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A message from USTA CEO Lew Sherr on the importance of Safe Play

August 26, 2024

A message from CEO Lew Sherr:

 

There is nothing more important than promoting safe, respectful, and fun environments in which all athletes can thrive. With more people playing tennis than ever before, it’s imperative that we work together to ensure that the sport is being played—and enjoyed—free of misconduct and abuse. This is exactly why the USTA launched Safe Play, the comprehensive athlete safety program consisting of education, screening, reporting tools and policies. 

 

Each of us plays a role in the success of Safe Play, and I am asking every parent, volunteer, coach, and facility member to play their part. USTA offers free and easy methods designed to facilitate a culture of athlete safety and respectful playing environment: 

PARENTS: Know who's coaching your child – Keep the three “R”s in mind.

 

  1. Review the Safe Play Disciplinary List to help us monitor our sport and keep known bad actors out.
  2. Request to work only with coaches who are Safe Play Approved. A Safe Play Approved coach is educated to recognize and prevent misconduct, has been criminally background screened, and understands how to report suspected abuse. If your coach is not Safe Play Approved, request they complete the process today. 
  3. Refresh your own knowledge by taking the free 30-minute parent training course to learn more about how to help keep tennis free of abuse and bullying, and learn the channels to report suspicious activity. 
Happy people on a tennis court, smiling and high-fiving.

COACHES: Join the Movement. A commendable 25,000 members of our tennis community have made the commitment to keep our sport safe and healthy for all of our players and became Safe Play Approved. Don’t miss out on the opportunity to distinguish yourself as Safe Play Approved and gain an edge over the competition. Click here to get started today so that when parents ask if you are Safe Play Approved, you can confidently say, “YES!”

 

FACILITIES / CLUBS: Build Customer Confidence. Make sure your facility is upholding its commitment to creating a safe environment for your members. Make Safe Play Approval a requirement for your employees and give your customers the confidence to entrust their own and their child’s tennis experience with you. 

 

Play Your Part with Safe Play: Together Everyone Makes Tennis Safe. 

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