Age Division is determined by a player's minimum age in 5-year increments (25, 30, 35, 40, etc.) reached within the calendar year.  For example, a man turns forty on April 17, 2004. On January 1, 2004, he can enter a tournament in the Men’s 40s division. He can also enter the Men’s 35s division. But he cannot enter the Men’s 45s until the year in which he turns 45 (2009 in this example).  In Texas, the Age Division is generally a strong level of competition. Many participants are former collegiate level players or teaching pros.

NTRP is an abbreviation for 'National Tennis Rating Program', which is a tennis proficiency rating system.  Generally, a 2.5 level is a beginning player while a 7.0 level is a professional player.  Most players fall within the 3.5 to 4.0 level based on the variety / consistency of shots and a strong, consistent serve.  For a more detailed explanation, see our NTRP page.

Juniors who have learned the basic rules and skills of tennis may begin competing in tournaments. In the Houston area, novice players may gain experience by competing in non-sanctioned tournaments. Non-sanctioned means that the match results are not used for ranking and rating purposes.  USTA membership is not required.  More competitive players may participate in the ZAT, Championship and Super Championship level tournaments.  These are sanctioned events, offered by the USTA Texas Section. The results of sanctioned tournaments are used for ranking and rating.  USTA membership is required.

Age Groups: 10 & Under; 12 & Under; 14 & Under; 16 & Under; 18 & Under.  Currently, the age regulations in sanctioned events are as follows: Players may play in an age division until the first day of the month of their birthday for the next age group. FOR EXAMPLE: A girl turns 15 on August 21st. In July, she can play in the 14 & Under division. In August, she must play in the 16 & Under division (even if the tournament is before her birthday).

Players who accumulate 65 points at the ZAT level, based on the best 4 tournaments in a 6-month period, advance to the Champ Level.  This is designated “Câ€� in the draws (e.g. CB&G = Champ Boys & Girls).  Houston is in the South division for Champs.  The ranking coordinator for the Texas Section for Champs level players is Renae Friedrichsen

Please read the Texas Section information located on the internet entitled Junior - “How Do I Get Endorsed?�

Non-qualified is a term for players who have NOT earned Championship or Super Championship status through their participation in the sanctioned Zonal Advancement Tournaments (ZATs). To become QUALIFIED, a player must enter the ZATs in their zone and earn points. For more detailed information, see the Texas Section Regulations.  Select Junior: Know the Rules.

Players who accumulate 65 points at the Champ level, based on the best 4 tournaments in a 6-month period, advance to Superchamp. This is designated “SCâ€� or “SChâ€� in the draws before the sex and age division (e.g. SCB&G14S&D = Superchamp Boys & Girls, age 14, Singles & Doubles).  Ranking is based on points per round, with bonus points for wins over seeded players. Renae Friedrichsen is the ranking coordinator for Superchamps.

This is the ZONAL ADVANCEMENT TOURNAMENT (ZAT).  It is a beginning level for junior tournament players.  All results are reported to the Texas Section and players start earning a ranking and points to the Championship Level.  There are four zones in Texas: NE, NW, SE, and SW.  These are determined by ZIP CODES.  The SE ZAT includes Houston and all residents with a zip code starting with 77.  The ranking coordinator for the Texas Section for ZAT level players is Renae Friedrichsen.  

For a listing of ZAT tournaments, check the HTA Calendar of Events or view the Texas Section Calendar for Zone Tournaments.

Prize Money Events
  Examples are:

• US Men’s Clay Court
• US Open
• Houston Pro Tennis Classic

USTA National Events
  Examples are:

• USTA Senior Women’s Clay Court Championships (ages 35-85)
• USTA Senior Men’s Indoor Championship (ages 70-75)

Exhibition
  Examples are:

• Andre Agassi/Clyde Drexler vs Dr. Phil/Andy Roddick