As at 2017 the strategy of the Development Department of the International Tennis Federation (ITF) was “To increase the number and standard of players worldwide” and its core objectives were to:
- Increase participation in tennis worldwide for all ages, genders, playing standards and physical abilities
- Develop talented players – particularly from Nations which are both under-resourced and under-represented.
A key aspect of “increasing the base” relates to Junior Tennis, in particular “10 and under” players. ITF guidelines are such that there are set milestones that should be met to transition from red ball to orange ball to green ball and ultimately to yellow ball. “more financial support will be given to those nations which promote tennis 10s competitions in schools and clubs….[with the hope] that there will be growth not only in talented players but also in players participating in the sport”.
The majority of clubs and coaches in Barbados catering to “10 and under” players, including those at the BTA’s National Tennis Centre (NTC), embrace the tenets of the ITF in regards to transitioning from red ball to orange ball to green ball and ultimately to yellow ball.
International Player Identification Number (IPIN): open
International Tennis Federation: open
ITF Rules of Tennis 2018: open
ITF Junior Circuit Regulations 2018: open
ITF Junior Circuit Rule changes 2018: open