Tag: USTA Mid-Atlantic

Building the Next 100 Years of Tennis!

USTA Mid-Atlantic Foundation believes that tennis creates community. Tennis allows people to improve their physical health and wellness, mental development, social skills, teamwork, sportsmanship and so much more. The benefits of tennis are especially important for helping young people become active and healthy adults. And for 100 years, the mission to grow the sport has endured and is more important than ever.

However, the cost of tennis lessons, camp fees, or equipment can add up and become a barrier to accessing the sport. To help defray the costs associated with tennis, USTA Mid-Atlantic offers Junior Player Scholarships for applicants at every level of the sport. These scholarships are made possible by the generous gifts and donations from our tennis community. And the need in the tennis community is apparent with application submissions increasing significantly each year.

In 2021, USTA Mid-Atlantic introduced the Summer Smash Fundraising Challenge with proceeds benefiting the Junior Player Scholarship. This year, the goal was to raise $10,000 to help make more scholarships for youth tennis players available, thus provide the opportunity for them to develop a love and appreciation for tennis.

YOU SMASHED THE GOAL!

The 2023 Summer Smash Fundraising Challenge raised $16,250, exceeding the goal set. Additionally, of the Mid-Atlantic community members that participated, 74 percent were new supporters. 

Adding to this year’s success was a generous matching gift provided by an anonymous donor. This match was for first time Summer Smash donations or for increased gifts by those who participated in the 2022 Summer Smash Fundraising Challenge. This matching gift was critical to the overall success of the fundraising challenge and ability to smash the goal set. As evidenced by the increase in new supporters and numerous repeat supporters who increased their donations in 2023, this matching gift motivated and inspired everyone.

Congratulations to the following teams for raising the most money in the 2023 Summer Smash Fundraising Challenge:

1st Place: Heritage High School Boys & Girls Tennis Team led by Jennifer Parker

2nd Place: Tennis Angels led by Kelly Stanley 

3rd Place: Junior Scholarship Fundraising Team led by Amy O’Brien 

4th Place: Tynika Wilson

The top four teams who raised the most money had a chance to pick from an amazing list of prizes. The prizes included: 

  • A Mubadala Citi DC Open Experience: Included 15 tickets for the team to attend the 2023 event in Washington D.C.
  • Boar’s Head Resort: A two hour clinic for up to 8 players and beverages for after the clinic at Three Notch’d Brewery in Charlottesville. 
  • Dave Marshall Tennis Camp: A two hour clinic for up to 8 players in Rehoboth Beach  with a $25 Tennis Warehouse gift card. 
  • Wintergreen Resort: A two hour clinic for up to 8 players with team apparel from Thirty Love.  

USTA Mid-Atlantic is grateful for the generosity and support of all who participated in the 2023 Summer Smash Fundraising Challenge and our generous anonymous donor, especially during this special Centennial year. 

While the 2023 Summer Smash Fundraising Challenge is over, you can still make a gift to support scholarships and other programs in the Mid-Atlantic. Your gift can increase access to tennis so everyone, especially those in marginalized communities, can experience the benefits of the sport for the next 100 years.

Together, we continue to create community through tennis for all now and for the next 100 years!  

To stay up to date on all things tennis in the Mid-Atlantic make sure to follow USTA Mid-Atlantic on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter. 

USTA Mid-Atlantic is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization committed to promoting tennis and its physical, social, and emotional health benefits. Learn about our impact in the region and how USTA Mid-Atlantic creates community, character, and well-being. 

Teamwork in Individual Sports

The concepts of teamwork and individual sport seem logically incompatible. However, in recent times, the individual sport of tennis has speedily gathered a local, national and global community around it and an unshakable element of teamwork. 

In a sense, this individual sport has somewhat become a team sport. Now, it’s not just the individual professional player playing on the court; it’s their fans, supporters, professional coaches, trainers, mentors, association members, and community members behind the athlete. Similarly, in the community, it’s not just one tennis player on the court playing recreationally. It is the thousands and millions of players, teammates, coaches, tennis providers, organizers, team captains, supporters and others behind the entire tennis community in the Mid-Atlantic region and beyond. 

