Join the Leading Community of Racquet Sports Professionals

Elevate Your Career with RSPA Membership

Since 1927, the Racquet Sports Professionals Association, formerly the United States Professional Tennis Association (USPTA), has been the cornerstone of excellence in racquet sports instruction. We are dedicated to empowering teaching professionals and coaches across tennis, pickleball, padel, squash, and platform tennis through world-class certification, comprehensive career development, and a vibrant professional community. Joining RSPA means investing in your future, gaining credibility, and connecting with over 14,000+ passionate professionals worldwide who share your commitment to the sport.

One membership. Five racquet sports.

Why Choose RSPA?

We Created the Standard—And We Keep Raising It

We Created the Standard—And We Keep Raising It. The RSPA developed the first certification in tennis. Today, we’re the only organization certifying coaches across all major racquet sports, ensuring our members meet the highest standards of teaching excellence.

One Membership, Five
Pathways

Expand into new sports or level up in your primary discipline—all within the same membership and support system. Our integrated approach reflects the dynamic, multi-sport reality of today’s racquet sports industry.

Credentials
That Facilities
Trust

RSPA-certified professionals are sought after because they’re trained not just to teach—but to lead, grow programs, and deliver results. Our certification signifies competence, professionalism, and a commitment to ongoing learning.

Built for
Professionals

From on-court coaching techniques to off-court business strategies and career advancement, the RSPA offers the training, tools, and national network you need to build a sustainable and rewarding career in racquet sports.

Hear From Our Professionals

Who is RSPA Membership For?

Already Certified in One Sport?

Add another. Our multi-sport model means you can build your versatility—and your value—cost-effectively within your existing membership.

New to the
RSPA?

Whether you’re a lifelong player, a part-time coach, or looking to launch a full-time career, RSPA certification and membership provide the best foundation for success.

Hiring
Certified
Pros?

Our professionals come ready. RSPA certification ensures technical excellence, safety training, coaching methodology, and business fundamentals—so your program gets real results.

Already certified with another association?

Send your current certification to membership@rspa.net for review. We’ll waive your application fee—just pay prorated dues. Complete the Welcome to the RSPA course and you’ll be officially part of the RSPA community.

A Glimpse at Your Member Benefits

Joining RSPA unlocks a suite of resources designed to support your career:

Explore Certification Paths

RSPA TENNIS
CERTIFICATION

The foundation of elite coaching. Learn the time-tested fundamentals and cutting-edge strategies that define world-class instruction. Choose from instructor, professional, elite professional, and master professional to match your ambitions.

RSPA PICKLEBALL
CERTIFICATION

The sport is booming—are you ready to lead? Gain expert knowledge, proven techniques, and the credibility to thrive in America’s fastest-growing racquet sport.

RSPA PADEL
CERTIFICATION

Join the movement. Padel is exploding across the U.S.—this certification prepares you to meet demand and position yourself at the forefront of the sport’s growth.

Take your career courtside, year-round. Master the specialized strategies of this dynamic winter sport and expand your coaching opportunities.

RSPA SQUASH CERTIFICATION

Precision. Strategy. Skill. Develop the expertise to train competitive players and elevate squash programming at clubs worldwide.

OTHER

Expanding access to racquet sports through adaptive training, professional certification, and youth pathways that remove barriers and build careers.

RSPA ADD Program Membership

Ideal For

Socioeconomically disadvantaged individuals with a passion for teaching racquet sports.

OverView

The Advancing Development and Diversity (ADD) program provides a unique opportunity for qualified individuals to receive free training, certification, and initial membership, removing financial barriers to entering the profession.

The RSPA Padel Certification is currently excluded from this program.

Eligibility Requirements

  • Meet specific socioeconomic criteria determined via application questionnaire.
  • Demonstrate a genuine desire to teach racquet sports.
  • Application approval required.

Key Features

  • Free application fee and first year of prorated membership dues.
  • Access to RSPA certification pathway (Instructor or Professional).
  • Discounted dues for the second (50% off) and third (25% off) years.
  • Mentorship opportunities.
  • Full access to relevant member benefits upon certification.

Kindly email the filled-out application to linda.gordon@rspa.net. Your application will then be sent to the Division President for review. Kindly allow 1-2 weeks for your application status update.

Adaptive Racquet Sports at RSPA

Expanding access. Advancing inclusion. Growing the game for every athlete.

Adaptive Racquet Sports

Adaptive Racquet Sports at RSPA is rooted in the belief that inclusion strengthens the entire racquet sports community. By expanding access and embracing inclusive coaching practices, RSPA empowers professionals to serve athletes of all abilities while advancing the long-term growth of the game.


Adaptive Racquet Sports brings together education, inclusion, and community under a shared purpose: helping more people experience the lifelong physical, social, and emotional benefits of racquet sports. RSPA supports professionals in learning how to teach athletes with diverse abilities, create inclusive and welcoming environments, and build programs that make a meaningful impact both on and off the court.

What Adaptive Racquet Sports Means at RSPA

Adaptive Racquet Sports is an inclusive approach to coaching and programming that serves athletes with intellectual and developmental disabilities, physical disabilities, neurodivergence, sensory processing differences, social-emotional support needs, and anyone who benefits from individualized instruction and inclusive environments.


Our focus is on equipping professionals with the tools, confidence, and inclusive mindset needed to meet athletes where they are – honoring individual strengths, adapting to unique needs, and supporting growth through meaningful participation and connection.

