Facilities, Operations, Marketing & More in the Era of Multiple Racquet Sports

Director of Racquet Sports Certificate Course #1

Launches July, 2025 | Open to All | Self-Paced | Online

Course fee: $1295

You know the game. Now it’s time to master the business behind it.

If you're passionate about racquet sports and ready to expand your impact beyond coaching, this is your essential first step. This is Course #1 of the UF Director of Racquet Sports Certificate track, and, in it you'll gain the operational, marketing, and business skills needed to build and sustain a thriving racquet sports facility — whether you're eyeing your first director role or looking to sharpen your leadership skills for your current position.

By the end of this course, you’ll walk away with the real-world knowledge, strategic insight, confidence and competence from completing step one of the ndustry credential you need to grow your career.

Course Snapshot

  • Who It's For

    Aspiring and current racquet sports leaders

  • Admission Requirements

    None (open to all)

  • Time Commitment

    40 hours of learning

  • Content?

    Interviews, resources, assignments, discussions

What you’ll learn

Each member of the club’s staff - no matter the type of club - is responsible for the customer’s experience from the website to the front desk to the court. And with many complementary sports emerging, becoming “multi-sport” knowledgeable is a challenge.

In this course. the modules will build practical skills that can be applied immediately in your current role or prepare you to become “the” leader.

Through interviews, lectures, resources, discussion, graded assignments and a personal teaching session, you’ll gain confidence in your understanding of the “business” of racquet sports.

  • Define what it means to be a Director of Racquet Sports. Explore various facility types and governance structures, and map your leadership strengths.

  • Understand the history of tennis and the growing impact of sports like pickleball, padel, and platform tennis. Learn how to integrate these into your facility to expand offerings and boost participation.

  • Understand the elements of a successful racquets operation from standard operating procedures, to facility construction to risk management to profitable retail.

  • Learn important relationship marketing and digital marketing tools that can convey a business’s unique selling proposition (USP).

  • Measure, Manage and Maximize the customer experience by giving intentional thought to event and program delivery.

Special features you’ll love:

Self Paced Flexibility: Study when and where it fits your schedule.

Real-World Assignments: Apply your learning to scenarios you’ll actually encounter.

Personalized Feedback: Receive expert guidance on your assignments from experienced racquets professionals.

Career-Boosting Credential: Earn a University of Florida Certificate of Completion, eligible for CEUs and recognized by PTR, RSPA, and USTA.

Is this course right for you?

This course is designed for you if:

  • You have been working in the racquets industry for a year or more and think it could make a great career.

  • You are a current head professional or assistant director and desire a deeper operational knowledge.

  • You are a facility owner or leader considering expanding offerings into multiple racquet sports.

  • You are realizing that your on-court “life” might be limited and want to understand the administration side of the business.

  • You have always wanted to become a Director of Racquet Sports.

  • You are NOT employed in the racquets industry now, but you love to play and are considering how and if to make a career transition.

If this doesn’t sound like you, consider exploring a different course.

Take the first step toward leadership.

✺ Frequently asked questions ✺

  • Yes. All three courses are 100% online and designed to be flexible. You can start anytime after the launch date and work at your own pace.

  • Not necessarily. Course 1 and the Personal Brand course are open to all and can be taken in any order. Course 2 requires completion of Course 1 and relevant industry experience.

  • You’ll earn a Certificate of Completion from the University of Florida for each course. Courses also offer CEUs and can contribute to certifications through PTR, RSPA, and USTA.

  • Yes. Each course includes instructor-graded assignments and optional consultations with experienced industry professionals.

  • The Personal Brand course is designed to be completed in up to 3 months. Courses 1 and 2 give you 6 months. Depending on your schedule, they can be completed much faster.

  • Yes. We work with clubs and associations to offer bulk enrollment pricing and continuing education partnerships. Contact us for more details.

  • No, you do not have to take all 3 courses! The only course with a pre-requisite and admission requirements is Course 2.

  • Originally launched in 2021, the DORS program offered one course delivered in two tracks—a certificate track or a master’s degree path. While effective, that format unintentionally excluded many professionals who were eager to learn but didn’t meet the academic or experience-based requirements.

    To make the program more inclusive and accessible, the original course was updated and divided into two sequenced courses—Course 1 and Course 2—preserving the same foundational and advanced content while allowing more flexible entry points.

    In addition, a brand-new course was introduced: Personal Brand Management for the Racquets Industry, which focuses entirely on helping professionals present themselves with confidence through resumes, interviews, and digital platforms.

    Now, learners can choose a course that matches their experience and goals—while still following a trusted, proven curriculum.

Still have questions?

We’d love to hear from you. Whether you’re wondering which course is right for you or need help with enrollment, our team is here to support your next step in racquets leadershipo.

Fill out this form and we’ll be in touch as soon as possible.

Or email Kim Bastable directly at kimbastable@ufl.edu