USTA NEW ENGLAND Jr. Team Tennis Program Manual (For Area League Coordinators and Coaches)

USTA NEW ENGLAND Jr. Team Tennis Program Manual (For Area League Coordinators and Coaches)

Table of Contents General Information: Coordinator Information: Coach Information: Appendix: Introduction Community Relations Manager Contacts Area League Coordinator Contacts Program Requirements USTA New England Jr. Team Tennis Regulations Seasons and Fees Divisions of Play and Level Descriptions Frequently Asked Questions Season Timeline Championships State, Sectional, and National Championship Info Coordinator Information Job Description Stipend Information Season Checklist TennisLink Registration Coach Information Job Description Match Checklist TennisLink Registration and Scoring Uniforms Colors/Size Chart Uniform FAQ QuickStart Information Marketing Materials and Resources Overview and Web Tools Sample Flyers Thank you letter to Coordinators and Coaches Pages 3 4-9 10 11-12 13-16 17-19 20-25 USTA New England 110 Turnpike Road Westborough, MA 01581 508-366-3450 Please check www.ustanewengland.com for the most recent information. 2

INTRODUCTION TO USTA JR. TEAM TENNIS USTA Jr. Team Tennis is a grassroots USTA program for boys and girls ages 6 to 18 of all skill levels. The philosophy of the program is fun, fitness, and friends in an environment that stresses sportsmanship and socialization in a team tennis atmosphere. COMMUNITY RELATIONS MANAGERS (CRMs) and AREA LEAGUE COORDINATORS (ALCs) Territory (Counties) CRM Email Maine and New Hampshire Eric Driscoll driscoll@newengland.usta.com Vermont and Western Mass (Berkshire, Hampshire, Hampden, and Franklin) Eastern Mass (Worcester, Middlesex, Essex, Suffolk, and Norfolk) Rhode Island and Southeastern Mass (Plymouth, Bristol, Barnstable, Dukes, and Nantucket) Northern Connecticut (Litchfield, Hartford, Tolland, and Windham) Southern Connecticut (Fairfield, New Haven, Middlesex, and New London) Jon Kostek Kristen Liteplo Brett Marshall Nikita Zaharov Meg Angeletti Region ALC Email kostek@newengland.usta.com liteplo@newengland.usta.com marshall@newengland.usta.com zaharov@newengland.usta.com mangeletti@newengland.usta.com CT - Southern CT - Northern MA - Western MA - Central MA - North Shore MA - South Shore MA - Southeastern MA - Martha s Vineyard Beth Melina Sharon Roundtree-Brewer Matt Mish Kristen Liteplo Rebecca Franzese Andrew Decker Filipe Miguel Scott Smith Beth.melina@gmail.com sdrbrewer@att.net mishkin05@hotmail.com liteplo@newengland.usta.com rfranzese@student.framingham.edu ADecker@weymouthclub.com guelfrm@yahoo.com scott@vineyard.net ME - Southern ME - Mid-Coast ME - Northern NH - Southern NH - Seacoast NH - Central NH - Lakes and Mtns NH - Upper Valley NH - Winter League Kathy O Neil Luke Korzekwa Noah Capetta John Pelkey Gary Faltin Diane Phelps Nancy Osborne Mark Lewis TJ Dang metennis@maine.rr.com lukaszkorzekwa@hotmail.com curiousgnc@hotmail.com RI - All regions Sandy Sweet sccta@aol.com pelk@comcast.net aces100@msn.com dphelps87@comcast.net ncosborne@roadrunner.com tennisdirector@rivervalleyclub.com t4tennis2009@gmail.com VT - Champlain Valley Deb LaPorte debbilaporte@hotmail.com 3

