Tournament
Directors
Tournament directors are pivotal in orchestrating tennis events, managing logistics and creating engaging opportunities for the community. USTA Northern California understands the challenges and rewards of this role, offering resources and guidance for success in hosting impactful tournaments. Access the essential information and tools required for organizing both adult and junior tournaments in the USTA NorCal section.
.jpg)
There are many reasons to host a USTA NorCal-sanctioned tournament. Hosting a tennis tournament brings people together, boosts local visibility, promotes community involvement in sports and more.
USTA SUPPORT
USTA NorCal actively promotes and advertises sanctioned tournaments.
PLAYER ADVANCEMENT
Offers players the chance to earn rankings and advance in their tennis journey.
FUNDRAISING OPPORTUNITY
Serves as a fundraiser for a chosen cause.
STRUCTURED OPERATIONS
Provides a clear structure for running the tournament.
FRIENDLY COMPETITION
Allows players to compete against new and the best of the best players.
INCREASED VISIBILITY
Enhances exposure for the club/organization.
Host a Tournament
PLAYER RETENTION
Gives program participants another option to play more tennis.
Tournament Sanction Application
USTA NorCal will accept applications on an ongoing basis. Bi-monthly deadlines for these applications received after the primary sanction deadline will be January 1, March 1, May 1, July 1, September 1, and November 1. Submit your application now.
If you have any questions about the sanctioning process, please reach out to us at tournamentsanctions@norcal.usta.com.
Tournament Director Requirements
USTA NorCal Tournament Directors must complete the following before submitting the USTA Tournament application.
-
Complete the free Safe Sport and Safe Play training, including a mandatory background check.
-
Ensure all tournament staff are Safe Sport and Safe Play approved.
Access Safe Sport & Safe Play information here.
-
Complete the 2025 Tournament Sanction Agreement (annually).
-
Fill out the 2025 NorCal Sanction Application Form.
-
If the hosting organization differs from the host site, submit a tournament site permission letter(s) by the deadline.
-
Submit one NorCal Sanction Application Form for each tournament bid.
-
If you don't have a USTA account, create one.
Log in and link your USTA account to the Serve Tennis Platform at playtennis.usta.com.
Sanctioning Materials
In addition to these steps, it is important that you review all of the relevant sanctioning materials before applying for a tournament.
Regulations
Understanding regulations for junior and adult tournaments is key. Explore details and supporting documents:
-
NorCal Junior Circuit Regulations (as of 1/1/2023)
-
Running USTA Junior Circuit Tennis (Sanctioning is not required for Junior Circuits)
-
Questions?
Contact us if you need any clarification or assistance.
-
Sanctioning Process: tournamentsanctions@norcal.usta.com
-
Adult Tournaments: Joanna Broda-Schunk at jbroda-schunck@norcal.usta.com or 510-263-0443
-
Junior Tournaments (Level 3-7): Tommy Tu at ttu@norcal.usta.com or 510-263-0447
-
Junior Circuits (Orange, Green & Yellow Ball): Chris Samuel at csamuel@norcal.usta.com or 510-263-0463
-
Officials/Sportsmanship: Vinod Herur at herur@norcal.usta.com or 510-748-7342
-
Serve Tennis Assistance: Contact customercare@usta.com or 1-800-990-8782
-
Urgent Help Desk for Tournament Directors: urgenthelp@usta.com or 1-888-494-8782
.jpg)
.jpg)
Become a USTA Official!
Give back and help grow the game of tennis through Officiating.
INSPIRE
Be a role model in your community.
ENGAGE
Be at the center of the action.
PROFIT
Earn extra money.
Officiating Disciplines & More
Officials play an integral role at tournaments of all levels, from local community events to professional matches, focusing on fair play and sportsmanship.
They serve as Roving Umpires, Line Umpire, Referee or Chair Umpire. Pay rates vary depending on the tournament. USTA NorCal generally pays between $200-$250 per tournament. Prior tennis knowledge is a plus, but not required!
Chief Umpires serve as Roving Umpires, Line Umpire, Referee, Chair Umpire or Chief Umpire.
Want more information on what it means to become a certified USTA official?
