A Guide to USTA Net Generation Pathway

I. Overview of the USTA Net Generation Pathway

The USTA Net Generation Pathway introduces youth aged 5-18 to competition through various programs offered by the USTA. These programs emphasize fun, teamwork, decision-making, and learning to compete. Aligned with the long-term athletic development principles of the American Development Model (ADM), the Net Generation Pathway aims to promote the health and well-being of tennis participants throughout their lives.

Players will progress through different ball colors, including Red, Orange, Green, and Yellow Ball Tennis, depending on their age and skill level. The format of the programs can range from informal and low-pressure team environments to non-elimination events. The USTA offers three main Net Generation Programs: USTA Team Challenge, USTA Junior Team Tennis (Local Track), and USTA Junior Circuit. These programs provide opportunities for players to train, compete, and advance in their tennis journey.

Participation in Net Generation Programs does not contribute to junior ranking. However, player participation and results are recorded in the Net Generation PlayTracker. The PlayTracker, along with age and assessments, determines when a player can progress from one ball color to another and when they become eligible to compete in ranking tournaments.

II. General Regulations

A. Name and Governance:
The USTA has established the USTA NET GENERATION PATHWAY REGULATIONS to govern all Net Generation Programs. These regulations operate alongside the USTA Constitution and Bylaws, as well as FRIEND AT COURT – The USTA Handbook of Tennis Rules and Regulations. The USTA NET GENERATION PATHWAY REGULATIONS can only be waived in specific circumstances.

B. Amendments:
The USTA Local Play and Competition Committee, in consultation with a Net Generation Pathway Regulations Subcommittee, has the authority to amend the regulations. Proposed amendments undergo a review and comment process by the Office of General Counsel and Chair of the Constitution and Rules Committee before adoption.

C. Conforming Changes:
The Office of General Counsel has the authority to authorize changes to the regulations that align with USTA governing documents, enhance clarity, eliminate ambiguity, correct errors, or provide additional guidance.

D. Glossary of Terms:
A glossary of terms is included in the regulations to provide clarification on specific terminology.

E. Non-Discrimination:
Discrimination in Net Generation Programs is strictly prohibited, in accordance with the USTA Constitution, USTA Bylaws, and USTA Regulations.

III. Net Generation Programs

Net Generation Programs adhere to the regulations and encompass the following:

A. USTA Team Challenge:

Description: An introductory competition focusing on team play, character development, and a fun, social environment. Parent education, including Safe Play education and training, is also available.
Ball Colors: Red, Orange, and Green Ball Tennis (Yellow Ball Tennis not included).
Player Organization: Players are grouped based on ball color, age, and physical size.

B. USTA Junior Team Tennis (Local Track):

Description: Introduces players to team competition in a local setting, emphasizing level-based play opportunities, skill development, and fun.
Governing Regulations: USTA Junior Team Tennis Regulations.

C. USTA Junior Circuit:

Description: Non-elimination events that group players by ability (flighting). Focuses on individual results and good sportsmanship.
Ball Colors: Orange, Green, and Yellow Ball Tennis.

IV. Net Generation PlayTracker

The Net Generation PlayTracker sets the requirements for players under the age of 11 to progress from Red Ball Tennis to Orange Ball Tennis, Green Ball Tennis, and ultimately Yellow Ball Tennis. These requirements are determined by the USTA in consultation with the Local Play and Competition Committee. The PlayTracker points earned in Net Generation Programs are recorded in the Serve Tennis platform.

V. Sanctioning Net Generation Program Events

Net Generation Program Events are sanctioned by the USTA. The process varies depending on the program:

USTA Team Challenge: Events or series of events can be sanctioned upon meeting the USTA requirements.
USTA Junior Team Tennis (Local Track): Sanctioning follows the USTA Regulations and requires the submission of team rosters, schedules, and Safe Play certification.
USTA Junior Circuit: Application for sanctioning must be submitted through the Serve Tennis Tournament Module. Approval is based on the established process by the Sectional or District Association.

VI. Red Ball Tennis

A. Definition: Red Ball Tennis is played on a 36-foot court with a 33-inch high net. It utilizes stage 3 (red) balls.
B. Minimum Age: Players must be at least 5 years old to participate.
C. Racket: Players must use a racket no longer than 23 inches (58.5 cm).
D. Ball Usage: New red balls are not required for each event. Balls may be reused.

VII. Orange Ball Tennis

A. Definition: Orange Ball Tennis is played on a 60-foot court with a 36-inch high net. It uses stage 2 (orange) balls.
B. Minimum Age: Players must be at least 5 years old to participate, although it is recommended they do not advance to Orange Ball before the age of 7.
C. Racket: Players must use a racket no longer than 25 inches (63.5 cm).
D. Ball Usage: Events start with new orange balls and may reuse them for up to four hours.

VIII. Green Ball Tennis

A. Definition: Green Ball Tennis is played on a 78-foot court with a 36-inch high net, following USTA regulations. It utilizes stage 1 (green) balls.
B. Minimum Age: Players must be either 9 years old or 7-8 years old and meet the Net Generation PlayTracker requirements.
C. Racket: Players must use a racket no longer than 27 inches (68.58 cm).
D. Ball Usage: Events start with new green balls and may reuse them for up to four hours.

