USTA Launches New Coaching Program to Safeguard Players

Washington, Aug 13 (AP) The U.S. Tennis Association (USTA) has launched its inaugural comprehensive coaching program, following recommendations from an external review aimed at improving safeguards against player abuse, including sexual misconduct.

"Ultimately, we must provide safe environments for all of our players," stated Craig Morris, CEO of the USTA Coaching initiative, during a video interview with The Associated Press. Morris noted that all certified participants will now be Safe Play approved, which involves undergoing a criminal background check and being trained to identify, respond to, and prevent misconduct.

The USTA currently estimates there are 25,000 to 30,000 tennis coaches across the United States. Aiming to boost this number to 75,000 to 100,000, the initiative will encompass everyone from parents coaching their kids to professional coaches involved in events like the U.S. Open, which begins on Aug. 24.

This initiative aligns with the USTA's ambition of seeing 35 million people engaging in tennis in the U.S. by 2035. "The USTA has never been involved in the coaching business. We're likely the last major tennis federation globally not doing this. It's a responsibility we must embrace," Morris explained. "This involves recruitment, marketing, services, education, and certification. What will the next generation of coaching look like? We need to get high school and college students considering this as a career path."

Morris emphasized, "This is crucial for U.S. tennis. The USTA must invest in safeguarding the sport's delivery system. For the first time in our history, we're undertaking this effort."

In June 2024, a report presented to the USTA Board of Directors outlined 19 specific recommendations for enhancing player safety. This report emerged less than two months after a tennis player was awarded $9 million in damages by a Florida federal jury, following allegations that the USTA had not protected her from sexual abuse by a coach during her teenage years. The USTA has also been named in four other lawsuits concerning the sexual abuse of tennis players over two decades. (AP)

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