Tennis is the only one-on-one sport that simultaneously embodies teamwork.

A man playing tennis swinging a tennis racket.

Even looking at individual professional players and how they bring a global team of community, supporters, and corporate collaborations with them will show just how much the one-on-one sport has drastically changed. New professional tennis stars like Frances Tiafoe continue to gain massive market awareness almost instantaneously and go from single player on the court to tennis “team leader” with everyone present at the match. Established professional tennis stars like Serena Williams boast a community that reaches global locations. It’s not just Williams on the court; it’s the whole world watching her game.

In Double Tennis, Team-Based Play Makes This Individual Sport a Partnership 

At first, tennis was only a one-on-one sport until it later included doubles tennis. This team-based play is focused on teamwork in partnered sports and cooperation, coordination, timing and communication in full force among partners on the court. These partners no longer consider themselves individual players, but players who forge a strong relationship with another player. Together, they create teamwork that makes their dream of winning work.

Tennis Has Become a Community Outside of the Profession Too

Beyond The Match explains the teamwork aspect of this individual sport further, “Because tennis is unique in this regard, we wondered if something about the mindset of tennis fans was unique as well. And, as it turns out, tennis fans are especially inclined to embrace this community dynamic and happily lend their support to a striving champion.”  

Tennis fans, unlike other sporting fans, believe in tennis’ ability to help resolve problems at the community level. They believe in a professional tennis player’s ability to bring other diverse and different groups of people together for a greater cause. They believe the individual sport of tennis is capable of bringing teams together to help society and create a feeling of togetherness. It is this togetherness that is culturally important. This sense of belonging creates tennis events, associations, programs, and outreach opportunities that support, educate, uplift and empower others. 

Tennis in the Mid-Atlantic Creates Community 

As the saying goes, teamwork makes the dream work, and this is no different in the individual sport of tennis. Besides fans and supporters, those in the world of tennis continue to bring the masses into this individual game through tennis associations, clubs, after-school programs, volunteerism, educational programs, public parks, and recreation events.  

A black and white photo of photographers and fans watching a tennis match.

USTA Mid-Atlantic fosters social connections and uplifts neighborhoods and communities by creating fun tennis opportunities for all. Through the sport of tennis, individuals engage in physical activity, fulfill social and emotional needs and can achieve higher well-being. Plus, one can play tennis for a lifetime. When you become a part of the Mid-Atlantic tennis community, you will never be one individual on the court; your tennis friends will turn into your tennis family. 

“Tennis is supposed to be a fun activity, and it’s also a great way to network and build strong relationships,” said Michael Retta, USTA Mid-Atlantic tennis provider and coach. 

You will always have a team backing you up when you’re on the tennis court.  

This United Front Helps Tennis Move From the Court to Community to Collective Merchandise Too

The beautiful sport of tennis has the seamless ability to move from the court to the community and see community-building efforts, team efforts, affinity partners, and branding collaborations coming to life, creating and cementing a feeling of unity for the sport and the community. 

And when this happens, every sporting fan, supporter, tennis player and community member needs a unifying identity to go with it. 

Every Sporting Community and Player Needs a Fan Base and Unified Identity

If you’ve ever watched a game of tennis, witnessed tennis fans seated in the grandstands, met a popular tennis player or played tennis yourself, you would have noticed that these players come with branded merchandise. This branded merchandise, recognizable stickers, photographs and memorabilia is held close to the heart by fans and players of the sport. Together, every fan or player and their prized merchandise become a united front, a fan base of togetherness. 

A black and white photo of two men playing a game of tennis on the tennis court.

And as fan bases grow and national borders turn to global ones, the individual sport of tennis then becomes an international team sport for the betterment of all. And every player, supporter, professional coach, tennis provider, tennis organizer, team captain, volunteer, facility and trainer who gets involved in tennis will help spread the game. This, in turn, improves communities, schools, the health of individuals in society, and the quality of life all around the world. 

To be part of the teamwork that stands behind this individual sport, get involved at www.usta.com/welcometotennis. 

