USTANE Coronavirus Updates

State Updates on Face Coverings

Connecticut

Massachusetts

USTA New England/National COVID-19 Resources

Updated Facility Safety Guidelines

Junior Tournaments Resume in New England

Return To Play Recommendations

USTA National Reseources

Latest USTENE Statement:

As of now, we are moving forward with tournaments scheduled on the weekend of December 11th and beyond as local rules still allow for in-state competition.

 

Letter from Player Development Director

 

*Previous Statements*

November 23, 2020

10:35 am

 

On Thursday, November 19, 2020, the Connecticut governor’s office held a press conference and released their new restrictions suspending all team sports in Connecticut until January 19, 2021. In accordance with this restriction, we will be pausing all USTA League play and USTA Junior Team Tennis play until that date. As we get closer to January 19, 2021, we will update players, captains, facilities and volunteers of our plan for both USTA League and USTA Junior Team Tennis in late winter and spring. 

 

Letter from Player Development Director

 

November 20, 2020

5:08 pm

 

As of November 20, we have decided to pause ALL tournament play beginning November 27 with the hope of reinstating play in most New England states on December 11.

 

Letter from Player Development Director

 

November 13, 2020

2:26 pm

 

As several of our New England states have now mandated wearing masks for recreational play and competition, USTA New England encourages everyone to work together to ensure tennis continues to be the safest of all sports. We continue to ask all players and facilities to follow the guidelines set forth by your state and local governments.

 

Being informed is as important as being prepared. To our players, please take some time to understand your local government's guidelines as well as protocol set forth by the facility at which you are participating. Now more than ever, it is important we remain extremely cautious and not let our guard down. We need to continue to follow protocol to allow our section to continue playing tournaments and leagues.

 

July 14, 2020

11:01 am

 

Due to the situation surrounding COVID-19, the USTA has canceled a number of National level events scheduled to be held in August:

 

Juniors

 

USTA National Championships

Boys’ 18s- August 7-15 – USTA National Campus (Orlando, Fla.)

Girls’ 18s- August 7-15 – George Barnes Family Tennis Center (San Diego)

Boys’ 16s- August 7-15 – Rome Tennis Center at Berry College (Rome, Ga.)

Girls’ 16s- August 7-15 – Mobile Tennis Center (Mobile, Ala.)

 

USTA National Doubles Championships

Boys’ and Girls’ 18s – 12s- August 28-30 – USTA National Campus (Orlando, Fla.)

 

Adults

 

Men's 65 USTA National Indoor Championships- August 10-15 – LifeTime Eden Prairie Athletic (Eden Prairie, Minn.)

Men's and Women's Open USTA National Grass Court Championships- August 10-16 – International Tennis Hall of Fame (Newport, R.I.)

Men's 75 & 80 and Mother/Son USTA National Grass Court Championships- August 13-16 – Agawam Hunt Country Club (Rumford, R.I.)

 

To read the full statement, click here. 

 

 

July 10, 2020

8:47 am

 

To our New England Tennis Community-

 

We cannot express our gratitude enough to all our tennis coaches, directors, club owners, pros, volunteers, players, and the wider tennis community that have supported us over the years, and especially through these last couple of months. We recognize the hard work you have put into getting facilities and courts ready for players and we commend you for those efforts. 

 

The number one priority of USTA New England is to keep our larger tennis community safe during the COVID-19 pandemic, and always.

 

The three-plus months that our organization suspended USTA play was a difficult time for all. We are beginning the process of getting our programs back on the court and we are doing so meticulously. 

 

In April, we formed a Facility Task Force that included leaders at tennis organizations around New England. That group’s work forged the way for the national safe play guidelines as well as strengthened the relationships amongst tennis facilities and USTA New England. Their work continues as we navigate the ‘new normal’.

 

Our volunteer-based committees also played an integral role in partnership with our staff to ensure safe play in our section. In particular, USTA League, Tournaments, and Junior Team Tennis decisions were discussed at length before any conclusions were made. We also collaborated with other USTA Sections around the country to ensure safe and fair processes.