IX. Yellow Ball Tennis

A. Definition: Yellow Ball Tennis follows the ITF Rules of Tennis regarding court size, racket, and ball specifications.
B. Minimum Age: Players must be 11 years old or meet the Net Generation PlayTracker requirements.
C. Ball Usage: Events start with new yellow balls and may reuse them for up to four hours.

For more details please click the following link USTA Net Generation Regulations.

Glossary of Terms

Glossary

7-Point Match Tiebreak:

Played in some matches instead of the deciding final set.
The first player or team to win 7 points by a margin of at least 2 wins the final set 1-0 and the match.

Coed Event:

Players of any gender can enter a coed event.
Allows any combination of boys and girls in singles and doubles matches.

Compass Draw:

Non-elimination format where players advance in different directions based on when they lose their matches.
Provides multiple paths for players to continue competing.

Division:

Refers to one or two events with identical eligibility criteria.
Example: Girls’ 12 Singles and Girls’ 12 Doubles are two events but belong to the same division.

Event Director:

Responsible for maintaining high standards of good sportsmanship, communication with players and parents, and addressing inappropriate behavior.
Must comply with Safe Play requirements, including USTA background screening and Safe Play education.

Flighting:

Method of distributing players in an event into separate groups based on their skill level.
Players of similar ability are placed in the same flight and compete against each other.

Green Ball Tennis:

Played on a 78-foot court with a stage 1 (green) ball and a racket no longer than 27 inches.

ITF Rules of Tennis:

Rules for the sport of tennis established by the International Tennis Federation (ITF).
Apply to Net Generation Programs as part of USTA’s membership in the ITF.

Level-Based Competitions:

Use flights or groups to separate players based on their skill level.
Allows players of similar ability to compete against each other.

Limited Capacity Events:

USTA Team Challenge or USTA Junior Circuit events that restrict entries due to factors like event duration or available courts.

Match Format:

Refers to the specific scoring format used in an event.

Modified Rally:

Allows players to use alternative methods (bumping, trapping, rolling) to send the ball during a rally.

Net Generation:

USTA’s youth tennis brand catering to ages 5-18.
Aims to welcome new players through education, skill development, and enjoyable play opportunities.

Net Generation Pathway:

Provides play and competitive experiences to introduce youth to tennis competition.
Progresses players in a fun and player-centered manner, preparing them for a lifelong love of the sport.
Results from Net Generation Pathway Events do not count for rankings.

No-Ad Scoring:

Similar to Advantage Scoring or Regular Scoring.
When the score reaches 40-40 (or 3-3 in numeric scoring), the receiver selects the receiving side.
Only one additional point is played to determine the game winner.

Non-Elimination Draw Format:

Players are not eliminated from the event after losing matches.
Examples include round robin grouping and compass draw.

Numeric Scoring:

Scoring system that uses numbers (0, 1, 2, 3) to represent points (love, 15, 30, 40).

Orange Ball Tennis:

Played on a 60-foot court with a stage 2 (orange) ball and a racket no longer than 25 inches.

Play Points:

Points earned for participating in a Net Generation Program Event.
Recorded in the Net Generation PlayTracker.

Pro Set:

Consists of one set only, where the first player to a specified number of games wins the match.
Example: One 6-game set or a short set played to 4 games.

**Red Ball Tennis

:**

Played on a 36-foot court with a stage 3 (red) ball and a racket no longer than 23 inches.

Regular Scoring:

Traditional scoring system using points represented as 15, 30, 40, Deuce, and Advantage.

Round Robin:

Format where each player competes against every other player in the group.

Serve Tennis Platform:

A comprehensive digital platform supporting providers and facilities in attracting, engaging, and retaining players.
Offers tools for programming, registration, communication, court booking, and membership management.

Short Set in Orange, Green, and Yellow Ball Net Generation Events:

A set won by the first player to reach 4 games with a margin of 1 game.
If the game score is tied 3-3, an additional game is played to determine the set winner.

Timed Match (Game Format):

Ongoing set played until the end of a specified time period.
Player with the most completed games wins the match.

Timed Match (Point Format):

Ongoing tiebreak game played until the end of a specified time period.
Player with the most points at the end wins the match.

Net Generation PlayTracker:

Assigns and records Play and Win Points for each Net Generation Program.
Play Points used as benchmarks to progress from Green to Yellow Ball Tennis for players under the age of 11.

USTA Junior Circuit:

Non-elimination result-based events that do not count for rankings.
Primarily uses round robin formats.
Helps players determine their direction in the game, whether recreational or competitive.

USTA Junior Team Tennis (Local Track):

Designed to introduce players to competition with a focus on play opportunities, skill development, and fun.
Includes Sectional and District championships, but results do not count for ranking.
Part of the Net Generation Circuit.

USTA Team Challenge:

Level-based competition emphasizing skill development rather than instruction.

Win Points:

Points earned for winning matches in a Net Generation Program Event using Green Ball Tennis.
Recorded in the Net Generation PlayTracker.