Director of Racquet Sports Certificate Course
The USTA, PTR, and USPTA have come together as a whole to educate and develop racquet sports professionals looking to become more confident, competent, and clear business leaders with a lifelong career in the industry.
This course was built by racquets leaders for future leaders. This IS the information pros need to move forward: confidently.
What you’ll learn:
The course modules are, in order, as follows:
Module One – Introduction to the role of Director of Racquet Sports
Module Two – Tennis history and knowledge
Module Three – Complementary Racquet Sports
Module Four – Facilities and Operations
Module Five – Technology
Module Six – Maximizing Personal Brand
Module Seven – Human Capital, Culture & Leadership
Module Eight – Finance and Accounting
Module Nine – Marketing and Sales
Module Ten – The Customer and Member Experience
This comprehensive educational curriculum is constructed to be fully self-directed and also interactive with peers. Students are taught through educational modules, problem-based assignments, critiqued and graded projects and a mid-term and final exam.
Taught completely online through the UF Canvas online learning management system, students are expected to view all course lectures and readings and complete all assignments through Canvas. Students should adhere to the UF policies regarding academic misconduct (i.e. plagiarism, cheating, or other dishonest representations of academic work.)
Upon satisfactory completion, the candidate will receive a certificate designating them as having successfully completed the course. Candidates must then present that proof of completion to the USPTA or PTR to receive their designation as a “Certified Director of Racquet Sports.”
Certified Directors of Racquet Sports are required to keep their membership with USPTA and PTR current.
Apply
Look at this as though you are applying for a job. You’re going to need to provide a resume, reference name, proof of certification with PTR or USPTA, and SafePlay.
Complete the course
On average students complete the course in 8 months, dedicating 3-4 hours a week on the material, assignments, quizzes, and exams.
Receive Certification
If you’re a PTR Level 2 Pro or a USPTA Elite Pro, upon completion of the course one of these organizations will recognize you as a Certified Director of Racquet Sports.
Cost and FAQ
Created by seasoned, respected committee and racquet directors, the UF Director of Racquet Sports Certificate Course focuses on developing the business and leadership competencies required to successfully manage a tennis and racquets operation, whether in a private club, commercial setting or public recreation setting.
How much does the Director of Racquet Sports Certificate Course Cost?
There is no fee to submit an application.
As of 2.1.2024 the updated course fee of $2495 is due upon admission once all eligibility requirements are met.
(Note: You do not have to be admitted to the University of Florida as a student in order to take the Certificate Course. However, if you would like to consider a Master’s Degree in Sports Management with a specialization in Director of Racquet Sports, you can find more information here.)
What types of payments are accepted?
When you meet all eligibility requirements and are accepted into the course, you will be sent an invoice in the full amount of $2395, which is to be paid prior to gaining access to the course.
The following payments are accepted:
- Credit and debit cards (from you or your employer)
Who pays for the course?
Some clubs and facilities offer to cover the course as a part of their commitment to continuing education. Other students see the value in it and choose to pay for it from their personal funds.
Who is this course for?
Current Directors, facility owners, and aspiring business leaders (teaching pros, managers, program coordinators) who are looking to build upon existing qualifications and leadership experience for confidence and competence while growing a racquets facility.
Certification designations are available on successful program completion.
Qualified applicants are those who are:
-
- Professionally certified professionals with 5+ years of experience as a tennis or racquet sports professionals
- Preferred level of certification is “Elite” for USPTA and Level 2 Professional for PTR.
- Have verified leadership capability
- Have verification of being current with USTA SafePlay
Who teaches the course?
Course instructors are UF professor of practice & Director of Professional Tennis Management and former Gator NCAA All-America Kim Bastable and respected industry consultant Doug Cash. Doug is a financial expert with 40+ years of racquets industry experience.
When is the enrollment period?
Enrollment is rolling, which means you can apply at any time.
Being in the tennis industry for over 20 years I felt confident in my coaching and organizational/time
management skills. However, I was unaware of certain aspects of a director role such as budgeting and the hiring process. This class is an excellent stepping stone to bridge the gap between assistant tennis professional and director.
The DORS course has been life-changing. It humbled me and showed me just how much I did not know about being a great racquet sports director. I gained an incredible amount of useful information and my knowledge of what is required to serve members and my employees has doubled.
The content and relevance to the current state of the industry made this course an invaluable tool and resource for all with leadership aspirations. It will test your knowledge and I guarantee you will learn about your current business oeprations and reflect on your effectiveness in prior roles. I wish this resource had been available 30 years ago when I first started in leadership roles.
Questions?
Email Kim Bastable: kimbastable@ufl.edu
Please note: It may take 5-7 business days to receive a response.
Get in touch
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