USTA Mid-Atlantic is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that helps people and communities grow stronger, healthier, and more connected through tennis. Learn about our impact in the Section and how you can help bring tennis to more communities throughout the region.

FAQ

Q: How many players are on a tennis team?

A: Tennis is played with two players or four players.

Q: What six characteristics make an effective team player?

A: Flexibility, collaboration, active listening, problem-solving, effective communication and a positive attitude.

Q: How do team tennis matches work?

A: Each singles match counts as one point for the overall score, and the first team to reach four points wins the overall match. To win a college match, a team must win either two doubles and three singles matches, or four singles matches.

Q: Is tennis a good team sport?

A: Yes, it is! Tennis is a great team sport because it creates team-building skills and helps tennis players learn to play in classes or a group learning environment. Competitive tennis provides a great team atmosphere within an individual sport and builds a social network.

Q: Is tennis a group team sport?

A: Doubles tennis is considered a “team sport” where lifetime friendships are often made from playing this individual sport in a team setting.

This article was written by Daniel Climans from stickeryou and is featured on USTAMASBlog.com as a guest contributor.

NTRP Year-end Ratings: What You Need to Know

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When the USTA League championship year ends, tennis players everywhere eagerly await the most highly anticipated time of the year – the moment year-end ratings are published! This is when you’ll know if your NTRP rating stays the same or is adjusted and that can mean a lot for planning your next tennis season.  

Adult NTRP ratings are used in leagues and tournaments to group players of similar skill levels; for general information on the rating system, click here.

How are NTRP Year-End ratings calculated?

A Year-End Rating, also known as a Computer Rating, is generated for every player who plays at least three valid matches in either a qualifying USTA League or NTRP Tournaments. USTA Flex Leagues and Flexible Format leagues do not count towards ratings.

When are Year-End ratings published?

They are published each December. The exact date varies from year to year based on National Championship dates.

How is my dynamic rating calculated?

A player’s dynamic ratings, calculated after each match, are not solely contingent on record. They are calculated by an algorithm that considers your rating, your opponent’s rating, the expected outcome of the match, and the actual outcome of the match.

What is the difference between a dynamic rating and a year-end rating?

  • Dynamic ratings are not disclosed to players, whereas year-end ratings are published annually at NTRP levels.
  • Dynamic ratings are expressed to the one-hundredth of a point, whereas year-end ratings are expressed only to the one-half point.
  • Dynamic ratings are calculated nightly, whereas year end ratings are based on a combination of a player’s cumulative match results throughout the year.

What is the difference between NTRP year-end rating and ITF World Tennis Number?

NTRP year-end rating is a static rating, released once a year, which is useful for a season-long competition like USTA Leagues. The ITF World Tennis Number (WTN) is a rating that allows you to track your progress in real time and encompasses all reported competitive play results including USTA Leagues, tournaments, and non-USTA events. For more information on WTN, click here.

Why did USTA Mid-Atlantic decide to change my rating?

All NTRP ratings are generated by a computer using a very advanced algorithm. Whether your NTRP level increases, decreases or stays the same, that information was calculated by a computer using your match play results. 

My NTRP Year-End Rating has changed. How do I find a team at my new level?

We can help! USTA Mid-Atlantic offers Tennis Connect, a service that can match up players and captains. Simply click here, and we’ll help you find the right match for a team in your area.

Interested in being a Captain? You don’t have to wait around to find a team! You can form your own team by signing up to be a League Captain.  Complete this form and we’ll help get you set up and choose the team feature (Open, Closed, and Closed but Seeking) that’s best for you.

My NTRP was bumped up. I am nervous about playing at a new level and leaving my team. What’s next for me?

CONGRATULATIONS! You have worked hard to get to this point and should be proud of what you have accomplished! This is an opportunity for you to meet new people and take your tennis to the next level. Your next step is to find a team at your new rating. Remember, we can help you through our Tennis Connect service. 

Miss your previous teammates? Don’t forget we offer a variety of combined rating leagues that will give you an opportunity to stay connected to your old crew. 

My NTRP was bumped down and I am disappointed. Any advice?

