When I started my term as USPTA President in 2016, I took a stab at predicting what the future of the tennis industry (and the teaching professional) would be like in 2020. As with most predictions I make, there were a few misses but most were pretty accurate. Social programming, tennis as exercise, more technology and increased need for education have been realized. As I enter the proverbial “home stretch” of my time on the board, it seems that it would be time again to look forward and see what the future might hold for the tennis profession in the years ahead. So here’s a prediction to what USPTA 2025 will look like.
Education
The single biggest change will be how the profession will need and DEMAND a more qualified and educated professional. The next generation of USPTA members will be required to have exponentially more hours of on-court experience, classroom learning, and training under an experienced and respected mentor. Asking for 12 hours of documented education credits was a good start, but the pro of the future is going to need so much more in order to grow the game, and most importantly, grow their business. The education of the future pros will need to be as diverse as the jobs themselves. Our members work with all ages and abilities, as well as the all important new players. Expect more education about how to make tennis fun for entry level players-that is the future of growing the game. Regarding education, expect to see more and more education online! With society becoming more and more “time constrained,” pros are going to have less time to travel and take time away from their work and families. Bringing education to them at a place they want, at a time they want is the future.
Job Market
If tennis is to improve its place as the “sport of choice” for tomorrow’s consumers, expect the standards of the job market to become higher. Formal training to become Safe Play compliant for anyone who teaches a sport will become the norm. Everyone has seen the news and tragic stories of how things can occur when employers are asleep at the wheel and fail to have accountability when hiring staff! Regarding hiring practices, expect more employees and fewer contractors. Recent labor rulings have made it clearer who and what legally constitutes an employee vs an independent contractor. Future employers will need to review their hiring practices and be compliant or risk serious consequences. Discussions have already started on how to ensure that the next generation of tennis professionals can be the best possible candidates to deliver our sport, and hand in hand with that effort is making sure that employers support higher standards by hiring the best!
Growing the game
At a recent workshop in USPTA Southern, I spoke briefly on the role of the tennis director becoming more of a “play facilitator” and not just the person that runs instructional programs. Expect to see more emphasis ( and financial rewards) for pros that grow tennis with active social play programs as well as fix your serve. Who better to help develop and add value to entry-level leagues and social play than the professional? Many professionals need to see the bigger picture…or the “play pathway” that can help a new player become a frequent player, not a professional “lesson taker.” Going back to education, expect more emphasis on entry-level play, large group lessons, and helping players see the FUN and FITNESS aspects that tennis offers.
As I come to the end of my term on the national board of directors, I would like the thank the national staff who work tirelessly on our members behalf as well as the incredible group of board and executive committee members who give of their time each year to provide programs at the national and division levels. It’s been quite the experience and serving our membership has been and honor and a pleasure!*