The Anne Arundel County Tennis Association (AACTA) is excited to announce an incredible
opportunity for our membership that will take place this Spring: Get Certified Project 2026.
As many of you know, we have had a shortage of tennis instructors in our county for several
years. Our high schools are continually searching for coaches and often must use staff with little
tennis coaching or playing experience. Additionally, there are very few opportunities for kids
and beginners and many of our coaches are not certified instructors or teaching pros. In
response to this situation, AACTA will be sponsoring and hosting a Level 1 tennis instructor
certification course this coming Spring for 10 applicants.
The Racquet Sports Professionals Association (RSPA) (https://www.uspta.com/) is now the
certifying body for tennis, pickleball, squash and padel (platform tennis) instructors and
professionals. What was the USPTA is now the RSPA. The RSPA’s certification courses are
extremely valuable and well organized. Similar to the evolution of math teaching, tennis
instruction has evolved in ways that now focus on gradual development which allows beginners
to learn to strike the ball effectively instead of pushing it back over the net. We believe the
classroom and on court lessons taught in the Level 1 certification program will be invaluable for
those who want to teach or coach tennis in the future.
Details regarding the different levels of certification can be found here: RSPA levels and the
requirements for Level 1 Certification may be found here: Level 1.
COST:
- If accepted, applicants will only be responsible for paying their annual dues to AACTA
($20 for 12 months) and RSPA (approx. $250 a year). - If accepted into the program, all participants will be required to provide two hours of
volunteer coaching / instruction for AACTA programming during their first year after
being selected into this program. - AACTA will cover your Level 1 application fee of ($245.00), the instructor fee, court fees
plus lunch and snacks during the on-court instruction days.
BENEFITS:
- As an RSPA certified instructor you will be able to take advantage of the insurance RSPA
provides. - Your certification will allow you to apply for tennis instruction positions across the
globe. Your certification may open the door to many opportunities, especially for
teaching beginners, including exciting travel packages that send you and your family to a
resort for a fraction of the normal cost in exchange for teaching a class each morning at
the resort. See for example: fitness pro travel. - Additional RSPA tennis instructor certification benefits can be found here: Member
Benefits.
HOW TO APPLY?
Interested applicants must complete the application form available here:
https://aacta.com/events/#!event/2026/5/28/aacta-coaches-certification-program-2026
Your completed application will be reviewed by the AACTA Get Certified Project committee,
which is led by AACTA Vice President, Chris Gowen. Below are answers to anticipated
questions, should you have additional questions please feel free to email Chris
(chrisgowen@gmail.com) with those questions as well.
Thank you,
AACTA Board
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQs)
- Is there a minimal NTPR rating for applicants?
Technically, “no” but there is an on-court skill assessment that will require you
to display consistency and form with your strokes. AACTA encourages players
with a 3.0 level or higher to apply and does not discourage players with
previous teaching experience from applying. - What is the time commitment and requirements to pass the course?
The requirements to pass the course include 20 hours of on-line work and
testing that can be done from home. AACTA will offer optional group classroom
sessions for those interested. Once the applicant has completed the classroom
work and passed the on-line portion of the course, they will move to the
on-court portion of the program which will consist of two full 8-hour days
on court to be held on May 28th and 29th of this year. - Do you have to be an AACTA member to apply?
Yes, to take part in this program you must be an AACTA member.
(Please note that you can apply directory with RSPA to join other RSPA certification
courses without becoming an AACTA member) - If I do not pass on the first try, can I retake the test?
Yes, and the retake of the testing is offered at a discounted price, (under $100),
but you will be responsible for that cost. - Are there other requirements from AACTA other than volunteering two hours of
teaching during year 1?
Your obligations are:
(1) applying to the project, with honest responses to each question,
(2) volunteering two hours of teaching during year one,
(3) Active AACTA member,
(4) active RSPA member and
(5) agreeing to reimburse AACTA for the RSPA certification fees of $245 if you fail
to complete the 20 hours of classroom sessions and/or fail to attend the on court
testing on May 29-30. - If I am selected and fail to attend the on-court session on May 28 and 29, will
there be a penalty?
We certainly hope that will not be the case but yes, if you fail to attend the on-court
session in May you will be required to pay AACTA back for your certification class ($245). - If I take all the classroom instruction and attend the on-court session on May 28 and
29, but I fail to pass the certification testing, will there be a penalty?
No. You will not have any penalty if you fail to pass the certification. Retesting
is offered, and you would be able to register for retesting through RSPA
(you would be responsible for any fees). - How do I apply? Please use this link:
https://aacta.com/events/#!event/2026/5/28/aacta-coaches-certification-program-2026
Should you have any other questions please feel free to email Chris Gowen
(Chrisgowen@gmail.com) and/or Cathy Shields (Cathyshields44@gmail.com)