Don’t worry about it. You can always play up and stick with your team or you can use Tennis Connect to find a new team. If you are looking for opportunities to improve, don’t forget to check out our Stroke of the Week videos for tips on improving your game or email community@mas.usta.com if you’re interested in connecting with a teaching professional in your area.

My teammate was bumped up and my rating didn’t change despite having a better record. Why?

Your Win/loss record does not directly affect the year-end calculation. Other factors include different dynamic start ratings (in hundredths) based on previous Year-End ratings and matches played against opponents with different dynamic ratings.

How do I appeal my rating?

As a Computer (C) rated player, the way to appeal your rating is online through TennisLink. When you click to appeal your rating, TennisLink checks to see if you are within the appeal range. You will receive an immediate response (Granted or Denied).  If your appeal is granted, TennisLink will automatically adjust your rating level. If your appeal is denied, you are not within appealable range and there are no further opportunities to appeal.

See below for more detailed instructions on how to appeal:

  • Log in to Tennislink and click the USTA League tab (across the top and to the left)
  • To the right of “Welcome!”, look for your NTRP Level
  • Under that, click “Appeal Rating Level”
  • Select Appeal rating level “Up or Down”
  • You will receive an immediate response at the top of the page

Things to know:

  • There is no appeal committee, thus no written letter of explanation. It’s all based on match data and numbers.
  • Appealing will NOT reveal your rating in the 100th of a point.
  • When an appeal has been granted, that player is eligible for dynamic disqualification

I see my ratings on other websites.  Are they the same as USTA?

The USTA posts the official NTRP ratings on your player profile on usta.com or on TennisLink, located at tennislink.usta.com. This is the only public website where official NTRP ratings authorized by the USTA are posted and can be obtained.

The USTA is aware of other sites that suggest they provide NTRP ratings or player statistics and skill analysis. Any alleged NTRP related information available on these other sites is not endorsed by the USTA, is not accurate, and cannot be relied upon.

I’ve been away from tennis for a while, how do I get a rating?

If you have never had an NTRP Rating or it’s been a few years since you’ve played USTA League, your first step will be to Self-Rate online through TennisLink.  

  • Log in to Tennislink
  • On “Welcome!” page under the USTA League tab
  • Look for “Find NTRP Rating Info”
  • Under that, click on the blue “Self-Rate” button 
  • A pop-up window will appear with the questionnaire
  • Based on your answers you will be assigned a minimum self-rating
  • You have the option to accept that rating, choose a higher rating, or request to appeal for a lower rating

I need more clarification, who can I reach out to regarding ratings? 

Adult league tennis players in the Mid-Atlantic Section can email the Adult Leagues Team. This is the best and fastest way to get an answer from a member of the Adult Team in regards to ratings. 

I have my NTRP rating and I am ready to play. What’s next? 

Tennis is always happening in the Mid-Atlantic! Check out our Adult Leagues calendar to see what’s playing next in your area or find a tournament. 

Hmmm, alright you’ve answered my questions. Got any fun facts to share?

Funny you should ask, we really do have fun facts about NTRP and year-end ratings!

  • You need three valid matches to generate a year-end rating
  • Your Computer rating does not change during the year. It stays the same until the next year-end.
  • On average, nearly 80 percent of Mid-Atlantic players will NOT have their rating change at year-end.
  • The highest rating on the NTRP scale is 7.0. Note: This does not mean two 3.5 players could go toe-to-toe with Frances Tiafoe, but it sure would be entertaining to watch.

Don’t miss a thing in Mid-Atlantic tennis! Make sure to subscribe to USTA Mid-Atlantic’s YouTube Channel and follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.

USTA Mid-Atlantic is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization committed to promoting tennis and its physical, social, and emotional health benefits. Learn about our impact in the Section and how USTA Mid-Atlantic creates community, character, and well-being.

Falling Into a Tennis Routine

The first day of fall is here and as the seasons change, so can your tennis routine. Gone are the long, easy-going days of summer where you could be out on the tennis court for hours. Now, the fall frenzy is here with its faster pace, back-to-school, back to the office, lot’s on the to-do-list before the end of the year vibe. Your head might be spinning in circles wondering how you’re going to balance it all! 

