How To Become An Official

One of the most frequently asked questions is "how do I become an official?" Hopefully this blog post will help make this process a little easier for everyone.

STEPS TO BECOMING AN OFFICIAL

1. Secure a copy of the Friend at Court (FAC) rule book. You will need this rule book to take your tests. The 2011 FAC is required to take the 2011 Provisional Test and the 2010 FAC is required for all other tests.

2. Go to the blog (www.tennisofficials.blogspot.com) in the upper right section and click on "Background Check Start Up" and begin the process. You must pass the background check before you can become an official.

3. Click on "Joining The USTA" to purchase a USTA card and get your member number.

4. Click on "2011 Provisional Exam" if you are a new official. Fill out all the information they request and then take the test using the 2011 Friend at Court rule book. The USTA will then notify Bruce Sampley (Sectional Chairman) and he will notify you of your next steps. The USTA will also send you an email outlining the steps you need to take to be added to Nucula (the national registry for officials.)

STEPS TO TAKE ONCE YOU ARE CERTIFIED

1. Click on "Nucula" and add your personal information and when you start working, add your work record on this site.

2. Contact your local coordinator and/or President to let them know you have passed the Provisional test and are ready to begin training and/or working. Click on "Area Coordinators" to find the coordinator in your area. You are certified to work at all levels once you have passed the Provisional Test but some areas require more training and shadowing experienced officials before you can begin work in that area.

3. Click on "USTA Apparel" to order your officials' shirt and other equipment. Such things as khaki pants/shorts, bags, and stopwatch can be obtained much cheaper at the local stores.

4. Contact the local ITA coordinator if you are interested in working at the ITA level. Each coordinator will have a training program that you can enter and you will also need to click on "ITA Apparel" to order your ITA officials shirt and other equipment.

5. If there is still an Officials School offered in your area, you need to attend if at all possible. If not, you are certified to work until you can attend a school in 2012. A list of those schools can be obtained by clicking on "Certification Schools."

6. Leap in and enjoy your new life as a tennis official! The only way you get experience is to get out there and officiate...

REMEMBER: If you have any further questions, please feel free to contact us at: rmtennis@yahoo.com or call at 214 796 7402.