USTA Florida 2025-2026 Committee Term Applications Now Open

USTA Florida is seeking passionate, innovative, and strategic tennis volunteers to join various committees for the 2025-2026 term. The application process is now open, offering individuals the opportunity to contribute to the organization’s mission of promoting and developing tennis for all in Florida. 

Comprised of dedicated volunteers, USTA Florida committees play a vital role in guiding the organization’s initiatives, ensuring financial stability, and driving impactful programs. With diverse professional backgrounds, volunteers bring fresh perspectives and skills to help shape the future of tennis in the section.

“Through volunteering I have been exposed to all aspects of introducing and growing the game at the grassroots level, have grown personally in my leadership skills, and made friends for a lifetime,” Dana Andrews, USTA Florida Past President said. 

Volunteers interested in serving on USTA Florida committees can play a pivotal role in making a lasting impact on players and communities throughout the state.  

There are nine different committees for which applications are being accepted for. Those committees are the following: 

• Awards Committee – The Awards Committee updates and improves awards, recognition and processes for all USTA Florida awards, including but not limited to those given at the USTA Florida Annual Meeting and Tennis Celebration Weekend (AMTCW) or any other section meeting or workshop (when applicable). 
• Budget & Finance Committee – The Budget & Finance Committee, with the aid of the Executive Director and other staff members, prepares a proposed budget for the forthcoming fiscal year and monitors the financial situation of the organization. 
• Bylaws & Governance Committee – The Bylaws & Governance Committee interprets the USTA Florida Bylaws, reviews and prepares proposed amendments to be presented to the Board of Directors, Organization Members and Delegates. 
• Grievance Committee – The Grievance Committee is responsible for enforcing the USTA Florida Bylaws, all rules and regulations and the standards of conduct, fair play and good sportsmanship. The Grievance Committee shall function as set forth in the Grievance procedures. 
• Investment & Audit Committee – The investment and audit committee’s role is to provide recommendations and oversight for the organization’s investment strategy, financial reporting, the monitoring of accounting policies, the oversight of any external auditors, regulatory compliance and the discussion of risk management policies with the Board and management. The committee is responsible for working with the Treasurer, Controller and Executive Director to complete the audit each year on time and to update financial and investment policies. 
• Leagues Committee – The Leagues Committee develops, enhances, promotes and administers USTA League Tennis for eligible players. The focus is on local competition with opportunities for championship play. 
• Nominating Committee Tennis Management Advisory Team – The Nominating Committee works to determine the composition of the USTA Florida Board of Directors by identifying, recruiting, and proposing Board members for the forth coming term. 
• Officials Committee – The Officials Committee oversees all sectional officiating duties regarding the recruitment and certification of all officials within Florida. To be a member of this committee, you must be a certified USTA Official. 
• Public Parks & Recreation Committee – To guide the committee’s work to develop a strategy for expanding tennis participation at public parks in the state of Florida.  

Applying for a committee is a five-step process: 

1. Apply – Open from April 26 – May 31 
2. Review & Interview – Committee Applicants Reviewed and Interview Phase Begins (June-August) 
3. Announcements – Committee Appointments Announced in three rounds. Those dates are June 30, July 31, and August 31. 
4. Training – During this phase, appointees will partake in training for Chairs/Staff Liaisons, and Full Committee/Team Training. Committee Trainings are held in the fall, at the incoming committee chair’s discretion.  
5. Term Begins – Candidates selected and who completed the training will begin their term on January 1, 2025. 

If you are chosen to serve on a committee, your two-year term begins on January 1, 2025, offering volunteers the chance to immerse themselves in various aspects of tennis development and management. Each committee presents unique opportunities for individuals to leverage their expertise and passion, contributing to the vibrant tennis community in Florida. 

As National Volunteer Month ends, hear from some of the current committee leaders and why they love to be involved with their respective committees. “My favorite part about being involved with a committee is meeting the players at the Sectional events,” Kevin Johnson, League Committee Leader said. “All of the players are happy to be there, and I enjoy seeing their excitement.” 

“Leading a committee is an excellent experience as it allows you to share the expertise that has been passed down to you by the prior committee leaders and your collective experiences on the committee,” Adam Ross, Budget and Finance Committee Leader said. “It is through receiving and then sharing knowledge and past experiences as a Committee Leader that we make the USTA Florida stronger and ensure it remains the best section.” 

Committee applications will be accepted through May 31, 2024. Volunteers interested in applying should review the committee and its description before submitting any application. 

“People should apply to be on a committee because it will be a positive experience,” Johnson added. “When we volunteer, we help others, and we receive more than we give.” 

“I am not a teaching pro, tournament director, nor league player at the present time, but what I know is that this sport is a ‘family’ sport, it’s fun, helps with physical and mental wellness, and teaches life lessons,” Andrews added.

For more information on the committee’s application process and to apply, please visit ustaflorida.com/committee and start your journey as a Florida tennis leader.