USTA NEW ENGLAND JR. TEAM TENNIS REGULATIONS The following are the regulations for USTA New England Jr. Team Tennis for local leagues advancing to State, Section, and National Championships. This is not a comprehensive list of all USTA Jr. Team Tennis Regulations. If there is an area not covered in the list below, please refer to the 2011 USTA National JTT Regulations. 1. PLAYER AGREEMENT - USTA NATIONAL JR. TEAM TENNIS REGULATION 1.08: As a condition of their participation, all players participating in the USTA Jr. Team Tennis League agree to abide and be bound by the USTA Constitution; the Bylaws; the Regulations; Rules of Tennis; USTA Jr. Team Tennis Regulations; and the standards of good conduct, fair play, and good sportsmanship. All players participating in USTA Jr. Team Tennis League play agree to abide by the grievance procedures provided within USTA Jr. Team Tennis Regulations and the USTA Regulations and that the decisions shall be final and binding. 2. BACKGROUND SCREENINGS: All coaches must complete a background screening prior to any team practices or matches. This can be done by going to www.ustanewengland.com, clicking on Jr. Team Tennis, then scroll down to Background Screening. 3. PROGRAM/LEAGUE NAME: Must be called USTA Jr. Team Tennis. 4. USTA MEMBERSHIP: All participants must have a valid USTA Membership for the duration of the local season and through the State, Sectional, and National Championships. 5. TENNISLINK TEAM TENNIS: TennisLink Team Tennis must be used to manage the league. The Area League Coordinator (ALC) must have the local league schedule set up in TennisLink prior to the play of any team matches. 6. AGE ELIGIBILITY: Players must remain age eligible through August 31st of the championship year to be eligible for advancement opportunities. 7. NUMBER OF TEAMS: A local league is a team competition in a specified geographical area that applies specific local team regulations and consists of NTRP level(s) with a minimum of two or more teams per level. 8. TEAM MINIMUM: To qualify for championship participation, team composition shall consist of a minimum of three (3) boys and three (3) girls eligible to compete at a specific level of competition. 9. TEAM MATCHES: All teams are required to play a minimum of three (3) team matches. 10. SCORING FORMAT: The ALC, with approval from the Section Coordinator, may use the format which best meets the needs of the local league, including a round robin or other format. 11. TEAM LINEUPS: The coaches/managers for each team shall exchange their team match cards simultaneously prior to the beginning of the team match. No substitutions may be made in an individual match after the lineup has been presented, except for injury to, or illness of a player prior to the start of such match and except under such further circumstances as the section association authorizes. 12. SCORE ENTRY: All team match scores must be entered into TennisLink within one week of the completion of the match by the home team captain. Visiting team captains must log in to Confirm all scores. 13. MORE THAN ONE TEAM: Players may play on more than one team in a local league during the same season, based on the decision of their Section Association. Prior to any advancement to a championship (State, Sectional, National), the player must declare which team he or she will participate on in such championship. 14. INDIVIDUAL MATCHES: An individual player may play up to two matches in one team match. For Sectional Championships, the second match must be mixed doubles (ex: player can play singles and mixed or doubles and mixed). Local leagues may have different rules so check with your ALC. 15. PROGRESSION: Players must participate in a minimum of 3 team matches at the local level and have the scores entered in TennisLink to qualify for State, Sectional or National Championships. Only one of those 3 matches can be a result of a default or forfeit. The method of determining the winning team of the local league competition to advance to the next level of competition is determined by the ALC, with approval from the Section Coordinator. 16. COACHING: The ALC, with approval from the Section Coordinator, shall determine whether and at what times to allow coaching at the local level. In no event is coaching permitted during a tiebreak. Continued to next page 4

17. POINTS: Points for junior standings will be awarded at the Sectional Championships. For the Advanced level, 100 points will be awarded for each win and for the Intermediate level, 40 points will be awarded for each win. 18. PLAYER LEVEL: Player levels are determined by NTRP Rating and the number of points a player has earned for participation in USTA or USTA New England Sanctioned Tournaments. The number of points a player has earned will be determined according to the December USTA New England Standing List (Combined) from the previous year. In other words, participation in USTA New England JTT between January 1, 2010 through December 31, 2010 will be based on the point totals on the December 2009 USTA New England Standing List (Combined). Participation in USTA New England JTT between January 1, 2011 through December 31, 2011 will be based on point totals on the December 2010 USTA New England Standing List (Combined). Note: Eligibility of a player who participates in a USTA New England JTT league during the fall of 2010 may change as of January 1, 2011 due to the change in the USTA New England Standing List (Combined) from year to year. The USTA New England Standing List (Combined) can be found on the USTA New England web site www.ustanewengland.com by selecting Tournaments under the Juniors tab; then selecting Standings/ Rankings; then selecting Standing Lists. A list of players who are required to play at the advanced level of both the 14 s and 18 s USTA New England JTT based on USTA New England Standing List (Combined) will also be posted on the USTA New England web site www.ustanewengland.com. This list may be found by selecting Jr. Team Tennis under the Junior tab and then selecting JTT Advanced Player List. If a player participates in USTA or USTA New England Sanctioned tournaments, in addition to the NTRP Ratings, the following regulations will apply: 10 & under tournament play: There are no restrictions for participation in the intermediate or advanced levels of USTA New England JTT based on points listed on the 10 s USTA New England Standing List (Combined). 12 & under tournament play: All players who have earned more than 1,500 points on the 12 s USTA New England Standing List (Combined) from the previous year must participate at either the advanced level of the 14 s or 18 s USTA New England JTT. All players who have earned more than 1,500 points on the 12 s USTA New England Standing List (Combined) from the previous year may not play in the intermediate level of either the 14 s or 18 s USTA New England JTT. 14 & under tournament play: All players who have earned more than 1,000 points on the 14 s USTA New England Standing List (Combined) from the previous year must participate at the advanced level of the 14 s USTA New England JTT. All players who have earned more than 1,500 points on the 14 s USTA New England Standing List (Combined) from the previous year must play in the advanced level of the 18 s USTA New England JTT if they choose to play in the 18 s USTA New England JTT. All players who have earned 1,001 to 1,500 points on the 14 s USTA New England Standing List (Combined) from the previous year may play in either the intermediate or advanced level of the 18 s USTA New England JTT if they choose to play in the 18 s USTA New England JTT. 16 & under and 18 & under tournament play: All players who have earned more than 1,000 points on the 16 s or 18 s USTA New England Standing List (Combined) from the previous year must participate at the advanced level of the 18 s USTA New England JTT. All players who have earned more than 1,000 points on the USTA New England Standing List (Combined) from the previous year may not play in the intermediate level of 18 s USTA New England JTT. At the start of each local league season, players should be placed on teams according to the NTRP and the point total regulations above. Because a player participated in USTA JTT at one level in a previous season, they are not automatically required to play USTA JTT at that level again the following season if their eligibility has changed according to the NTRP or point totals regulations above. 5