Get Involved

RSPA is proud to collaborate with organizations leading the way in inclusive adaptive racquet sports, including Love Serving Autism, whose programs model inclusive, therapeutic, and athlete-centered coaching.

Visit their website to explore adaptive program examples, volunteer opportunities, and upcoming events at loveservingautism.org.

This page is the start of something larger—a growing hub for education, certification, and leadership in Adaptive Racquet Sports. In the coming weeks, we’ll be expanding this section with new resources, success stories, and professional development opportunities through the RSPA Adaptive Task Force.

Check back soon as we continue building a more inclusive future for racquet sports—together.

Advance your coaching career with the exclusive

RSPA School Coach Membership

Take your passion for tennis coaching to the next level with the RSPA School Coach Membership, the ultimate resource for middle and high school tennis coaches. Whether you’re looking to sharpen your skills, inspire your players, or grow your career in racquet sports, this membership is your path to success.

With the RSPA School Coach Membership, you’ll unlock exclusive access to:

TennisResources.com: Explore hundreds of hours of drills, tips, instructional videos, and more premium content to elevate your coaching.

Interactive Online Practice Planner: Streamline your coaching with customizable lesson plans and access to hundreds of drills. (View a sample here!)

Racquet Sports Industry Magazine: Receive a school subscription to stay informed about the latest trends and developments in the industry.

RSPA Member Pricing: Enjoy discounted rates for national and division events, helping you stay connected with the broader coaching community.

Dunlop Balls: For the very best pricing, contact your local Dunlop Territory Manager and they will be happy to assist you. Click here to find your local rep If you only need a few cases here and there, then take advantage of Dunlop’s online only offer where USPTA members receive a 15% discount off retail pricing. Just use promo code DUNLOP2025 at check out at us.dunlopsports.com/Dunlop/tennis/balls

As a member, you’ll also join a thriving network of professional coaches, athletic directors, and racquet sports leaders who share your dedication to the game. Participate in engaging workshops and clinics, gain career-advancing insights, and position yourself as a leader in the fast-growing world of racquet sports.

Why Join

  • Access unparalleled resources to enhance your coaching skills.
  • Build a network with industry experts and fellow coaches.
  • Create custom lesson plans to stay organized during the busy school year.
  • Invest in your career and inspire the next generation of champions.

 

Annual Membership: $95 (August–July)

Don’t miss this opportunity to elevate your career and create a lasting impact as a coach. Join the RSPA School Coach Membership today and take the first step toward becoming a transformational leader in racquet sports.

For more information or to sign up, contact the RSPA membership department at membership@rspa.net or call 407-634-3050.

Corporate membership

A nonteaching category for which the Certification Exam is not required.

For all public and private tennis facilities, companies or people who have a full-time commitment to racquet sports in an executive, administrative, or commercial capacity. This membership must be listed in the corporation or club’s name. Corporate members receive all official RSPA communications, including, Racquet Sports Industry magazine. Corporate members may not vote, hold office, compete in RSPA national or divisional tournaments, and are not covered by RSPA’s on-court liability insurance policy. Corporate members are listed in the RSPA Membership Directory and receive a booth discount at the RSPA Trade Show.

A corporate membership must be listed in the name of the company. The company shall not use the RSPA name or logo name to imply company or product endorsement. Any club that applies for RSPA membership must assure the RSPA that admission into the club is open to all people regardless of race, color, age, creed, gender, national origin, religion or physical handicap.

The price of an annual Corporate Membership is $995.

For more information, contact membership@rspa.net or call 407-634-3050 and select ‘Option 2.’

Junior Racquet Sports Apprentice

The RSPA is excited to provide a membership category for young racquet sports players, ages 14-17, who would be interested in learning more about a racquet sports teaching career.
  • Education opportunities, including the RSPA’s introductory module and access to our entire educational database on TennisResources.com
  • A subscription to Racquet Sports Industry magazine, which includes RSPA ADDvtange magazine
  • Networking opportunities at RSPA divisional conferences and national’s annual world conferences
  • RSPA conference discounts
  • Mentoring opportunities
 
There is no application fee and no testing is required. The annual dues of $50 will be prorated in the first year.

Membership Fee Structure

To apply for RSPA membership or register for an exam, you must pay both the application fee and the appropriate prorated dues amount.

Membership Application Fee

Nonrefundable fee includes application processing, online coursework and study materials that are emailed to you. You will also receive a new member package.

*includes membership dues for the first calendar year in which you apply

International application fee

Plus, Applicable Dues: Must be paid by all current members by the end of December of every year. If a member joins once the new year has already begun, the prorated amount will be charged as follows:

Prorated Dues

(Nonrefundable and prorated to the month in which you apply)
Please note – if applying after October 1, the upcoming year’s dues are included.

Applying for membership Domestic Professionals Tennis Instructors International
January
$307.08
$215.42
$178.75
February
$279.17
$195.83
$162.50
March
$251.25
$176.25
$146.25
April
$233.33
$156.67
$130.00
May
$195.42
$137.08
$113.75
June
$167.50
$117.50
$97.50
July
$139.58
$97.92
$81.25
August
$111.67
$78.33
$65.00
September
$83.75
$58.75
$48.75
October
$55.83
$39.17
$32.50
November
$27.92
$19.58
$16.25

Need Assistance?

Our Membership Services team is here to help you navigate the application process.

Email: membership@rspa.net

Phone: 407.634.3050