 

At the National level, USTA partnered with major tennis organizations in our country to form the group, Tennis Industry United. That group, along with leading medical experts, crafted the USTA Playing Tennis Safely Guidelines.

 

We are confident that the guidelines are the best way to play our sport in this environment. We would like to thank our tennis partners who have been advocates for the safety precautions and have followed government regulations during this trying and frustrating time. We are proud to be affiliated with you.

 

We know that USTA programs are not your only option, and we are grateful that you choose our products and opportunities. We will always follow the recommendations set forth by local governments, the Tennis Industry United group, our local committees, and staff to keep you as safe and healthy as we can on the court.

 

Our plan is to continue working with our tennis community to make the best decisions about USTA play moving forward. Our environment will continue to change and we will monitor closely and adjust our plans accordingly. 

 

Be happy and well and most of all, have fun on the courts!

 

 

June 1, 2020

8:00 am

 

As the country slowly begins to reopen, USTA New England is taking a close look at transitioning back to the tennis courts. 

 

The return to USTA programming will happen on a case-by-case basis where the local tennis infrastructure and players are ready in accordance with state and local government regulations. Every New England State is reopening at a different pace and towns and cities are also working on their own timelines.

 

As stated previously, adult and junior sanctioned USTA tournament play is suspended until June 29th. We feel this gives players time to get back on the courts, play and train before jumping into USTA competition. 

 

We are looking into USTA League and Junior Team Tennis opportunities in local areas where clubs, facilities and players are ready. Check with your local club and towns for regulations and opportunities to play. 

 

Our Tennis in the Parks Program and Social Tennis Leagues staff are working with local Park and Recreation Departments to determine when play will begin. We are hopeful to start some programs this summer in areas that are safe to do so.

 

USTA New England will send out communications to players when organized USTA play is resuming.

In the meantime, we encourage you to get out on the courts where it is safe and permissible to do so. Tennis is the perfect activity that can be executed at a safe social distance. The sport is good for your heart, mind and body. Please follow the USTA Safety guidelines when you hit the courts and remember to HAVE FUN!

 

 

May 22, 2020

12:00 pm

 

Adult & Junior Tournament Update

 

As we’re sure many of you are, we too are eager to get back on the court. That being said, we’ve made the difficult decision to postpone all June sanctioned tournaments and relaunch both Adult and Junior tournaments starting June 29th. 

 

This allows our players an opportunity to get back on the courts to train and condition prior to playing a sanctioned event and gives tournament directors time to get used to our new normal. 

 

When sanctioned play does resume, tournaments will look different as we develop safer playing experiences. Over the next few weeks, we will establish and share how tournaments will look as we return to play in July. 

 

Junior Sectionals

The June L3 event slated to take place from June 19th - 23rd is postponed. We will look at the remainder of the year to determine how to address this particular event as we evaluate tournament schedules, national deadlines, site availability, and local government guidelines. 

 

Note: Throughout this unprecedented suspension of play, and in support of the 2021 unification of the Junior Competitive Structure, all 17 Sections have worked collaboratively to align and assure a fair and balanced return to play. 

 

 

USTA New England Announces $150,000 of Support for Tennis Provider Network

 

May 22, 2020

7:55 am

 

USTA New England is organizing tennis provider support initiatives that will infuse $150,000 into tennis organizations, facilities and programming as the sport unites to reopen after the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic.

 

These initiatives are part of USTA New England’s Get Back on the Court Campaign aimed at helping the tennis provider network in New England return to tennis. This is separate from the additional support allocated by the USTA to the tennis industry. The overarching goals of this assistance are to provide immediate relief, spur the industry’s recovery, and help rebuild the tennis ecosystem once tennis programming resumes.

 

“Our tennis providers are the heart of our sport,” said Matt Olson, Executive Director and COO of USTA New England. “This global pandemic has put tremendous strain on tennis organizations and we feel it is our responsibility to do what we can to help.”