SEASONS USTA New England offers USTA Jr. Team Tennis in up to four seasons throughout the year. Having seasons makes it easier for communities to plan their tennis programs around a calendar year and helps promote year round team tennis play. Each territory has different seasons that are listed below. Prior to starting a season, the designated Area League Coordinator (ALC) must register the program on the TennisLink Team Tennis website at by going to www.ustanewengland.com and clicking on TennisLink at the top of the page. The seasons for the championship year for each state are: Connecticut: Fall, Winter, Spring, Summer Eastern Mass: Fall, Winter, Spring, Summer Western Mass: Winter, Summer Maine: Winter, Summer New Hampshire: Winter, Summer Rhode Island: Winter, Spring, Summer Vermont: Summer VARIOUS PROGRAM FEES Local league program fees are at the discretion of the Area League Coordinator running the league and are subject to an additional TennisLink fee. An additional fee will be included for the National USTA Jr. Team Tennis Uniform Nike Dri-Fit Shirt. The cost of the shirt, which is $13.00, includes shipping and handling. Example: Program Fee set by ALC + $13.00 Nike Jersey + TennisLink Fee = Total Cost of Program for a player at checkout. 6

DIVISIONS OF PLAY AND LEVEL DESCRIPTIONS Age 8 & Under 10 & Under 12 & Under 14 & Under 18 & Under Skill Level Beginner-QST (foam or red ball) Beginner-QST (orange or green ball) Beginner/ Intermediate Intermediate Advanced Intermediate Advanced The 8 & Under and 10 & Under Beginner (NTRP 2.0 & Below) division players are novice players that are new to the game and have had no formal tennis instruction. They are just learning to play and judge where the ball is going. They enjoy tennis as a recreational sport and have very little or no match play experience. This division will use the QuickStart Tennis (QST) format. Recommended play for the 8 & Under division will be held on the 36 modified tennis court and play for the 10 & Under division will be held on a 60 court. Both divisions are to use age appropriate tennis racquets, balls, and scoring. See pages 20 for details for the QST format. Currently, these divisions will only be held at the local level. 12 & Under Beginner/Intermediate (NTRP 3.0 & Below) division players are beginner to intermediate players that are new to match play and not quite ready for the 14 & Under but have the ability to play on a full sized court with regular tennis balls. 14 & Under and 18 & Under Intermediate (NTRP 3.0 & Below) division players are low-intermediate to intermediate players that have learned how to serve and keep regular scoring on their own, are fairly consistent when hitting medium paced shots, but are not comfortable with all strokes and lack execution when trying for directional control, depth, or power. These players are beginning to compete in local Jr. Team Tennis programs or Junior Varsity High School tennis as well as USTA New England Sanctioned tournaments, some even winning smaller local tournaments. The winner of each division in the local league will be eligible to advance to Championships. 14 & Under and 18 & Under Advanced (NTRP 3.5 and Above) division players are high-intermediate to advanced players that have achieved improved stroke dependability with directional control on moderate shots, but need to develop depth and variety. They exhibit more aggressive net play, have improved court coverage, and are developing teamwork in doubles. These players may be entering and playing USTA New England Sanctioned tournaments or compete on Varsity High School teams. The winner of each division in the local league will be eligible to advance to Championships. RANKING LISTS FOR 2011 CHAMPIONSHIP YEAR JR. TEAM TENNIS 14 & Under and 18 & Under INTERMEDIATE/ADVANCED LEVELS How to Check Standings/Rankings for Points: 1. Go to www.ustanewengland.com. 2. Select Tournaments under the Juniors tab. 3. Select Standings/Rankings then Standings Lists. 4. Click on the New England Standing List (Combined) for all age divisions in which the player participated for the previous year.* *SPECIAL NOTE FOR EARLY START LEAGUES: in the fall of 2010, you must check 2009 year end points. Starting on January 1, 2011 you must check 2010 year end points. 7

