Oak Forest Tennis Club: USTA Tournament FAQs

Here are 10 frequently asked questions (FAQs) designed for parents considering enrolling their child in a USTA Level 7 junior tournament. These entry-level competitive events are an excellent starting point for young players transitioning to sanctioned tournament play. These USTA events are a fantastic, low-stakes way to introduce kids to competitive tennis while keeping the experience positive and focused on growth!

1. What is a USTA Level 7 tournament? USTA Level 7 tournaments are local, intermediate-level junior events intended for players who are gaining competitive experience. They typically have a single-day format (lasting 2–4 hours total), feature small round-robin or modified draws, and guarantee a minimum of 2 matches (up to 4) to ensure plenty of court time and balanced competition.
2. Who is eligible to play in a Level 7 tournament? These events are open to junior players within specific age divisions (commonly ages 11–18, but it's essential to check the particular tournament details). Players must have a valid USTA junior membership. No prior tournament experience or ranking is required—Level 7 tournaments are recommended as the ideal first step for beginners moving beyond recreational or Junior Circuit play.
3. Does my child need a USTA membership to participate? Yes, a current USTA junior membership is required to register and compete in any sanctioned USTA tournament, including Level 7 events. Membership can be purchased online through the USTA website and is essential for tracking results and earning ranking points.
4. How do I find and register for a Level 7 tournament?** You can search for upcoming events on the USTA Tournament Registration platform (tennislink.usta.com or the USTA app). Filter by "Junior" and "Level 7." Registration is done directly through the site—create or log into your child's TennisLink account, ensure their profile is up to date (including age and birth date), and sign up before the deadline (usually 7–14 days in advance).
5. What format can parents expect? Most Level 7 tournaments use round-robin pools or short draws to ensure each participant plays multiple matches. Best-of-3 sets are not standard; instead, you can expect shorter formats, such as best-of-3 tiebreak sets, no-ad scoring, or match tiebreakers in the third set to keep the day manageable. The emphasis is on fair, even-matched play.
6. Do players earn ranking points at Level 7 events? Yes, Level 7 tournaments award national ranking points based on match wins (points are awarded per win, with caps on the total matches counted for ranking purposes). This is an excellent opportunity for your child to start building a USTA ranking while gaining experience in a low-pressure environment.
7. How much does it cost to enter a Level 7 tournament?** Entry fees are generally low, typically ranging from $30 to $60 per event, depending on the section and organizer. These fees cover sanctioning, tennis balls, officials (if any), and awards. Additional costs may include travel, food, or hotel accommodations if the event is not local.
8. What should my child bring to the tournament? Essentials include rackets, extra strings and grips (if needed), tennis shoes, appropriate clothing (including layers for changing weather), a water bottle, snacks, sunscreen or a hat, a towel, and any required medical information. Arrive early for check-in, warm-up, and to confirm the schedule.
9. What are the parent expectations and code of conduct rules? Parents are expected to adhere to the USTA's Zero Tolerance Policy—this means no coaching from the sidelines (except in designated areas when allowed), no abusive language, and respect for officials, opponents, and other families. Encourage good sportsmanship, focus on effort rather than results, and allow the coach to handle on-court advice. Many tournaments have a designated parent viewing area.
10. Is my child ready for a Level 7 tournament? If your child can rally consistently, understands the basic scoring and rules, can handle match pressure reasonably well, and has some competitive experience (such as participating in USTA Junior Circuit, leagues, or local events), they are likely ready. Level 7 tournaments are forgiving and focus on fun, providing plenty of matches to build confidence. Consult your child's coach, as they can best assess readiness and recommend starting at this level before progressing to higher competitions. 

For additional tournament insights, ask your primary tennis coach.