 

USTA New England has committed $100,000 to support tennis facilities and organizations during this time. 

 

Any tennis facility in New England is welcome to apply for the grant, which must exclusively be used to cover the costs of reopening. Facilities that receive a grant will be required to submit receipts for reimbursement. To apply for the grant, click here.

 

An additional $50,000 will support National Junior Tennis and Learning (NJTL) chapters, Wheelchair Tennis and Adaptive programs in the section. NJTL Chapters can fill out this form to apply.

 

The Get Back on the Court Campaign support is focused solely on the tennis provider network within the USTA New England Section, which encompasses Massachusetts, Connecticut (excluding Greenwich), Rhode Island, Vermont, New Hampshire and Maine.

 

USTA New England Statement

 

May 7, 2020

12:03 pm

 

We understand the passion surrounding getting back on the court as we feel it too. USTA New England has mailed and emailed a letter along with the USTA Safety Guidelines to the Governor's COVID-19 response units in each New England state. 

 

We intend to equip the decision-makers at the state and local levels with the information they need to open tennis courts and facilities when it is safe to do so in each state. USTA New England is continuing to send the letter out this week to Mayors in our most populated cities.

 

COVID-19 Update and Plans for Future Play in New England 

 

May 1, 2020

10:30 am

 

USTA New England is fully focused on helping players return to tennis and supporting local play once we are able to get back on the courts. Our National office recently announced that USTA League and Junior Team Tennis Nationals are canceled for this year. 

 

Given this news, the uncertainty of the pandemic, and most importantly, our concern for the safety of our players, USTA New England has made the difficult decisions to cancel all USTA League District and Section Championships as well as Junior Team Tennis States and Sectionals for 2020. 

 

All advancing local USTA Leagues and Junior Team Tennis leagues scheduled to start this spring and summer have also been canceled. Individual states may decide to complete adult USTA Leagues that are in progress if there is enough interest when courts reopen.

 

USTA New England will make an announcement soon on credits or refunds for registrations for eligible seasons.

 

These decisions were not made lightly and took a large collaboration of people to determine the course of action. While we know this is disappointing, the good news is, tennis is not going away. We are working on alternative play opportunities for players this summer. Details to come soon. 

 

Additionally, the USTA recently released guidelines for facilities and players to play tennis safely. Please keep in mind that these guidelines are for *when* courts reopen. 

 

Below is a detailed summary of changes by program and how each change may impact players and events within the New England tennis community. If you have any questions, please reach out to your local USTA contact or email info@newengland.usta.com.

 

USTA LEAGUES

 

Upcoming Events

• We are working on local summer league options that will be non-advancing. More information will be shared once details are available.

• Adult 65 & Over and Mixed 55 & Over Invitationals are still on the calendar.

• Leagues that start in September 2020: USTA New England intends on starting the 2021 Championship Year in September 2020 as we typically have in the past. More information about dates, leagues, etc. will be released soon.

 

Canceled Events

• 2020 USTA League National Championships are canceled.

• 2020 USTA League New England District and Section Championships are canceled.

  • We intend to offer local summer non-advancing play opportunities. More information will be shared once details are available.

  • USTA New England will make an announcement soon on credits or refunds for registrations for eligible seasons.

 

JUNIOR TEAM TENNIS

 

Upcoming Events

• We are working on local league options that will be non-advancing in addition to new local play opportunities this summer. More information will be shared once details are available.

• Fall JTT Leagues: USTA New England intends on having fall JTT leagues as we typically have had in the past. More information about dates, leagues, etc. will be released soon.

Canceled Events

• 2020 USTA JTT National Championships are canceled.

• 2020 USTA NE JTT State and Section Championships are canceled.

• USTA JTT advancing leagues scheduled to play between March 14 and August 31, 2020 are canceled.