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS Q: How many players do you recommend per team? A: 8-10. This allows some flexibility if players need to miss a match, yet the team is still small enough that the players get to play and feel like a valued member. The team minimum for championship advancing teams is 6 (3 boys and 3 girls). Q: Do the players need to be USTA Members? A: YES! All participants in USTA Jr. Team Tennis must be current members of the USTA for the duration of the local league season. Membership must also be valid should the team advance to the championships. Q: Can a player play on more than one team? A: Yes, but only during the local league. The player must declare which team they will participate on should both advance to the championships. Q: If I have two teams, can I switch players back and forth between the teams during the local season? A: Yes, you must register those players on both teams, paying for two registration fees. Q: Can a player play more than one time in a team match? A: Yes. An individual player may play up to two matches in one team match. For Sectional Championships, the second match must be mixed doubles (ex: player can play singles and mixed or doubles and mixed). Local leagues may have different rules so check with your Area League Coordinator (ALC). Q: Who is in charge of recording match scores? The home team coach/captain, is usually responsible for recording scores but this is determined by the local league so contact your ALC for details. Q: When is the age cut-off date? A: A player must remain age eligible through August 31st of the Championship Year. Q: If my team plays a team in a different division will it count as local play (ex: 18 & Under Intermediate team playing an 18 & Under Advanced team)? A: Yes. You will need to inform your ALC so it can be put on TennisLink. Q: What level should the team play at if one player is advanced and the rest of the players are intermediate? A: If that player is going to play on your team, the entire team must play up to the Advanced level. 8

JR. TEAM TENNIS LEAGUE TIMELINE 6 Months Before Season Begins Contact program providers, facilities, youth organizations, high school coaches and interested individuals to inform them that a league is starting in their community. Solicit help in organizing the league. Schedule informal meetings. Publicize these meetings through press releases, promotional materials and letters to the interested individuals. Canvas the community with promotional materials on the program. 4 to 5 Months Before the Season Begins Create a tentative league season schedule including the organization of the program until the completion of championship play. Set up the league on TennisLink and secure court time. Provide players, coaches, captains, parents, volunteers, and program providers with the following: Information flyers on your local league program Requirements for Participation for Players & Coaches How to Register Determine what levels and age categories you want to offer, and formats to be used (QuickStart). Work with P&R Departments, School Districts, and Youth Organizations to get information into their brochures, and in flyers which can be posted or handed out. 3 Months Before Season Begins Set date for league meeting and notify all potential participants, (Parents, Volunteers, Tennis Facilities, Coaches, P&R departments, Youth Organizations, Tennis Professionals etc.) of the date, time and location of this meeting. You may need to schedule more than one meeting. Meet with league volunteers and assemble information necessary for coach and captain folders. Try to determine number of possible teams per level and set a tentative schedule of play (length of season). Start registering players. 2 Months or Less Before Season Begins Hold league meetings: Review all materials and announce deadlines for their completion. Discuss league fees associated with participation in the program. Create local league regulations necessary for local league play. Discuss match schedule/ format for all levels. Go over Uniform/Membership and Background Check Requirements for Coaches. Announce or distribute all championship dates. Work with Community Relations Manager on TennisLink trainings for coaches/ team managers. Create match schedule and distribute to all coaches and captains and programs participating in the league. During Local League Season Have coaches communicate prior to matches. Verify matches are being entered in a timely manner. Send weekly results and team standings to local media. Confirm final standings. Forward information on championships to winning teams of each flight. Post Season Assist in organizing and running local play-offs or championships. Meet with volunteers to evaluate local league season and set up tentative schedule for next season. 9

JR. TEAM TENNIS STATE CHAMPIONSHIPS State Site Dates CT TBD TBD Eastern MA TBD TBD Western MA TBD TBD ME NH RI TBD TBD TBD Wednesday, August 10th Thursday, August 11th TBD VT TBD TBD JR. TEAM TENNIS SECTIONAL AND NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIPS USTA New England Sectional Championship: For teams/players to be eligible to participate in the State and/or Sectional Championships, your local league must be registered on TennisLink. Teams will be subject to pay a championship entry fee. 2011 14 & Under Advanced and Intermediate National Championship: Winners in the 14 & Under Advanced and Intermediate divisions from the USTA New England Sectional Championship will be invited to represent USTA New England at the USTA Jr. Team Tennis National Championships. 2011 18 & Under Advanced and Intermediate National Championship: Winners in the 18 & Under Advanced and Intermediate divisions from the USTA New England Sectional Championship will be invited to represent the USTA New England Section at the USTA Jr. Team Tennis National Championships. Event USTA New England Sectional Championships USTA Jr. Team Tennis 14 & Under National Championships USTA Jr. Team Tennis 18 & Under National Championships Site TBD TBD TBD Dates August 17-18, 2011 TBD TBD Divisions 14 & Under Intermediate and Advanced 14 & Under Intermediate 18 & Under Intermediate 18 & Under Intermediate and Advanced 14 & Under Advanced 18 & Under Advanced 10