That’s where tennis can come in! 

Getting into a routine that consistently includes tennis can help you find balance while gaining physical and social well-being. Fall is a great time to focus on tennis for youth and adults alike.  

Here are three easy ways to ensure you and your family are set up for success this fall making tennis part of your life.

Tip #1: Try a New Tennis League Type or One Where You Control the Schedule

In the Mid-Atlantic, if you are into playing organized tennis the fall is a great time to try a different type of USTA League program than what you may have played in the spring or throughout the summer. This time of year you can find league types such as Combo and Tri-Level which are formats that bring different level players together to form a team. This is a fun way to play with different people and expand your tennis community. Not only that, it can be a way to up-level your own game as you pair up and compete with those at different NTRP levels giving you exposure to different styles and levels of tennis play. Plus, this time of year can be a little more low-key and relaxed in these league types, but still with great competition and fun. Find what is being offered in your local area and register now. 

When your schedule becomes too hectic, how can you fit in your tennis time? We have the perfect idea for you and that is joining a USTA Mid-Atlantic Flex League! 

Flex Leagues provide the opportunity for you to still compete in tennis all the while creating your own schedule to do it! You choose the location, date, and time to play your matches, perfectly crafting all the details to meet your needs. Fall 2022 Flex Leagues have started but you can get involved at any point in time! 

If you’ve been hitting around recreationally this past summer or took some tennis lessons and are ready to take the next step, we’ve got you covered. This fall, there are new beginner “mini leagues,” for tennis that are a great next step after taking tennis lessons. This program helps you get acquainted with playing tennis on a League team. We’ve also got different social tennis opportunities too. Check out what’s being offered and sign up! 

Maybe this summer you watched some exciting professionals play tennis and you’re ready to become more than a fan. Visit our Welcome to Tennis hub to learn about all the ways you can get into the sport in the Mid-Atlantic. 

Tip #2: Find Extracurricular Activities for the Kiddos 

Back to school time is always an adjustment for kids. Although they are in school all day, children are still full of energy when they get home from school. Research has shown that getting children involved in extracurricular activities not only helps their social skills but also helps develop them mentally. “Kids do best when they have structure and routine, and those involved in extracurriculars perform better academically,” said Dr. Harpreet Kaur, a licensed clinical psychologist for kids and teens in California. 

Getting children involved in youth sports is not always easy for every family. According to a recent study by PEW Research, socioeconomic status plays a role in whether children generally participate in various activities after school. At USTA Mid-Atlantic, our top priority is increasing access to tennis so that ALL people can experience the life-long benefits of the sport. One such program contributing to our mission is Girls Rule the Court™ (GRTC). GRTC is a free to low-cost program that aims to promote health, wellness, and teamwork while building self-esteem through tennis for young girls. Girls find access and connection to the lifelong sport of tennis while growing their technical, tactical, and performance skills. They create meaningful and beneficial connections while engaging in important dialogue about teamwork, empowerment, and the benefits of moving your body. Learn more about this program and how you can get involved. 

You can also find an array of fun and developmentally appropriate junior programs offered in the Mid-Atlantic to get kids into tennis this fall. 

Bonus Tip: Apply for a USTA Mid-Atlantic Junior Player Scholarship to help with costs associated with tennis for your child. This can be for ANY level player – beginner, intermediate or advanced – and can help with tennis class registration fees, lessons, equipment and more. The Scholarship application is available now and accepting applications until October 17, 2022! 

Tip #3: Volunteer with USTA Mid-Atlantic! 

Lets face it, you still might not be able to make it to the courts this season with your busy schedule but there are still ways you can leave your mark on the tennis community year-round! Volunteering is a great way to still be involved with tennis while also making a direct impact on the section. There are many ways to volunteer such as at local events, community events, committees, and more! The best part is, you choose what works best for your schedule. Another way of contributing is through donating. Our USTA Mid-Atlantic Serve Squad is a dedicated and passionate community sustained by supporters on a mission to grow and develop the sport of tennis for all people throughout the Mid-Atlantic Region. The Serve Squad continues to give on a monthly basis in hope to ensure tennis is accessible to all. 

