Safe Play is a key requirement for certain USTA Coaching packages, ensuring Coaches meet important safety standards. This article answers common questions about approval, verification, expiration, and how they impact your USTA Coaching certification.
Click here for more information on becoming Safe Play approved, or here for how to renew your Safe Play.
Safe Play Requirements
What is Safe Play, and why is it required for certain packages?
What happens if my Safe Play Approval expires during my subscription?
How does the USTA verify my Safe Play Approved status when I sign up?
Does having an active USTA Coaching subscription mean that I am a certified coach?
Safe Play Requirements
What is Safe Play, and why is it required for certain packages?
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Safe Play is the USTA’s comprehensive athlete safety program that promotes a positive environment for all participants. Core to the program is Safe Play Approval, which requires that adults complete three requirements: a criminal background check, acknowledgement of the USTA Safe Play Policy, and mandatory training from the U.S. Center for SafeSport on recognizing and responding to misconduct.
Safe Play approval is required for Rally, Pro, and Pro Plus packages. It is also encouraged for the Baseline package, but not required. You will still need Safe Play Approval if you want to receive the associated tennis gear discount codes. If your Safe Play Approval expires during your subscription period, your subscription will be temporarily suspended until you renew your Safe Play Approved status.
What happens if my Safe Play Approval expires during my subscription?
- If your Safe Play Approval expires during your subscription cycle, your subscription will become "suspended." During this suspension, you will lose access to most of your Coaching benefits, but your Gallagher insurance policy will remain active. To instantly restore full access to all benefits, simply renew your Safe Play Approval. If your subscription ends while you are still suspended, your status will then become "lapsed.
- To learn more on becoming Safe Play approved, click here.
How does the USTA verify my Safe Play Approved status when I sign up?
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The USTA system automatically checks your Safe Play Approved status after you select your desired package and before you proceed to the Gallagher disclaimers/consent page. dui
If you're not currently Safe Play Approved but have selected a package that requires it (Rally, Pro, or Pro Plus), you'll see a modal informing you that Safe Play Approval is required to proceed. Once you are Safe Play Approved, you'll receive an email alerting you that you're now eligible to purchase your selected USTA Coaching package.
What happens if my membership with PTR or RSPA expires before I join USTA Coaching? Will I lose my certification?
- No, you will not lose your certification. Your certification status with PTR or RSPA is not dependent on your active membership with either organization. If your membership with either organization expires before you join USTA Coaching, we will still recognize your certification level. Certification equivalency is based on the level you achieved, not your current membership status. So there's no need to worry about a gap in membership affecting your certification equivalency within USTA Coaching.
Does having an active USTA Coaching subscription mean that I am a certified coach?
No, having a USTA Coaching subscription does not automatically grant certification. Please refer to the certification pathway for further details. You can find the Equivalency Chart here for more information.