Tennis on Campus is a national program developed to promote and support the expansion of co-ed recreational team play on college campuses across the country. The program focuses on providing structured play opportunities for the entire campus community through sport club tennis teams and intramural tennis programs all of which are exciting, friendly, and fun. Recreational tennis offers many of the benefits of varsity tennis, but does not require as much dedication or as great a time commitment.

Get Started!

1.  Spread the word – use social media to get the word out about your new fun tennis club!

• Facebook pages, social media, campus radio ads and print resources can be helpful.
• Many schools also offer student club days or sports club expos to help showcase all the organizations the school has to offer.  
• Try hosting a free event like a TOC Block Party to draw new members in!

2.  Become a sanctioned club with the university- set up a meeting set up a meeting with the recreational sports director or student association to learn how.  Most clubs require bylaws, an executive board, etc.  

 Get Playing!

1.  First things first – secure your tennis courts!  

• Assess the campus and identify available courts.  The recreational sports department or varsity college coach can help with this.  If no courts are available you can work with local parks or neighborhood facilities.

2.  How do I get the club affiliated with TOC?

• Once your club is officially recognized by the university, be sure to visit USTA Tennis On Campus to find out what’s going on with the program and locate club resources.  Make sure you register your team with USTA Eastern by completing a New Team Profile. 
• Once you are registered with USTA Eastern, your will be added to the club network so that other teams in Eastern can find you and set up play days.  You will also be eligible to compete in Eastern and National sanctioned events.  

3.  Are there eligibility rules?

• Your campus club sports/intramural or student org department may have their own rules to determine eligibility so consult your school’s appropriate department.  
• Nationally, players must be at least half-time grad/undergrad students at their school.  They must not be a current varsity member of a varsity tennis team.  Only one (1) former varsity player is allowed to travel/play matches against other schools. If a player has played varsity or club tennis before, there is a six-year rule that applies.  That is, a player has six years (including any varsity tennis played), not consecutive, in order to complete their playing eligibility in club sports.  To read more about National and Eastern eligibility please go to the NIRSA NCCS website: http://play.nirsa.net/nirsa-championship-series/player-eligibility-requirements/ 

COST!

1.  Schools may charge member dues, and this will vary from school to school.  Associated costs may include court time and travel costs if you attend an event at another school.  

• Seek out assistance through your university.
• Hold fundraisers.  
• All clubs should charge dues of some sort and travel expenses should not be paid completely out of the club coffers.  Club members should pick up most of these costs in order for the club to remain solvent.

2.  Other potential funding sources:

• USTA National TOC Start-Up Grant
• www.nirsa.org
• USTA Eastern Start Up Grant

TIPS AND TRICKS

• The club team composition should include players from each class as to ensure continuity of the program – we all have to graduate sometime!
• If you host an invite other schools for a tournament, contact USTA Eastern for support!
• Make sure you register for USTA Eastern TOC Sectionals!  This will give you the chance to qualify for Nationals, where you will compete against teams from all 17 USTA sections!
• Eastern receives a certain number of direct-entries at nationals.  These teams are determined by order of finish at the annual Sectional.