Become a NorCal Approved Court Monitor

Get the best seat in the house to see some great tennis and help grow the game of tennis by becoming a USTA NorCal Approved Court Monitor. Court Monitors help ensure fair and sportsmanlike play, maintain continuous play and assist the players solve problems on court.  

At Level 1-6 Tournaments, the Court Monitors will work closely with the officiating staff to help enforce the rules and regulations. Here is a brief video showing some of the duties at these Tournaments.

At Level 7 Tournaments and Junior Circuit/Team Challenge events, Court Monitors will help to educate the players so that they learn about sportsmanship and have a better understanding of the game so that they want to keep playing. Check out how you can help players learn more about the game of tennis at these types of events by watching this video!

RESPONSIBILITIES OF A COURT MONITOR VARY BY DAY DEPENDING ON THE TYPE OF EVENT, BUT MAY INCLUDE:

• Maintain control over assigned courts 
• Measure the net at the start of the day and then before each subsequent match
• Time warm-ups, changeovers and rest periods
• Call foot faults 
• Stop play to notify an umpire of an observed code violation 
• Settle scoring disputes on a limited basis 
• Overrule clear mistakes 
• Record scores of matches 
• Inform the desk of open courts and of the progress of matches in play 
• Send for a certified official if there is a question regarding a rule

STEPS TO BECOME A COURT MONITOR:

1. Register to be a Court Monitor with USTA NorCal
2. Become Safe Play Approved
3. Attend a Court Monitor Webinar – staff will follow up with you upon registration.

Upon completion of the steps to become a Court Monitor, you will receive a welcome package which will consist of a Court Monitor tee-shirt, cap, stopwatch, tape measure and the Friend at Court (USTA’s Rulebook).

THE ROLES THAT CERTIFIED OFFICIALS CAN TAKE ON INCLUDE:

1. Roving Umpire - watching over several courts at the same time
2. Referee - In charge of the rules and regulations for an entire tournament
3. Chair Umpire - Oversee one match from start to finish
4. Line Umpire - At professional events, calling lines, usually on a rotational basis
5. ITA/Collegiate - Roving and/or Chair Umpires are used at collegiate matches