Harlingen Area Tennis Association - How to Register
Tournaments

How to Register For USTA Tournaments- Learn More

How to Register for USTA Tournaments

This page is designed to help parents, players, and coaches understand how to register for USTA junior tournaments, the different tournament levels, and the age and ball divisions, including the

Net Generation Orange & Green Ball pathway.

Step 1: Create a FREE USTA Junior Membership

All players must have an active USTA Junior Membership before registering for tournaments.

  • Membership is free for juniors 18 and under

  • Required to register for all USTA junior tournaments

  • Each player receives a USTA number used for registration and ranking

👉 Create a Junior Membership:
Create A USTA Membership

Step 2: Understand Tournament Levels

USTA junior tournaments are offered at different levels to ensure appropriate competition for all players.

🟢 Level 7 (L7)

  • Entry-level tournaments

  • Ideal for new or developing tournament players

  • Great introduction to match play

🔵 Level 6 (L6)

  • Intermediate competition

  • Players usually have some tournament experience

🟣 Level 5 (L5)

  • Higher intermediate level

  • Strong competition with more experienced players

🟠 Levels 4–1 (Advanced Levels)

  • Advanced and elite competition

  • Often require ranking or selection

  • Includes sectional and national events

Players should choose a level that best matches their current ability and experience.

Step 3: Choose the Correct Age Division

USTA junior tournaments are divided by age, based on the player’s age on the tournament start date.

Standard Junior Age Divisions

  • 10 & Under

  • 12 & Under

  • 14 & Under

  • 16 & Under

  • 18 & Under

Players 12-18 years may play up an age division, but not down. Players under 10 may not participate

until meeting certain age or point requirements. 

Net Generation: Orange & Green Ball Pathway

The Net Generation program is designed to help younger players develop skills and confidence using

age-appropriate equipment and court sizes.

🟠 Orange Ball (Typically Ages 7–10)

  • Played on a 60-foot court

  • Uses orange, low-compression balls

  • Focus on learning scoring, movement, and match play

🟢 Green Ball (Typically Ages 9–10)

  • Played on a full-size court

  • Uses green, low-compression balls

  • Prepares players for yellow-ball tournaments

These divisions are ideal for players transitioning into traditional tournament play.

👉 Learn more about Net Generation:
https://www.usta.com/en/home/play/net-generation-playtracker.html#tab=playpoints

Step 4: Find and Register for a Tournament

Once membership is active:

  1. Visit the USTA tournament search page:

  2. https://playtennis.usta.com/riograndevalleytournaments/Tournaments

  3. Select the tournament

  4. Click Register and complete payment (if applicable)

👉 Search for USTA Tournaments:
https://playtennis.usta.com/riograndevalleytournaments/Tournaments

Need Help?

If you have questions about which level or division is best for your player, please contact us at (956) 320-0012 by phone or text. 

Click here to learn more: https://harlingentennis.org/usta-tournaments-rgv#b52a2d66-3b69-44a9-960f-3ddb0a9860eb