USTA Unveils Comprehensive Coaching Program
On Wednesday, the United States Tennis Association (USTA) unveiled a comprehensive coaching program aimed at enhancing player safety and safeguarding against abuse, particularly in the wake of a recent external review that criticized its previous protective measures. CEO Craig Miller emphasized the importance of creating secure environments for all participants in the sport during a video interview from Florida.
Safe Play Criteria for Coaches
The newly launched initiative is designed to ensure that every certified coach meets the Safe Play criteria, which includes undergoing criminal background checks and possessing the ability to recognize, address, and prevent misconduct. Currently, there are between 25,000 and 30,000 coaches in the U.S., but the USTA aims to expand that number to approximately 75,000 to 100,000. This expansion will encompass a diverse range of coaches, from parents assisting their children to professionals mentoring athletes competing in high-profile events like the U.S. Open starting August 24.
Strategic Move for Future Participation
This initiative is a strategic move tied to the USTA’s broader ambition of increasing participation in tennis to 35 million players by 2035. “The USTA has never actively engaged in coaching; we are likely the last significant national tennis federation without such a program. It’s now our duty to lead in this area,” Miller noted, highlighting the necessity of recruitment, marketing, educational opportunities, and certification in shaping the future of tennis coaching.
Importance of the Initiative
Miller reaffirmed the critical nature of this venture for the future of American tennis, stating, “Investing in our coaching system is vital for the integrity of the sport. This is a transformative moment for us.”
Response to Recent Incidents
The urgency of launching this initiative follows a troubling incident highlighted in a June 2024 report presented to the USTA Board of Directors. This document contained 19 targeted recommendations to enhance player safety, released shortly after a jury found the USTA liable for $9 million in damages to a former player who alleged that the organization failed to protect her from a coach’s sexual abuse during her teenage years at a training facility. Over the preceding two decades, the USTA has faced multiple lawsuits linked to similar allegations of sexual misconduct within the sport.