Ready to get started and join the team? Fill out the form below to submit your interest and begin the process of becoming a USTA Official!
Coaches
Interested in coaching tennis? We can help with that. Already coaching and ready to take your skills to the next level? We’ve got the tools for you. USTA Northern California understands the crucial impact of coaches on the future of tennis and offers a range of coaching resources, guides and training opportunities to support you no matter where you are in your coaching journey.
Coaching Resources
Want to share your passion for tennis? Learn more about the process here.
Continue your coaching education by attending a Coaching Fundamentals workshop in your area. Coaches who complete the workshop have the opportunity to become certified as a Level 1 coach through an accredited organization.
Log in with your USTA account and find tips and instructions for coaching tennis with resources and guides from USTA and industry experts. Plus, learn how to find the right programs for your players.
NorCal Coaching Opportunities
Guide and inspire youth on their tennis journey as a Team NorCal coach for USTA NorCal Player Development camps. Whether you're interested in High Performance coaching or working with Orange and Green Ball players, we have limited coaching opportunities for our dedicated player development camps.
While there is a priority application deadline each year, applications are accepted on a rolling basis. All coaches are required to be Safe Play approved, and selected coaches will be notified by USTA NorCal staff.
Want to stay up to date on the latest coach education and opportunities from
USTA NorCal Player Development? Sign up to join our coaching email list.
Questions? Contact Lani-Rae Green, Player Development Specialist, at green@norcal.usta.com.
Team NorCal workouts are a sectional training program for the top junior players, hosted for the 10U, 14U, and 18U age groups, all at the yellow ball level. Each Team NorCal workout features our top NorCal coaches, with one lead coach and up to five working coaches.
TEAM NORCAL
WORKOUTS
Junior Team Tennis (JTT) offers tennis in a recreational team format for youth aged 7 to 18 through a season-based format with teams competing weekly. USTA NorCal welcomes coaches, volunteers and parents alike to captain a JTT team. This is a non-paid opportunity. Learn more
JUNIOR TEAM TENNIS
USTA Sectional Camps are part of the National Player Development pathway for players ages 11-13. USTA National Player Development staff make all final coach selections for USTA Sectional Camps, but Sections may provide coach recommendations.
SECTIONAL CAMPS
Early Development Camps (EDCs) recruit and retain the most promising NorCal Net Generation athletes ages 7-10. With one lead coach and up to six working coaches, EDCs provide comprehensive coaching and a structured Junior Circuit for PlayTracker credit.
EARLY DEVELOPMENT
CAMPS
Coaching Opportunities
USTA NorCal Tournament Directors must complete the following before submitting the USTA Tournament application.
TEAM NORCAL WORKOUTS
Team NorCal workouts are a sectional training program for the top junior players, hosted for the 10U, 14U, and 18U age groups, all at the yellow ball level. Each Team NorCal workout features our top NorCal coaches, with one lead coach and up to five working coaches. Click here for 2024 dates, locations, and player selection criteria.
PLAYER DEVELOPMENT COACHING
Guide and inspire youth on their tennis journey as a coach for USTA NorCal Player Development camps. Whether you're interested in High Performance coaching or working with Orange and Green Ball players, we offer coaching opportunities for our dedicated player development camps.
Applications are accepted on a rolling basis. Apply here if you are interested in any of the coaching opportunities below. All coaches are required to be Safe Play approved, and selected coaches will be notified by USTA NorCal staff.
TEAM USA CAMPS
-
Team USA Camps represent the pinnacle of the National Player Development pathway for players aged 11-13, taking place at three levels: Sectional, Regional, and National. In NorCal, we may host up to two Team USA Sectional Camps. While USTA National Player Development staff make the final coach selections, Sections may offer coach recommendations.
EARLY DEVELOPMENT CAMPS
Early Development Camps (EDCs) recruit and retain the most promising NorCal Net Generation athletes ages 7-10. With one lead coach and up to six working coaches, EDCs provide comprehensive coaching and a structured Junior Circuit for PlayTracker credit. Coaches and players commit to attending all three camps in the series, contributing to the holistic development of tennis talent. Click here for 2024 dates, locations, and player selection criteria.
