Yes, in addition with the online modules associated with the Developing Players workshop, coaches will receive an Associates Certification through USTA Coaching.  You will need the Applied Coaching Skills Private Workshop and the Applied Coaching Skills Group Workshop (Two 2-day workshops) to achieve full Professional certification.

Yes, coaches are required to complete the background check in order to become Safe Play approved. The Safe Play Approval process consists of two steps: (1) Read and acknowledge the USTA Safe Play policy. Complete the training from the U.S. Center for SafeSport. (2) Complete the background check application.

All progresses and completion status/records are in your USTA Coaching profile on ustacoaching.com.

You do not need to be a USTA member to join USTA Coaching. If you are already a USTA member, you will use your existing USTA account to sign in and complete your USTA Coaching registration. If you do not have a USTA account, you will be prompted to create one during the sign-up process, which will also serve as your USTA Coaching account.

USTA Coaching will offer a holistic approach to tennis coach education, both in the benefits and services provided and in the diversity of levels of coaches we want to welcome into coaching. From parents to teachers, youth coaches, and full-time certified teaching professionals, USTA Coaching will be designed to provide benefits, services, and education to support them all. The education pathway will include a focus on topics that are important for what happens off the court, as well as an emphasis on where and with whom you are coaching. USTA Coaching was established as an organization to completely focus on the entire tennis ecosystem in the United States. 

Yes, USTA Coaching will offer the education, workshops, training, and learning pathways that will support a coach’s growth to achieve whatever coaching goals they have.

No, USTA Coaching is for coaches of all levels, abilities, and backgrounds. USTA Coaching will provide resources, education, benefits, and services for everyone. From parents introducing tennis to their child for the first time, high-school coaches, full-time professional coaches, and everyone in between. 

Even if you already have a Professional Tennis Registry (PTR) or Racquet Sports Professionals Association (RSPA) membership, joining USTA Coaching gives you direct access to nationally recognized programs, business tools, and a pipeline to help you grow your coaching impact and income. Joining USTA Coaching complements your existing credentials by connecting you with more players, offering scheduling and marketing support, and ensuring you’re Safe Play approved, making you more valuable and visible to clubs looking to hire and retain top-tier coaches.

Age requirements vary by membership package. The Baseline package is available to individuals 13 years and older. The Rally, Pro and Pro Plus packages require members to be at least 18 years old. When you go to purchase a package, the system will automatically show you only the packages you’re eligible for based on your date of birth.

No. USTA Coaching values the experience, education, and certifications you already have. If you’ve been coaching for years without a USTA certification, our equivalency program can recognize your prior experience and training. Coaches certified by other organizations may also be eligible for credit or equivalency within our learning pathways. To determine your eligibility, simply include your previous certification member number in your coach profile. USTA Coaching provides a comprehensive structure to acknowledge your skills and past education within our badge and certification system. Learn more here. 

The time commitment varies by certification. The Professional certification requires approximately 30-40 hours, while Specialist and Masters may take 50-60 hours to complete. Most coaches complete a certification level within 3-6 months, but you can progress at your own pace as all online modules are self-paced with a 12-month access period from enrollment.

Safe Play is the USTA’s comprehensive athlete safety program that promotes a positive environment for all participants. Core to the program is Safe Play Approval which requires adults to submit to a criminal background check, acknowledge the USTA Safe Play Policy, and complete training from the U.S. Center for SafeSport on how to recognize and respond to misconduct. Safe Play Approval is required for Rally, Pro, and Pro Plus packages. While Safe Play Approval is encouraged for the Baseline package, it is not required. If your Safe Play Approval expires during your membership period, your membership will be temporarily suspended until you renew your Safe Play Approved status. Learn more here.

If your Safe Play Approval expires during your membership cycle, your membership status will change to “suspended.” While suspended, you’ll lose access to most membership benefits, excluding the Gallagher insurance policies. Your membership will return to “active” status once you renew your Safe Play Approval. If your membership expires while in suspended status, it will change to “lapsed.”

Please feel free to reach out to the USTA Coach Education Team with any additional questions coacheducation@usta.com.