USTA Sport Science Research Grant Proposal Guidelines 2005 Grant Announcement The United States Tennis Association (USTA) Sport Science Department, working with the USTA Sport Science Committee, has $30,000 available in 2005 to fund a study on physical recovery and appropriate scheduling for junior tennis players. The goals of this research should be to better understand the recovery process, as it specifically relates to tennis players, and to be able to provide recommendations that will help optimize performance in these developing athletes while at the same time minimizing injury risk. Sport Science Department Mission and Philosophy The mission of the US Tennis Association s (USTA) Sport Science Department is To produce, evaluate and disseminate sport science and sports medicine information relevant to tennis. The sport science grant program is an important component in achieving this mission. The grant program is designed to increase the base of scientific knowledge by funding projects that investigate questions related to the application of sport science and medicine in tennis. In addition, the Sport Science Department of the USTA believes in promoting the long-term development of the tennis player and not sacrificing future potential for short term gains. A significant part of this centers on making sure the players compete and train in a safe, and developmentally appropriate, environment. Background to the Problem Tennis players, especially at younger ages, are often required to compete in multiple matches per day for several days in a row. In addition, when players are not competing, they are practicing for long hours and many times train multiple times a day. Additionally, there really is no off-season in tennis, and it is possible, if a player so desires, to compete in a tournament almost every week of the year. Compound that with the facts that players are often required to play in multiple matches per day, often in extreme heat conditions and with relatively
little rest between matches, and it is easy to see how questions might arise about athlete safety an the appropriateness of the training and competition. At the same time, regular competition is widely accepted as a critical component of a player s development. It then becomes a discussion of what is appropriate for aiding in the development of a tennis player while also maintaining safety. In the past several years, the USTA Sport Science Department has repeatedly fielded questions about what is appropriate and safe for the developing junior level tennis player, with particular regard to practice and competition. We have found ourselves armed with very little tennis-specific evidence to support recommendations one way or another about how competitions and practices should be scheduled to promote player safety while still allowing for professional development. The USTA would like to know more about what players can do to perform optimally and safely in these situations. Player Population We are interested in knowing more about competitive Junior Tennis players, aged 12-18, who participate regularly in USTA sanctioned competitions. Ideally the research will involve high level players who are ranked nationally and/or sectionally. It is important that the players studied meet these criteria as closely as possible to allow us to better answer the developmental concerns regarding player safety and performance. Suggested Areas of Research The topic of recovery and scheduling for the junior tennis player can cover a wide range of questions. To help guide the researcher we have put together a list of the questions we are commonly asked and need information on. In compiling this list, we relied on input from tennis coaches, players, USTA staff and Sport Science Committee members. They should reflect the needs facing tennis today. However, as you consider this topic, please do not feel limited to the questions provided below. As was stated at the outset, our goal is to gain information that will help us optimize tennis performance while at the same time minimize injury risk. What is the optimal number of matches a player should engage in per day to allow for optimal recovery and encourage player safety? How many consecutive weeks should a player engage in competition?
How should a player eat/ drink to optimize recovery between matches? In the present tournament structure, is it possible to refuel and/or rehydrate appropriately between matches if a player has more than one match per day? Can players aid the recovery process by engaging in certain activities (mental, nutritional, physical, etc.)? Does muscular fatigue have an effect on subsequent matches played on the same day? Or when playing multiple matches for several days in a row? How do the physical, physiological, mental demands experienced in practice compare with those of a competition? What are the dangers of playing in extreme heat conditions? Are there mental components to heat cramps? Are players competing in multiple matches per day (or in matches on consecutive days) at an increased risk for injury in the subsequent/ later matches? Are players competing in multiple matches per day )or in matches on consecutive days) at an increased risk for heat illness in the subsequent/ later matches? Distribution of Funds This $30,000.00 available through the USTA Sport Science Grant Program may be applied entirely to one grant, or it may be broken into several smaller grants. As the questions we have identified are fairly large in scope, and could require significant resources, we envision that the entire amount will be used to fund one (1) project. However, that does not exclude the possibility that we will fund several projects for lesser amounts depending on the quality and applicability of the proposals received by the USTA Sport Science Department.
Organization of the Grant Proposal The grant proposal should be organized to contain the following information/ sections. Length: 1. Grant proposal cover sheet including, Title of the project Principle investigator contact information and signature Names of co-investigators Grant and contract department contact information and signature of the representative the USTA Sport Science Department will be dealing with when issuing funds. 2. Abstract 3. Background 4. Hypotheses 5. Specific Aims 6. Methodology 7. Impact research will have on tennis 8. Plan for dissemination of information 9. Timeline 10. Budget and justification 11. Human subjects approval (if necessary) 12. Supporting information CV of the primary investigator. Description of facilities, equipment, and materials available for your use Sections 2-8 of the Grant proposal should be limited to 15 pages (single-spaced, 12 pt. Font). Please distinguish each section as identified above.
