PTR Teams With University of Florida, Creates PTR-Certified Director of Racquet Sports
Posted: January 19, 2022 in Suppliers
Professional Tennis Registry
GAINESVILLE, FL – PTR announces its new certification designation of “PTR-Certified Director of Racquet Sports” after signing an agreement with the University of Florida’s Professional Tennis Management program, which offers the country’s only Director of Racquet Sports education curriculum.
PTR professional-level members, who complete either the UF Director of Racquet Sports Certification continuing education course or a UF Masters in Sports Management with a specialization in Director of Racquet Sports, can earn the elite designation of “PTR-Certified” Director of Racquet Sports.
“As a graduate of the University of Florida’s School of Business, I could not be prouder to announce this valuable partnership and fantastic educational opportunity,” said PTR President and CEO Dan Santorum, “PTR is the industry leader in coach education in the United States. So, it makes perfect sense to partner with one of the nation’s top universities —- the University of Florida.”
Certified professionals are encouraged to earn the new designation of PTR-Certified Director of Racquet Sports to develop their careers and show their qualifications for leadership positions. UF’s online Sport Management Masters degree is recognized as the best in the country, and, in 2021, it added a new specialization in Director of Racquet Sports leadership. The curriculum content was created by a team of seasoned industry experts, initiated by Len Simard, PTR consultant and leading search and recruiting executive in the racquets industry.
The UF PTM program is directed by former Gator NCAA All-American tennis player Kim Bastable, along with club industry expert Doug Cash, a 35-year veteran leader, who serves as adjunct professor.
The UF coursework is entirely online and flexible for various lifestyles and current work situations. Content includes curriculum readings, video interviews with experts, and even though it’s online, it still includes social connectivity with peers, industry veterans, and instructors. Participants can work at their own pace.
Information and application details for the continuing education course are located at www.UF-PTR.com. There is no fee to apply. The course fee is $2,395; however, PTR pros receive a discounted introductory rate of $1,995 until March 31, 2022.
Information on the full UF online Sport Management masters, rated by bestcolleges.com as the leading Sport Management Masters program in the country, is located at https://sm.hhp.ufl.edu/.
“The University of Florida is very excited to partner with PTR on the Director of Racquet Sports specialization,” said Michael Sagas, Director of Online and Distance Education in the Department of Sport Management. “We believe this curriculum is an excellent complement to the existing core curriculum in sport management and look forward to working with leaders in the tennis industry to expand their knowledge, expertise, and relevance.”
“Leadership capability isn’t something to be left to chance,” said Kim Bastable, M.S., PTR/USPTA, UF Director of USTA Professional Tennis Management. “We are thrilled to partner with PTR because this curriculum has shown that it’s thorough and enriching for even seasoned professionals. It is building confidence and competence within pros, helping them manage the growing demands of the industry.”
