play. Leverage the USTA s partnerships driving people to youthtennis.com. Your event will also be searchable to the public great additional exposure! In order to take advantage of all the benefits associated with Nickelodeon s Worldwide Day of Play your event must be: 1. Free to event attendees 2. Open to the public and to all ages and abilities 3. Held between September 1 October 6, 2012 Most importantly, your event is a part of a huge national promotion tied to First Lady Michelle Obama s Let s Move campaign! You will offer a fun and exciting place for kids and families to try tennis with the extra added benefit of being affiliated with Nickelodeon! The USTA is thrilled and proud to offer you this incredible opportunity we want to help you organize your most successful and impactful event to date. Use this guide to reference activities and games to address every skill level and age. Even parents are encouraged to join the fun! In addition to tennis play and activities, we encourage you to include a variety of other exciting elements found at traditional youth events that will keep kids entertained, moving and having fun!

3 LOCATION Youth tennis has changed no courts are required! People can play tennis just about anywhere! With equipment sized right, it s easier than ever to get kids rallying and having fun right from the start. Think beyond the court when you pick a location for your event. You can setup a play area on a school field, in a parking lot, in a gym or any safe, large open area. SAFE STREET PARK DRIVEWAY 36 COURT PLAYAREA Use lightweight nets, makeshift nets or barriers Use any net that can cover an 18 to 20 area A lowered badminton or volleyball net can be used You can improvise using plastic barrier tape, caution tape, or pennant banners Existing markings on floors (badminton and volleyball lines) can be utilized Flat rubber lines, chalk or tape can be used for playing surfaces that are not marked Look at nontraditional set up mall or large store parking lots and use the lines of the parking spaces to distinguish the safe play area

4 EQUIPMENT Having the right equipment is key to ensuring success. Bring a minimum of 20 kid-sized racquets (21-23 ) and encourage kids to bring their own racquets Bring enough foam and low compression balls for each activity you have set up; per activity RACQUETS AND BALLS 19 Racket 21 Racket 23 Racket 25 Racket Foam or felt Red Ball Foam or felt Red Ball Foam or felt Red Ball and Orange Ball Orange Ball

5 SPREADTHEWORD IT S AS EASY AS 1, 2, 3! Download all customizable materials at usta.com/marketingresources 1. Utilize Customizable Marketing Materials It s Easy! These posters, flyers and press release templates are designed to make marketing your event an easy and seamless process. Think beyond your facility or program location to promote your event! Consider promoting your event at schools, fitness centers, retailers, supermarkets, parks, listings in online community calendars, posting your event on social networking sites, etc. You might consider partnering with a local youth organization such as a YMCA, Boys & Girls Club or local school PTA to share information about the event! 2. Community Word of Mouth Ask your students, friends and associates to spread the word about your upcoming event! 3. Public Relations Complete the customizable press release through the link above and send to your local community papers; this is where many families get their youth sports information. Seek out local bloggers to mention your event in their daily/weekly blogs.

6 IT SGAMETIME Use this checklist to ensure that you re prepared to run a successful event. Pre - Event Recruit volunteers Status Determine area lay-out (food, table, etc.) Parking plan Food plan (water, snacks) Publicity Hang banners for promotion Secure music and sound system (optional) Develop run of show Secure 5-7 tables and chairs Develop rain contingency plan Event Day Volunteer orientation give out assignments Status Set-up registration table Check in table with blank nametags (optional) Food & beverage set-up Play area set-up Balls into hoppers Racquets secured Have music cued up Banners onto courts and perimeter Giveaway materials Set-up off-court activities for non-playing participants Run a brief orientation for all children and adults During the event, remember to circulate, watch matches and encourage the children and engage parents in conversation Ensure that each child and family understand where to go to sign up for local programming Run a brief awards ceremony to end the event to honor each child individually Send recap to local newspaper with local programming information United States Tennis Association, 70 West Red Oak Lane, White Plains, NY USTA. All rights reserved.