 

JUNIOR TOURNAMENTS

 

Upcoming Events

• All USTA sanctioned Junior tournaments scheduled after the suspension period is over (after May 31, 2020) are still on schedule until further notice. 

• Discussions regarding Junior Sectionals are taking place now. A decision will be made about the tournament soon and will be communicated out.

• The National Clay Court Championships, slated to begin on July 11, will proceed as scheduled at this time.

   

Postponed Events

• National L1-L3 events will align with the same calendar as the ITF, ATP, and WTA, and be suspended through July 12.

  • *Please note, Junior Sectionals is a section event that awards National L3 points. Not a National L3 event.

• All ITF Junior events will align with the same calendar as the ITF, ATP and WTA, and are suspended through July 12, 2020.

 

Canceled Events

• All USTA sanctioned Junior tournaments are canceled during the posted USTA suspension of play which is currently through May 31, 2020. 

• All 2020 USTA summer junior team events are canceled. The events include:

  • Boys and Girls 14 and 16 Intersectional Team Championships

  • Boys and Girls 12, 14, 16 Zone Team Championships

  • Boys and Girls 18 National Team Championships

 

Rankings

• All USTA National and USTA New England ranking list publications are suspended. The rankings published March 12, 2020 will serve as the most recent New England standing list until USTA sanctioned play resumes.

   

ADULT TOURNAMENTS

 

Upcoming Events

• All USTA sanctioned Adult Tournaments scheduled for after the suspension period is over (after May 31, 2020) are still on schedule until further notice. 

• All Category 1 and Super Category 2 National Adult Tournaments with an ITF status will align with the same calendar as the ITF, ATP and WTA and be suspended through July 12.

 

Postponed Events

• The National NTRP Championships slated for April have been postponed. More information will be shared once details regarding a reschedule are available.

 

Canceled Events

• All USTA Sanctioned Adult Tournaments are canceled during the posted USTA Suspension of Play which is currently through May 31, 2020. Check Tennislink for any tournaments that may be rescheduled.

 

Rankings

• All USTA National and USTA New England ranking list publications are suspended. The rankings published March 12, 2020 will serve as the most recent New England standing list until USTA sanctioned play resumes.

 

USTA NEW ENGLAND EVENTS

 

Canceled Events

• The USTA New England Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony, slated for June 2020, has been canceled.

• The Junior Banquet, slated for October 2020, has been canceled.

• The USTA New England Awards Ceremony, slated for November 2020, has been canceled.

 

 

USTA New England Pro/Junior Power Series

 

While you are home, USTA New England, in collaboration with USPTA and PTR, is offering a series of educational webinars for coaches and players. The Pro Power Series and Junior Power Series, presented by New England and National tennis leaders, will feature Power Hour events once or twice a week to provide educational opportunities to keep your skills sharp while we wait to get back on the court. Click here to learn more and to register. 

 

USTA National Statement

 

April 25, 2020

9:07 am

 

The USTA has announced the cancellation of all 2020 USTA summer junior team events due to the ongoing concern with COVID-19.

 

These events include:
- Boys and Girls 14 & 16 Intersectional Team Championships
- Boys and Girls 12, 14, & 16 Zone Team Championships
- Boys and Girls 18 National Team Championships

 

Individual USTA National Clay Courts and USTA National Hard Courts events still remain on the calendar at this time.

 

In New England, junior tournaments remain on hold as the national suspension of play continues until May 31.

 

Junior rankings freezes are currently in effect both nationally and in New England.

 

 

USTA National Statement 

 

April 22, 2020

2:06 pm

 

COVID-19: Playing Tennis Safely

 

The USTA recognizes that the coronavirus has been affecting different parts of the country in different ways and with different timing. We therefore believe it will be possible for people to return to playing tennis safely in some cities and states sooner than others.

 

Update for facilities

Update for players

 

Click here for a complete guide to USTA Coronavirus updates. 

 

 

USTA New England Statement

 

April 13, 2020

3:50 pm

 

In light of USTA National’s decision to cancel the USTA League and Junior Team Tennis National Championships for 2020, USTA New England is looking at options to promote local play here in our section. 

