USPTA Expands to Incorporate PPTA, Platform Tennis

HOUSTON – The United States Professional Tennis Association (USPTA) will expand to incorporate the Professional Platform Tennis Association (PPTA), as announced by the USPTA on Monday.

The USPTA Executive Committee voted to incorporate the mission of the PPTA into the association during its semiannual meetings in Houston in April.  After careful consideration, the PPTA membership determined that since its mission is to promote and grow the standards of the Professional Platform Tennis Association, its members would be best served by combining with the larger USPTA organization. The PPTA has voted to dissolve and its assets, programs, certification process and mission will be borne by the USPTA. The USPTA will assist with administrative functions and handle certification and education responsibilities for platform tennis-teaching professionals. 
Platform tennis professionals will become a separately tested and certified membership category under the USPTA umbrella. All professionals who become certified in platform tennis will receive all of the same benefits and pay the same annual dues as current USPTA-certified tennis professionals. 

“With so many facilities where USPTA Professionals teach offering platform tennis, there is an increasing need for professionals who are certified in the sport,” said USPTA CEO John Embree. “The steady growth in this game provides USPTA Professionals who become certified in platform tennis more job and business opportunities.” 

USPTA Professionals will be encouraged to become certified platform tennis professionals, and platform tennis professionals will be encouraged to become USPTA-certified. 

“Since its inception, the PPTA has continued to grow along with the game of platform tennis. Joining the USPTA with its resources and experience presents the PPTA with a tremendous opportunity as both organizations are committed to the education and advancement of racquet professionals,” said PPTA President Brad Easterbrook. “We are looking forward to working with the USPTA to educate new professionals, grow the game of platform tennis, and provide greater opportunities for educational and professional growth for all Platform Tennis Professionals throughout the country.” 

“The American Platform Tennis Association (APTA) is thrilled with the announcement that the PPTA will be combining with the USPTA,” said Scott Bondurant, APTA President. “We look forward to working hand in glove with the USPTA and PPTA board to do everything we can to continue to grow this game we love." 

Tennis-teaching professionals will have the opportunity to learn more about platform tennis at the 2015 USPTA World Conference in New Orleans. The sport will be incorporated into the education curriculum along with a booth at the annual Buying Show for conference attendees to learn more about including the game into their tennis programming. 

For more information on the PPTA, visit www.pptausa.com.