Racquet Sports Professionals Association

Last updated
Racquet Sports Professionals Association
SportTennis
Also governsPickleball, Padel, Squash, Platform Tennis
AbbreviationRSPA
Founded1927 [1]
Location Lake Nona, Florida [2]
PresidentTrish Faulkner
CEO Brian Dillman
Official website
rspa.net
Flag of the United States.svg

The Racquet Sports Professionals Association (RSPA) is an organization that offers certification and professional development for professional racquet sports teachers and coaches. [1] Certification is available in tennis, pickleball, squash, padel and platform tennis.

Contents

The organization has approximately 15,000 members in the United States and promotes the racquet sports industry. [1] [3]

The organization's magazine, RSPA ADDvantage, offers news and professional development materials for coaches and teaching professionals. [4]

History

In February 1927, Vincent Richards proposed the idea of a professional association for professional players. [5] Later that year it was founded as the Professional Lawn Tennis Association (PLTA) of the United States in November 1927. [6] It later became responsible for the administration of the U.S. Pro Tennis Championships and also officially sanctioned professional tournaments, as well as the pro tennis circuit before the open era.

In 1957, the name was changed again to the United States Professional Lawn Tennis Association (USPLTA). [1] In 1969, following the Open era when most players turned professional, it moved into training players to be certified instructors. [1] By 1970, the association's name changed to United States Professional Tennis Association (USPTA). [1]

During September 2024, the association rebranded to become the Racquet Sports Professionals Association (RSPA) and broadened its scope to include all racquet sports.

Divisions of the RSPA

See also

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References

  1. 1 2 3 4 5 6 About Us. United States Professional Tennis Association. Accessed June 28, 2017.
  2. Groundbreaking for USPTA & USTA Florida Headquarters at the Lake Nona Sports & Performance District. Lake Nona Social. Accessed 2017-06-28.
  3. City of Orlando, Florida. The United States Professional Tennis Association (USPTA) Florida Division presented... June 5, 2017. Accessed 2017-06-28.
  4. RSPA ADDvantage, Accessed 16 October 2024.
  5. "Suzanne Home With Her £15000 Purse". London Evening Standard. London, England: newspapers.com. 26 Feb 1927. p. 1. Retrieved 25 January 2024.
  6. "Pro Tennis Stars Plan to Organize". The Orlando Sentinel. Orlando, Florida. November 16, 1927. p. 8. Retrieved 25 January 2024 via newspapers.com.

Official website