In today’s world, there is a huge shortage of trained leaders in the tennis industry. To be successful, a Director of Racquet Sports must not only be masters of the game they teach, but also have a firm understanding of business practices, communication, and leadership and be a bit of an entrepreneur. Because of this, the UF Director of Racquet Sports specialization combines an in-depth knowledge of the racquet sports industry with essential finance, communication, marketing, leadership and event management skills needed to capably run and grow a program that may encompass several racquet sports, many event forms and a vast array of participant ages and abilities.
If you have a passion for tennis and are interested in making it a lifelong career, our online masters in sport management with a Director of Racquet Sports specialization is the right fit for you. Whether you are looking to develop new job opportunities for yourself or to enhance your leadership potential in a tennis-related position, this online specialization can help you find success. Completion of this specialization also prepares you to become a certified Director of Racquet Sports with the United States Professional Tennis Association, accredited by the US Tennis Association.
The UF Director of Racquet Sports specialization is made up of 12 credit hours of required work plus 3 elective credit hours from the sport management degree program. The courses are also available to students who are not pursuing specialization.
Learn what it takes to be a successful director of racquet sports and business teammate through interactive, online classes designed by experienced leaders in the field. Through this track, you will develop your expertise in:
For more information, please contact Instructor Kim Bastable, M.S.
To learn more about the University of Florida’s online master’s in sport management and download a free brochure, fill out the fields below. You can also call (877) 665-3860 to speak to one of our Academic Coordinators about the program.
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Many clubs are branching out from tennis by incorporating a variety of racquet sports, such as pickle ball, padel, platform tennis and POP tennis due to their short learning curve and high level of sociability. To prepare for this reality, this course will enable students to gain a competent general understanding of these sports, including their rules, facilities, marketability and costs, and the advantages and disadvantages to including them in a racquets program.
This course will also require students to gain an in-depth understanding of the history, current status, and trends in the tennis industry and insights on how to navigate a successful career as a tennis director.
Due to the nature of private clubs and community-based facilities where expenses may be subsidized by members or taxes, a “successful program” might never turn a profit. This class will help directors have a clear understanding of what other parameters can define and are necessary for “success,” such as participation, program growth, facility usage, food and beverage sales, a low student-to-pro on-court ratio and an emphasis on service.
For for-profit country clubs and indoor racquet and tennis clubs, a vastly different set of goals will be necessary. Expense management and marketing and promotions are key when operations depend on profit. Students will establish goals, objectives and strategies for both types of facilities by exploring income options such as variations in student-to-pro ratios, staff sales goals, social media marketing, creative events and product specialization. Digital marketing strategies for reading members and prospects and to enhance member experiences are also addressed in this course.
The final exam for this course will require students to take the USTA Tennis Director Certification Exam. The exam, designed by the members of the Tennis Director Certification Committee and external educational advisor, is a multiple-choice exam that covers the content brought forward in the 12 credit hour Tennis Director Specialization curriculum.
To be eligible to apply for the USPTA Tennis Director Certification, students will have to achieve a score of at least 70% or greater on this exam. Thus, students will be required to pass this exam with a score of 70% or greater in order to receive credit for SPM 5936 The Tennis Directorship.
Prerequisites:
All UF students that successfully complete this specialization will have met the educational requirements and will have passed the USTA/USPTA Director of Tennis Certification Exam.
However, in addition to passing these educational requirements conferred by UF, the USPTA and USTA requires the following additional qualifications to be eligible to receive a USPTA Director of Tennis Certification:
Upon completion of the UF Specialization and completion of and submission of the USPTA’s requirements, the candidate will receive a certificate designating them as a certified USPTA/USTA Director of Tennis. Tennis professionals who earn their Director of Tennis Certification can keep their certification current by maintaining a minimum of 15 credits of USPTA-approved continuing education every three years.
The Athlete Development specialization qualifies students to pursue certification through the Professional Association of Athlete Development Specialists (PAADS).
No. 1 Best Online Master’s in Sport Management by BestColleges.com.