INFORMATION FOR AREA LEAGUE COORINDATORS (ALCs) Area League Coordinator Position Description: Purpose of Position: To coordinate multiple USTA Jr. Team Tennis programs within a geographical area. Duties: Fully understand how USTA Jr. Team Tennis operates at the local, state, section, and national levels Adhere to all USTA rules, regulations, and policies if advancing to Sectional and National Championships Recruit coaches, parent managers, and players and hold coaches meetings Establish the format for the league in conjunction with the Section Coordinator and local Community Relations Manager Distribute league information to coaches and team members Register program on TennisLink and manage league schedule Oversee local marketing efforts in conjunction with USTA New England Train and guide coaches through TennisLink process Make sure all scores are entered on TennisLink Organize an end of the season event or awards 2011 AREA LEAGUE COORDINATOR STIPEND OPPORTUNITIES: ALC Sectional Stipend: A Sectional stipend is available to eligible ALC s at the end of the 2011 Championship year. For the 2011 Championship year, you must apply for the stipend by September 1, 2011 by going to www.ustanewengland.com and then clicking on Jr. Team Tennis. In order to receive this stipend, proof of local league play must be provided via your Stats and Standings Report in TennisLink. The report must be complete and uploaded to the online stipend application. In order to have a complete Stats & Standings Report, TennisLink must be used in full for your league, including scheduling and score entry. In addition to the report, a W-9 form must be uploaded to the online application and then faxed with a signature to 508-366-5805. The pay scale is as follows: Recommended Sectional ALC Stipend Program: 6 teams: $250 7-10 teams: $500 11-15 teams: $750 16-25 teams: $1000 25 + teams: $1500 Section Grants: There are grants available from USTA New England for starting a local league. Please contact the section office for more details. Please direct any questions to: Sarah Rice at 508-366-3540 x27 or rice@newengland.usta.com 11

AREA LEAGUE COORDINATOR CHECKLIST Read the 2011 USTA National and New England Jr. Team Tennis Regulations and make sure you understand all regulations prior to starting your league. (Questions about regulations - contact Sarah Rice at 508-366-3450 x27 or rice@newengland.usta.com) Work with your local Community Relations Manager to designate a season(s) for league play. Recruit and secure team managers/captains for each league team Recruit and secure players for each league team Secure site(s) for league play (you can work with your local Community Relations Manager) Set a league fee (can include awards, ceremony/party, compensation, court fees, etc.) Hold a team manager/captain meeting to make sure everyone understands the league, rules, cost, schedule, TennisLink duties, and National Regulation books are distributed Set up your league on TennisLink and make a schedule (for help email linkteam@usta.com) Ensure all teams and players are registered on TennisLink Field questions from coaches TENNISLINK INSTRUCTIONS FOR COORDINATORS First time users, please follow the steps below. If you have been a coach/captain before on the TennisLink system, please scroll down to Registering your Team on the website. If you do not remember your User ID or Password, please contact Sarah Rice at rice@newengland.usta.com or 508-366-3450 x27. Registering as a Program Coordinator Putting your league on-line: 1. Where do I go? Go to http://tennislink.usta.com/teamtennis/main/homepage.aspx. 2. How do I get started? Click on become a program coordinator. Enter in your USTA number or pertinent information if you are not a USTA member. Create a password, confirm it, and then make up a password hint in case you forget it. Click submit and write down your team tennis ID # if you are not a USTA number. 3. How do I get my program on the system? Click on create new program. Fill out the program application. On the summary page at the end you will need to click on submit. 4. What do I do after I submit my program? Your application will be listed as submitted until it is reviewed and approved by your Section Coordinator. 12

INFORMATION FOR COACHES Coach Position Description: Purpose of Position: Duties: To oversee a group of players that competes in a USTA Jr. Team Tennis League. Fully understand how USTA Jr. Team Tennis operates at the local, state, section, and national levels Adhere to all USTA rules, regulations, and policies if advancing to Sectional and National Championships Attend Coaches Meeting Recruit players Distribute league information to team members Register team on TennisLink and assist players with registration Secure courts for home matches and practices in a safe environment Submit a lineup before each match Coach players during the match Collect and record scores and then report on TennisLink Provide instruction, play opportunities, motivation, and enthusiasm Make sure all scores are entered on TennisLink Preferably attend a Recreational Coach Workshop or QuickStart Tennis Workshop 13

