Traveling Tennis Information
The Traveling Tennis program participates in the USTA Junior Team Tennis program. Our teams compete against teams throughout the south metro area. Although the Traveling program is not for beginners, it offers opportunity for players with varying levels of skill who want to play in a more competitive environment. This program is excellent for players looking to compete on middle school or high school teams.
The 2008 season starts with a player’s clinic in May. The finalized format of the program will be based upon the total number of participants registered and skill levels. Typically EVAA has fielded 3 traveling teams. This year we intend to add a fourth team at the 12 & Under age level. Tryouts will be conducted in early June, if necessary. There are normally 3 practices per week, starting at 7:30 PM. The number of practices may vary depending on the number of teams and the number of matches in a particular week. Optional practices may be held on match dates as this provides the option of practicing when matches are missed. Matches are usually held at 1:00 PM for both home and away locations. Most matches are held on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Carpools are generally formed for away matches.
Although the program is competitive, the main emphasis is Fun, Fitness, and Friends. Players are encouraged to participate in both individual and team tournaments. The registration fee includes a shirt, traveling team play, USTA Junior Membership and USTA sectional tournament entry fee. A portion of the registration fee is also used to pay tournament entry fees for up to 2 endorsed tournaments. Endorsed tournaments include all USTA novice, Challenger II, Challenger I, or Championship level tournaments, plus other approved regional tournaments. There is a $70 per person total maximum limit for tournament refunds.
Teams are based on both age and skill level. Skill level is based on the Junior National Tennis Rating Program (JNTRP) rating scale. Please see the Junior Tennis Rating Guidelines for JNTRP ratings definitions. There are 5 possible divisions that we may enter:
Ages 12 and under with a JNTRP skill level of 2.0 to 3.0
Ages 14 and under with a JNTRP skill level of 2.5 to 3.0
Ages 14 and under with a JNTRP skill level of 3.5 to 4.5
Ages 18 and under with a JNTRP skill level of 2.5 to 3.0
Ages 18 and under with a JNTRP skill level of 3.5 to 5.0
The final number of teams and the divisions they will play in will be determined after registration closes.
Teams will compete in a 2-day USTA area team tournament during the week of July 14th, and depending on results, may advance to the USTA sectional tournament the week of July 28th. Depending on those results, they may advance to regional and national tournaments. The USTA tournaments are typically the highlight of the season. Unfortunately, a number of players have had conflicts during the sectional tournament due to the scheduling of the high school band camp or other events, causing issues for organizing tournament teams. Early in the season players will be asked if they will be participating the USTA tournaments. Responses will help to organize tournament teams so that the kids that are committed to playing in the tournament will have the opportunity.
If you would like to remain informed about the tennis program, subscribe to the Traveling mailing list through the “E-Mail Subscriptions Utilities” link found on the main Traveling page. If you have any questions regarding Traveling Tennis, please send an e-mail message using this website or send directly to TravelingTennis@EVAAsports.org. A voice message can also be left on the EVAA Tennis hotline at 952-985-3830.
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