Other Important Information Evaluation Criteria All of the grant proposals will be evaluated by a panel of experts made up of USTA Sport Science staff and members of the USTA Sport Science Committee. All grant proposals will be assessed on their: 1. Scientific merit and 2. Applicability to, and impact on, the sport of tennis. These two criteria will be considered equally in the evaluation process. Also factored into scoring will be an assessment of how well the proposal addresses the research needs identified by the USTA Sport Science Department. Each grant proposal will be ranked numerically and with specific written comments. Proposals with the highest scores will be awarded grants and applicants will receive the scoring results and comments given to their proposal. It is essential that the results from USTA sponsored research be directly applicable to tennis, as this makes up 50% of the grant evaluation process. For example, a project that is sound scientifically and produces results that will have a direct impact on tennis will be scored higher than a project that only scores highly in the area of scientific merit. In some instances, there may be financial questions that arise in reviewing the grant proposals. In such cases, the USTA Sport Science Department may enter negotiations about the budget based on the recommendations of the review committee. Deadlines Grant proposals must be received no later than July 15, 2005. Proposals will be reviewed by the USTA Sport Science Committee and awards will be granted in early August 2005. Proposals received after this deadline will not be considered for funding in 2005. Indirect Costs/ Overhead USTA Sport Science Grants will not fund any indirect expenses (i.e., university overhead) that exceed 15% of the direct costs. Indirect costs must be included in the total cost of the grant. Example: A grant proposal is put together $26,000.00. The university charges 15% of overhead and indirect charges amount to $3,900.00. The investigator should include these indirect costs in the grant proposal that is submitted to the USTA at a total cost of $29,900.00.
Matching funds or cost sharing is encouraged but is not required. Reimbursement The US Tennis Association will typically make two payments to funding the grant. 50% of the grant will be paid at the outset of the project and 50% will be paid upon the satisfactory review of a mid-project progress report, submitted in December 2005. The only exceptions to this payment schedule will be if insufficient progress is made on the grant or if problems arise that put the completion of the project in jeopardy. In these cases the USTA reserves the right to withhold payment of any funds pending the acceptable resolution of such matters. For accounting purposes, receipts for all budgeted expenses must be maintained and submitted to the USTA Sport Science Department as expenses are incurred. When dealing with a university, funds will normally be mailed to the grants office, or other department designed to handle expenses. In other situations, or if there is no grants office, reimbursements will be made directly to the investigator. Human Subjects/ IRB Approval Documentation of university Human Subjects approval and a copy of the Subject Consent Form must be obtained if the proposed research involves human subjects. Human Subjects approval does not have to be granted at the time the proposal is submitted, but documentation indicating that IRB approval has been granted must be submitted to the USTA Sport Science Department prior to the awarding of any funds. Mid-Year Report At the midway point of the research process, a 3-5 page status report must be turned in to the USTA Sport Science department at the end of the 1005 calendar year. The purpose of this report is to provide detail to the USTA on the progress of the research project (i.e., data collected, analyses completed, preliminary results, etc.) and timeline for completion of the project. Failure to complete the report and/or excessive delays in the proposed timeline may result in discontinuation of funding. Communication USA Tennis realizes that unexpected delays are to be expected when it comes to research. If a delay arises, please inform the USTA Sport Science Department as soon as you know that the timeline will be affected by the delay. A delay will
not disqualify a grant from funding, but the failure to request an extension may result in the termination of funds. Dissemination of Results At the completion of the research project, investigators are required to submit three items: 1. An electronic copy of a comprehensive scientific summary report written in Microsoft Word. A copy of an article submitted to a peer-reviewed journal is acceptable and will satisfy this requirement. 2. A 1200 to 1500-word electronic copy of an applied article suitable for publication in a USTA publication such as the High Performance Coaching Newsletter. 3. An electronic copy of a poster, produced in PowerPoint, that can be displayed at the USTA annual meeting and the US Open. A template for the poster will be provided to grant recipients. These documents must be received by August 1, 2006. If delays are expected, a written request must be made to the USTA Sport Science Department. The USTA will maintain the rights to use the research findings in educational materials and presentations, making sure to properly acknowledge and reference the investigators. Submit Grant Applications and proposals to USA Tennis High Performance Sport Science Grant Program c/o Scott Riewald Ph.D., CSCS 7310 Crandon Boulevard Key Biscayne, FL 33149 To Obtain Additional Information Additional information can be obtained by logging on to the Sport Science Research Grant Program at www.highperformance.usta.com or by contacting Scott Riewald Ph.D., CSCS Administrator, Sport Science p: (305) 365-8760 f: (305) 365-8700 e: riewald@usta.com