JR. TEAM TENNIS MATCH CHECKLIST Prior To The Match (according to the Local League timeline) Make sure all players participating in the match are registered in TennisLink Complete the required background screening by going to www.ustanewengland.com, clicking on Jr. Team Tennis and then scrolling down to Background Screenings. Contact and confirm with other coach time and location of the match as well as how many players each team can bring to the scheduled match. If away team, make sure players have transportation to the match Home team must provide tennis balls for the match Record line-up on score sheet to exchange with other coach prior to the start of the team match. Match Time Explain match format -Total games won -Game scoring (scoring is determined by the local league; 8 game pro-set, regular set, etc). -Ad or No-Ad scoring -Tiebreaker Typically, boys and girls doubles will go on first, followed by singles and mixed doubles. This depends on the number of courts available. Monitor environment to help maintain a courteous, fun, and safe experience for all involved. NOTE: Coaching: is determined by the Area League Coordinator. In no event is coaching permitted during a tiebreak. Please remember to be courteous of ongoing play while on court. After The Match Home team coach/captain (or whoever kept score based on the local league rules) is responsible for posting the scores in TennisLink. Scores must be posted within 48 hours of the completion of the match. Confirm the next scheduled match day/time with your players and parents. 14

TENNISLINK INSTRUCTIONS FOR COACHES First time users, please follow the steps below. If you have been a coach/captain before on the TennisLink system, please scroll down to Registering your Team. If you do not remember your User ID or Password, please email Sarah Rice at rice@newengland.usta.com or call (508) 366-3450 x27. These instructions and steps may be completed by your Area League Coordinator. Check with your coordinator before going further. Registering as a Coach or Captain (If this is your first time coaching a team and using TennisLink, you will need to register as a Coach or Captain). 1. Go to: http://tennislink.usta.com/teamtennis/main/homepage.aspx. 2. Click on Become a Coach/Captain located on the right side of your computer screen. 3. Fill in the necessary information and select a password. 4. Click SUBMIT (Write down your number and password, you will need this every time you use TennisLink) 5. You are now an official Jr. Team Tennis Coach/Captain! This gives you your TennisLink Log in #, and you still need to create your team. Registering Your Team and choosing your Uniform 1. Go to: http://tennislink.usta.com/teamtennis/main/homepage.aspx. 2. On the top right side of your computer screen, click Coach/Coordinator Sign-In. 3. To log in, enter your USTA number or your Team Tennis number (the number you created when you became a coach/captain). Enter your Password and click Logon. 4. Next click on Create New Team located on the right side of your computer screen under the red bar heading My Options. 5. Under the section drop-down menu, click on New England, then your District, then your Area, and click on Go. 6. Click on Jr next to the program you wish to register a team for (If you have questions on what program you want, please contact Sarah Rice at rice@newengland.usta.com). 7. Enter the necessary information: Team Name, Site Facility, and Division and write down your Team Number. Try to use your facility host site name and your level in your team name and if your host site is not listed, you will need to contact your Area League Coordinator. In the coach/captain box you will need to choose at least one affiliation. 9. Next, you will be prompted to identify the team uniform color. Select the color from the drop down box. For information on the uniform options and sizes, go to page 17. 10. Enter the Shipping address and contact information for where you want the shirts to be delivered. 11. Click Save. Registration Process Continued on next page 15

TENNISLINK INSTRUCTIONS FOR COACHES (CONT.) 12. Once the team is saved, the Coach has the option to add a Co-Captain and order shirts for the Coach and Co-Captain. 13. Once all of the information is filled out, the system will take you to the standard check out screen. 14. Once the payment is processed, you have the option to go Back to Team Home Page or to Register Players. Registering Players on Your Team 1. If the captain chooses the Register Players link, then they are brought to the player registration screen. If you re registering at a different time, you will need to go to http://tennislink.usta.com/teamtennis/ main/homepage.aspx and logon using your USTA number or Team Tennis number that you created when you became a coach/captain. Click Register Players under My Options. 2. You will see a table where you can enter a team number and then the player s USTA membership number. The team number is the number that coach received when they registered the team. 3. The Team Number will Auto Fill and the captain will be prompted to enter the players USTA Membership number. Next to each USTA Membership number entered, the captain will need to pick a Shirt Size from the drop down box. The uniform size must be picked and paid for at this time. 4. Then click Proceed to Checkout located on the bottom of the screen. This will bring you to the payment page. Click SUBMIT, if you need a receipt, print out the next page that comes up. Registering for a Team as a Player 1. If a player is registering individually, they should go to http://tennislink.usta.com/teamtennis/main/ homepage.aspx. 2. Click Register to Play and then enter your Team Number on the next page. 3. Enter your USTA Membership number and select your shirt size. 4. Proceed to checkout and enter your payment information. Printing a Match Scorecard Before a Team Match 1. Go to: http://tennislink.usta.com/teamtennis/main/homepage.aspx 2. Click Coach/Coordinator Sign-In on the top right of your screen. 3. Click on Teams under My Options and then click on Team Standings Report on the right for the team you want. 4. Then click Match Schedule at the top of the next screen. 5. Click on the match ID number for the match you want. 6. At the bottom of the page, click Print Scorecard. Entering Scores After a Match 1. Go to: http://tennislink.usta.com/teamtennis/main/homepage.aspx 2. Find where it says, Click Here located on the right side of your computer screen under the red bar heading Captains & Coordinators. 3. After hitting Click Here, you will get a login page. Enter your USTA Number or your Team Tennis Number (this is the number you created when you became a coach/captain). Enter your Password and click Logon. 4. Under My Options, click Score Entry. 5. Enter the match number and click Next. 6. Enter the date the match was played. 7. Enter match results and click Next. 8. Review the information and if it is correct, click Finish. 16