 

We have not made a decision yet on the state, district or sectional events for this year. We know that everyone is anxious to get back on the court and we will offer USTA play when that happens. These decisions will be made in partnership with local government officials as we are anticipating that play will reopen at different times depending on the local state, city and town regulations.

 

Our staff, USTA League and Junior Team Tennis committees are working hard to brainstorm new play opportunities for when we are able to get back on the court - focusing on local play. As soon as decisions are made, we will communicate them to you. 

 

Stay safe and healthy.

 

USTA National Statement

 

April 13, 2020

3:30 pm

 

Due to the continued situation surrounding the COVID-19 virus, and after discussions with the USTA Medical Advisory Committee, effective immediately the USTA will extend the suspension of USTA sanctioned products and events through May 31. This includes:

 

• Adult and Junior Tournaments
• USTA League
• USTA Junior Team Tennis
• USTA Social Leagues
• Team Challenge
• Team Tournaments
• USTA Schools programs
• Tennis on Campus
• Wheelchair events

 

Additionally, recognizing the evolving and fast-changing nature of this situation, the USTA will continue to monitor and assess conditions to make future determinations about events and activities taking place after May 31.

 

All Category 1 and Super Category 2 National Adult Tournaments with an ITF status, all ITF Junior events, all Junior, Adult and Wheelchair L1 - L3 events, and all USTA Pro Circuit and professional events will align with the same calendar as the ITF, ATP and WTA, and be suspended through July 12. The National Clay Court Championships, slated to begin on July 11, will proceed as scheduled, at this time.

 

“The impact of COVID-19 has been felt across the tennis landscape, and it is our goal to ensure that the sport is able to be played in a safe and healthy fashion at the parks and facilities throughout the country once the pandemic subsides,” said Patrick Galbraith, Chairman of the Board and President, USTA. “One of the greatest aspects of this game is that it fosters a true community, and we look forward to the time when we can return to our local courts and use tennis to unite us all, once again.”

 

The determination has also been made to suspend the calculation and publication of the National Standings List (NSL) for Adult, Junior and Wheelchair play until further notice. The NSL published on March 18 will serve as the most current until tournament competition resumes.

 

In addition, to ensure that play taking place at local facilities will be the focus once the pandemic subsides, the following events will be canceled for 2020:

 

• USTA League National Championships
• USTA Junior Team Tennis National Championships
• USTA Intersectional Team Championships

 

The USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center in Flushing Meadows, N.Y., is currently closed to the public. The facility’s Indoor Tennis Center has been converted to a temporary hospital for COVID-19 patients, while Louis Armstrong Stadium is being utilized as a commissary to facilitate the creation of meal packages that are being distributed to patients, workers and New York City school children.

 

The USTA National Campus, in the Lake Nona area of Orlando, Fla., will remain closed for play and instructional opportunities through May 31.

 

Any patron who wishes to cancel participation in a scheduled activity should contact the specific location for refund information. These policies will be in effect pending additional guidance or directives from each local governmental agency and the CDC. The USTA will continue to monitor and assess conditions to make future determinations about all activities at these facilities.

 

Click here to learn more.

 

USTA National Statement

 

April 3, 2020

 

The COVID-19 pandemic is creating challenges for everyone across the globe. American tennis players are asking for guidance regarding the safety of playing tennis, especially when social distancing and space sharing issues are now paramount.

 

Based on the recommendations of the USTA COVID-19 Advisory Group, the USTA believes that it is in the best interest of society to take a collective pause from playing the sport we love.

 

Although there are no specific studies on tennis and COVID-19, medical advisors believe there is the possibility that the virus responsible for COVID-19 could be transmitted through common sharing and handling of tennis balls, gate handles, benches, net posts and even court surfaces.

