PLAYBOOK
Game On Play Days are designed to introduce new players to the sport and to welcome athletes of all levels (and their families) to try tennis. Skills competitions are a variation of Play Days and are appropriate for all levels of tennis experience.
Game On Practices, Leagues, and Camps are offered to athletes on the Competitive Pathway. Practices include L2 - L5, and we utilize 4 colors of tennis balls: red, orange, green, and yellow.
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Tournaments give athletes a chance to utilize what they've learned during practice! Matches are typically timed, and no-ad scoring is used. Singles, doubles, and unified doubles may be played.
Levels of Play Tutorial
Red Ball / Level 2: Played in the service boxes using shorter racquets and low-compression red tennis balls
Orange Ball / Level 3: Played on a 60' court using shorter racquets and low-compression orange tennis balls
Green Ball / Level 4: Played on a full 78' court using standard racquets and medium-compression green tennis balls
Yellow Ball / Level 5: Played on a full 78' court using standard racquets and standard full-compression tennis balls
Adaptive Tennis Terms
Adaptive Tennis = Programs and modifications that make tennis accessible and inclusive for individuals with physical, cognitive, or social / emotional disabilities
Athlete = An individual with a disability who is playing tennis at any level
Delegation = A group of athletes from the same organization who travel together to a tournament
Doubles = Two athletes competing vs. another pair of athletes in a match setting
Grassroots wheelchair tennis = tennis played at the community level by athletes who use wheelchairs
Para-Standing Tennis = tennis played by people with physical disabilities who compete without using a wheelchair
Partner = A person without a disability who plays unified doubles with an athlete
Singles = One athlete competing vs. another athlete in a match setting
Unified doubles = A format where an athlete + partner compete against another athlete + partner
USTA = The United States Tennis Association is the national governing body of tennis. Without USTA's initial and continued support, our organization would not exist!
Volunteer Guidelines
Volunteers of all ages are essential to our program. All on-court volunteers will be offered guidance and training prior to participation at events. Volunteers in leadership roles will be required to complete a free course called Safe Play through the National Center for Safe Sport. This course includes a background check.
Game On Accessible Tennis volunteers may earn service hours on and off court. Contact Melinda to ask about service hour opportunities for groups!
Safe Play Training
Working alongside the U.S. Center for SafeSport and the United States Olympic and Paralympic Committee, USTA has developed important safety policies and resources. An excellent training called Safe Play is available free to our volunteers age 18 and over.
Safe Play empowers the entire tennis community to recognize, prevent, and report misconduct, ensuring a brighter, safer future for our sport. To learn more and to access various training modules, visit:
FAQs
Q: Is prior tennis experience required to participate in adaptive or grassroots wheelchair tennis?
A: No, the only requirement is interest in trying a new sport and the willingness to step outside your comfort zone!
Q: Is participation expensive?
A: No, participation in local Game On activities is FREE for athletes! For those in the competitive pathway, optional out-of-town tournaments or events may incur registration fees, travel expenses, and / or lodging costs. Scholarships or travel grants may be available. Check with your local site coordinator!
Q: I noticed that the entry age level is 8. Is there a top age limit?
A: No, there is no upper age limit. Our programming is designed for children and adults ages 8 and up, and tennis is a lifetime sport!
Q: Do athletes need to understand tennis scoring in order to play?
A: No, we all help each other keep score when needed. Our goal is for athletes to understand how to keep score during match play, but it is not a requirement.
Q: I have siblings and friends who do not have disabilities. Can they play too?
A: Yes! Siblings, parents, or friends without disabilities are invited to serve on court as buddies or ball persons or to cheer from the stands. Family members or friends age 15 and over may also volunteer as unified doubles partners, runners, event staff, and more.
Q: Does tennis require special uniforms and shoes?
A: No, any athletic clothing will work well. Pants, shorts, or skorts need pockets to hold tennis balls. Visors or hats are helpful on sunny days but are not required. It is wise to dress in layers since weather can change rapidly. Court shoes (designed especially for tennis) are highly suggested for players who move to the competitive level. Consult a site coordinator about selecting court shoes or tennis apparel. Gently used or new gear may be available in our portable Tennis Locker!