NIKE UNIFORM OPTIONS The Nike uniform is available in unisex and girls styles. There are 5 different color options for the unisex style and 3 color options for the girls-cut style. The colors may be used multiple times in any given league. The ALC may decide to assign the team colors or let each team pick. The colors and sizing charts are below. Unisex Shirt Girls Cut Shirt 17

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT THE NIKE UNIFORM Q. What is the price of the team uniform? A. The NIKE high performance Dri-fit uniform is $13.00 (includes shipping and applicable tax). Q. Who picks the team uniform and how do I do that? A. Team coaches/managers pick the color of the team uniform when creating the team. There are 5 color options and the coach/manager determines the shipping address. Team coaches/managers usually use their home address. If you do not select a uniform color prior to the 10 days deadline, the system will auto select a default color to ensure timely receipt. Once chosen and the order placed with Tennis Warehouse, color changes are not available. Q. How are uniform shirts shipped? A. Uniform shirts are typically shipped UPS Ground and every attempt is made to ship an entire team order together. Players should be encouraged to register as soon as possible so uniforms are received on time. Q. As a team coach/manager, can I order a team uniform? A. Yes. Captains/managers and co-captains have the option to purchase the team uniform (a total of 2). Within team creation, there are detailed instructions. Purchased uniforms will be included in the shipment received. Q. How do I track a team order? A. Tennis Warehouse will provide a tracking number via email to the email address provided in the set up area. Orders are being sent to Tennis Warehouse 10 days prior to the flight start date so it is a good idea to get all your players to register well in advance to receive the team uniform on time. Q. What if I change my season start dates? A. Changing start dates after players have registered for the program or team will affect the ability to change the uniform color. Q. When will the team order be shipped? A. Uniform orders will be sent to Tennis Warehouse 10 days prior to the flight start date. Once received, the team order will be "picked" and shipped to the address associated with the team. It is recommended to set an early deadline to encourage players to register so uniforms are received as soon as possible. Q. What if I register players later in the season? A. An initial order will be sent to Tennis Warehouse 10 days prior to the flight start date. Orders will then be sent to Tennis Warehouse daily after that date to accommodate extra players that are registered later. Shipments will go out every Tuesday and Friday throughout the season. Q. Do my team and players have to order a uniform? A. Yes. The team uniform is part of the national league and will be ordered in every registration. The team coach/manager picks the desired team shirt color prior to player registrations. Each player only needs to order one shirt per championship year, not one per team. 18

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT THE NIKE UNIFORM (CONT.) Q. When I receive an order how do I know which players receive the uniforms? A. The coach will receive a packing invoice from Tennis Warehouse indicating what is in the shipment. To see which players should receive a uniform from the shipment, pull up the player roster in TennisLink associated with the team. In the column to the right, it will indicate the date in which the uniform order was placed with Tennis Warehouse and sizing information. Match that date with the received shipment and determine which players should receive the uniform. If the coach has multiple teams, they will need to know which team color selected per team, the number of players per team, and the start of the season. Q. How do players pick their uniform size and pay for it? A. When registering for an eligible program, the system will give you a drop down option to select your size. There is a link explaining sizing. After selecting your size, click the "proceed to checkout" button and that will bring you to the standard payment page. The price is bundled into your registration. Q. Do players get a team uniform with every registration? A. A player only needs to order one shirt per championship season. They can order one per team you register for, but you can select to not order a uniform if you already have one for another team. Q. What if I choose not to order a uniform when I register but then decide later that I do want to get a uniform? A. To order a uniform after you ve registered you have to call Tennis Warehouse directly to order it. You will then have to pay $15 plus shipping for the uniform. Q. When will players receive their uniforms? A. When players receive their uniforms depends on when the league start date is. The uniforms will be shipped to the team coach 10 days prior to the league start date so players should check with him/her. Q. What if a player receives the wrong size? A. If the error is Tennis Warehouse s, you can exchange the uniform for no additional cost. Contact Tennis Warehouse at 1-888-466-1188. However, if the error is due to an improper selection, the player will be responsible for the cost of the exchange. Q. Are girls required to order the girls-cut uniform? A. No, girls can choose from the girls-cut or unisex style uniform. Q. How do the girls-cut shirts fit? A. The girls-cut shirts have a junior cut and more shapely fit. 19