 

As a result of this, the USTA asks that as tennis players we need to be patient in our return to the courts and consider how our decisions will not only affect ourselves, but how our decisions can impact our broader communities. In the meantime, we encourage everyone to stay active and healthy with at-home exercise and creative “tennis-at-home” variations.

 

We look forward to our return to tennis in a safe manner and will provide updates as new information becomes available. By practicing all the recommended guidelines presently put forth by our medical experts, that return will happen in the soonest possible timeframe.
 

USTA National Statement

 

March 23, 2020

3:01 pm

 

Due to the continued situation surrounding the COVID-19 virus, and after discussions with the USTA Medical Advisory Committee, effective immediately the USTA will extend the suspension of USTA sanctioned products and events, including Adult and Junior Tournaments, USTA League, Junior Team Tennis, Team Challenge, Team Tournaments, USTA Schools programs, Tennis on Campus and Wheelchair events through May 3. Additionally, recognizing the evolving and fast-changing nature of this situation, the USTA will continue to monitor and assess conditions to make future determinations about events and activities taking place after May 3.

 

All Category 1 and Super Category 2 National Adult Tournaments with an ITF status, all ITF Junior events, and all USTA Pro Circuit and professional events will align with the same calendar as the ITF, ATP and WTA, and be suspended through June 7.

 

Both the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center in Flushing Meadows, N.Y., and the USTA National Campus, in the Lake Nona area of Orlando, Fla., will remain closed for play and instructional opportunities through May 3. Any patron who wishes to cancel participation in a scheduled activity should contact the specific location for refund information. These policies will be in effect pending additional guidance or directives from each local governmental agency and the CDC. The USTA will continue to monitor and assess conditions to make future determinations about all activities at these facilities.

 

 

USTA New England Statement

 

March 20, 2020

8:32 am
 

On behalf of USTA New England, our office is thinking of you during this tough time. This global pandemic has put a strain on our tennis community. We are aware that many facilities have closed and some have been forced to lay-off their workforce. Many of our tennis players are without their favorite places to play, without their friends and without the sport they love as they knew it a few short weeks ago. 

 

We know that tennis creates a unique community like no other. It’s that sense of the community that we want to celebrate at this time. We will be active on our social media channels and hope that you interact with us in that way. 

 

Our staff is working from home and fully engaged in connecting with the providers in our section. We are actively brainstorming alternative schedules and ideas for future play.

 

We are confident that when this passes, our players will be more excited than ever to get back on the court. Until then, we are doing our best to monitor the situation and will be in touch about any changes from the USTA perspective.

 

 

USTA National Statement

 

March 13, 2020

12:37 pm

 

*Effective immediately, the USTA will suspend all sanctioned products and events through April 20.

 

Due to the heightened concerns surrounding the COVID-19 virus, effective immediately the USTA will suspend all USTA sanctioned products and events, including Adult and Junior Tournaments, League Tennis, Junior Team Tennis, USTA Schools programs, Tennis on Campus, Wheelchair Events and USTA Pro Circuit Events. The health and safety of all players, staff, fans and volunteers are the foremost concern. This suspension is in effect through April 20. The USTA’s goal will be to reschedule events where possible following this suspension period. Additionally, recognizing the evolving and fast-changing nature of this situation, the USTA will continue to monitor and assess conditions to make future determinations about events and activities taking place after April 20.

 

Click here to learn more

 

USTA New England Statement on COVID-19:

 

March 12, 2020

1:02 PM

 

The United States Tennis Association New England office is continuing to work closely with local and national partners to continually monitor the evolving situation associated with the COVID-19 outbreak.

 

It is our top priority to protect our players, their families, our staff and volunteers. In the last 24 hours, there have been rapid developments in relation to the virus. Based on the latest information, we have decided to cancel all USTA programs and tournaments effective immediately through March 31st, 2020. This includes all USTA League matches, sanctioned junior and adult tournaments, Junior Team Tennis matches, Team Challenges, and any other USTA tennis program.

 

Please consult with your local tennis facility about decisions regarding non-USTA play opportunities.