We sure hope all of these tips help you FALL in love with your new tennis routine! 

To stay up to date on all things tennis in the Mid-Atlantic make sure to follow USTA Mid-Atlantic on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter. 

USTA Mid-Atlantic is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization committed to promoting tennis and its physical, social, and emotional health benefits. Learn about our impact in the Section and how USTA Mid-Atlantic creates community, character, and well-being.

How the Youth Player Scholarship Grew Thanks to the Summer Smash

At the beginning of the summer, we asked for all hands on deck to fundraise for youth players in the section through our Mid-Atlantic fundraising challenge, Summer Smash. We asked you to step up, team up, and help raise money to fund more scholarships for youth players that help cover tennis expenses and enable youth players to start – and stay – in tennis. 

Earlier in 2022, USTA Mid-Atlantic received an overwhelming number of applications for scholarships, more than we had ever received in prior years. The scholarship funding, which is supported by generous gifts made by the tennis community, was fully exhausted as we awarded funds to as many applicants in need as possible. And there were many more youth players that still needed help. 

Growing tennis for all individuals and increasing access to the sport helps introduce tennis to players that may not have had the opportunity to participate. It opens the doors to potential pathways for success and personal growth. This is especially important among youth and in areas where resources are limited. The USTA Mid-Atlantic Junior Player Scholarship helps fill in the gaps to keep tennis expenses lower.  With so many applicants seeking help from the scholarship fund, we knew we had to do something to answer their call. 

That is why we needed YOU in the Summer Smash.

This year’s Summer Smash challenge brought together friends, family, and even old teammates for a summer full of fundraising! Six teams got their communities and networks to raise money toward the fundraiser for scholarships. 

The goal was to raise $5,000 to fund more youth player scholarships and respond to the growing need among players and their families/caregivers. In the end that goal was smashed, and the total amount raised was $8,534! We expect to be able to award at least 20 additional players with scholarships this year! 

“I am really grateful for my teammates and friends that wanted to support the scholarship program,” said the leader of the top fundraising team, Amy O’Brien. “I want someone that does not have the same opportunity to play tennis to have a chance to play in a sport that can be life changing.”

The dedication from all of the teams to raise funds and the generous gifts the teams received make it possible that more youth can apply for and receive scholarships for tennis. It means that more youth in the Mid-Atlantic will ultimately continue their journey in tennis, experiencing the life-long benefits from the game. 

So, let’s congratulate the teams who smashed the 2022 Summer Smash fundraising goal: 

  • 1st Place: Amy O’Brien’s Team
  • 2nd Place: Chris Lee’s Team “Leegal Eagles” 
  • 3rd Place: Tynika Wilson’s Team

Each winner received various prizes including:

1st Place: Citi Open Team Experience! Included 15 tickets for the team to attend the 2022 Citi Open in Washington, DC.

2nd Place: A set of custom tennis shirts for the entire team and customized team cooler from the Spoiled Office AND a 2-hour tennis clinic for 12 at The Boar’s Head Resort. 

3rd Place: Included 15 $50 Gift Cards to TennisTopia, one for each member of the team AND a 2-hour tennis clinic for 12 at Wintergreen Resort.  

Thank you to all individuals who participated, and all who made gifts to support the fundraising challenge. YOU are the reason more young people can participate in tennis. 

Looking to join in on the fun?

The next fundraising challenge will take place in 2023.

While this challenge may be over for now, you can still make a gift to support scholarships and other programs that help make tennis accessible to all in the Mid-Atlantic. When you make a gift you help tennis create community, character and well-being among all people for years to come. 

If you’re looking for more ways to get involved, we have plenty of additional ways to play so you can leave your mark today!

To stay up to date on all things tennis in the Mid-Atlantic make sure to follow USTA Mid-Atlantic on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter. USTA Mid-Atlantic is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization committed to promoting tennis and its physical, social, and emotional health benefits. Learn about our impact in the Section and how USTA Mid-Atlantic creates community, character, and well-being.