APPENDIX QUICKSTART INFORMATION Racquets For an adult or a child to succeed at tennis, racquet control is essential. Since kids are smaller than adults, they have trouble controlling full-size racquets. They're too long, they're too heavy, and the grips are too large. Kids need racquets that are proportionate in length and weight and have a grip that fits their smaller hands. For 8 & under, the racquet should be 19", 21" or 23". For 10 & under, the racquet should be 23" or 25". Balls Kids need a ball that's sized and paced to their playing abilities. A regulation tennis ball moves too fast, bounces too high and is too heavy for their smaller racquet. Each age group, therefore, uses a ball better suited to their size and unique playing ability. For 8 & under, a foam ball or a very low compression ball moves slower, bounces lower and travels less distance. For 10 & under, a low compression ball moves a little faster and travels farther than the ball used with the younger group, but it still has a lower bounce than the original. Court Dimensions QuickStart Tennis uses equipment that is scaled to the size and ability level of young children. 8 & Under children will play on a court that is 36 feet long and 18 feet wide. The net is 18 feet long and 2-foot, 9-inches in height. Portable nets and support systems are available from many manufacturers, or temporary nets can be constructed using tape or caution tape tied to existing nets, fences or even chairs. A regulation net is used on the 60-foot court for youngsters 10 & Under. If you are not using an existing court and net, the net height for the 60-foot court is three feet. Scoring For players who are 8 & Under, there are only seven points in a game, so match play is short and sweet. Kids play the best of three games; the first to score seven points wins the game. The first to win two games wins the match. The longest the match will last is approximately 20 minutes. Players who are 10 & Under should play the best-of-three sets; the first to win four games wins a set. For the third set, the first player to win seven points wins the match. 20

MARKETING MATERIALS AND RESOURCES There are many materials, such as this manual, that are available to Jr. Team Tennis ALC s and coaches that will aid in coordinating a Jr. Team Tennis league, whether big or small. Any marketing materials with the USTA logo need to be approved by the USTA New England Marketing Department. Some of the materials and resources include: 1. Local Section community staff support 2. Section website: www.ustanewengland.com 3. Jr. Team Tennis website: www.jrteamtennis.usta.com 4. QuickStart Tennis websites: http://partners.quickstarttennis.com http://consumers.quickstarttennis.com 5. USTA Jr. Team Tennis materials catalog full of prizes, clothing, and promotional items at www.tennisawards.com 6. TennisLink Team Tennis registration website found by going to www.ustanewengland.com and clicking on TennisLink at the top of the page. This is where coaches can register teams. A client manual can also be found on this website to assist with questions on how to complete the forms in addition to the TennisLink Instructions in this manual. 7. 2011 USTA National Jr. Team Tennis Regulations 8. USTA Ad customization website: www.usta.com/ctmarketing 1. First time users need to register for a user account before you can start building any flyers or posters. (Returning users can enter in their username and password) 2. Hit the register button, once approved you will receive an email from noreply@ustamailing.com stating you have been approved 3. Once your account is created, you can log in 4. Select Creative Request from the menu bar and then choose Materials for Download 5. Now select USTA Jr. Team Tennis or Youth Team Tennis form the menu drop down 6. Hit the blue select button underneath the piece you would like to use 7. Enter in your product description in the text box (i.e. JTT Spring League) and hit submit 8. Choose Download Word Doc 9. Enter in your league information in the customize here portion on the flyer/poster 10. Save and distribute to local papers, schools, etc Other Marketing Ideas: Tennis Block Parties Tennis Night in America Advertise in Local Papers Flyers: local clubs, backpacked in schools, PTA/PTO, Boy and Girl Scouts See following pages for examples. For help or ideas on how to better market your program please contact Melissa Pride at pride@newengland.usta.com. 21

Customize Here 22

Customize Here 23

Customize Here 24

Dear Jr. Team Tennis Coordinators and Coaches, USTA New England would like to thank you for your tremendous participation in the Jr. Team Tennis program! Your support and hard work is why this program continues to blossom and expand. Without priceless volunteers like you, our juniors would not be able to compete with their friends, experience teamwork and unity, have fun, and learn life lessons on and off the court. We hope this program manual assists you in providing a successful Jr. Team Tennis season. If you have any suggestions for the manual, please let me know. Thank you again for all you do for Jr. Team Tennis in New England. We hope that your experiences with Jr. Team Tennis will keep you supporting our program and juniors in New England! Sincerely, Deirdre McCormack USTA New England Director of Community Tennis Development 25