Education Policy

Education + tennis

Tennis Australia recognises the importance education and does not in any way encourage the early departure of children from the education system.

Accordingly, Tennis Australia has implemented a policy that reflects the importance of education in a child’s development.

What is Tennis Australia’s education policy?

All junior players attending the National Academy or Australian Institute of Sport must be participating in schooling, as recognised by the education department in their respective state.

Following the completion of Year 10, junior players under the age of 18 are expected to pursue further education.  Players not wishing to participate in full-time Year 11 or Year 12 studies, but who wish to be eligible for assistance from Tennis Australia, must be either:

  • participating in education department recognised distance education
  • participating in a technical or further education course leading to a qualification or certificate.

In the case of exceptional circumstances, players may apply to the Tennis Australia Athlete Development Manager for exemption from this policy.

Subject selection

Players are expected to study a minimum number of subjects at the following year levels:

  • Year 7: full school curriculum
  • Year 8: full school curriculum
  • Year 9: English, Maths, Science, SOSE
  • Year 10: English, Maths, Science, SOSE
  • Year 11 and 12: athletes are encouraged to fulfil the minimum requirements of their state education body to successfully complete year 12.

Note: US College requirements are for year 9 to 12 to be completed in four years.

Completion of school work

Players are expected to meet all deadlines.

If a player falls three weeks behind without a valid reason he/she will receive written notification to have all outstanding work completed by the following week.

If the outstanding work is still not completed, then the player will receive further written notification to attend a meeting to review their scholarship.

Education requirements while on tour

While on tour players are expected to:

  • complete and submit schoolwork on a regular basis
  • maintain weekly contact with the Education Officer via email or text.

Mixing tennis and university

Another option for players is to apply for a scholarship at a university in the United States. Here players can further both their education and their tennis.

> Find out more about US College scholarships