USTA Northern Unveils Positive Play Project

About the Positive Play Project

The Positive Play Project shifts focus from penalizing negative conduct to celebrating the positive habits that make tennis enjoyable for everyone. The program targets junior players ages 7–14, encouraging key behaviors such as:

• Congratulating opponents on good shots or effort.

• Overturning line calls to the player's own disadvantage.

• Maintaining composure and positivity throughout a match.

• Expressing gratitude toward tournament officials and directors.

   

How It Works

When tournament directors, staff, or officials witness exemplary sportsmanship, they present the player with an Award Recipient card. Players then fill out the card and present it at the tournament desk to receive a custom vibration dampener as a tangible reward. Participating facilities have also begun featuring "Sportsmanship Walls," where they display the names and positive acts of recipients, allowing players to take pride in their contributions to the sport’s culture. Recipients will also be highlighted in the USTA Northern 2026 Yearbook. 

Pilot Locations

The program is currently being piloted across five key locations throughout the Northern section, serving as the foundation for broader implementation:

• St. Louis Park Life Time

• Eden Prairie Life Time

• Rochester Athletic Club

• Williston Fitness Center

• Rapid City Recreation Department

"We see this as a positive way to guide players toward the behaviors that make everyone enjoy the sport of tennis," said Aaron Holland, USTA Northern's Director of Competition. "By rewarding good sportsmanship, we hope to build a culture of mutual respect and appreciation that grows from tournament to tournament."

For more information about the Positive Play Project or to learn how your facility can get involved, please contact Aaron Holland, USTA Northern's Director of Competition, at aaron@northern.usta.com.