The International Tennis Integrity Agency (ITIA) is pleased to announce further collaboration with the International Tennis Federation (ITF), which will see thousands of junior tennis players receive mandatory integrity education as part of their introduction to life on tour.
Reiterating professional tennis’ commitment to education and prevention, all players with an active Juniors International Player Identification Number (IPIN), which is used to register for competitions on the ITF tour, will be required to undertake a mandatory education module, custom designed and delivered by the ITIA.
The module, which will be delivered online to players around the world in English, French, and Spanish languages, offers an introduction to values and integrity in tennis, detailing the fundamentals of both the Tennis Anti-Doping Programme (TADP) and Tennis Anti-Corruption Program (TACP), alongside providing emerging players with key information on how to make contact with ITIA staff for support.
The development further enhances the strong relationship between the ITIA and ITF – in parallel with similar affiliations with the ATP and WTA – with the tennis bodies working closer than ever before to provide continuous off-court development for all players.
The mandatory module on integrity augments existing face-to-face education sessions held on tour throughout the tennis calendar, including briefings for juniors participating in each of the four Grand Slams across the year, and other bespoke events, such as the recent collaborative session in Roehampton, London, which included a visit from tennis pioneer Billie Jean King.
ITIA CEO, Karen Moorhouse said: “This is another positive step in further embedding integrity into our sport.
“In rolling out mandatory education, the ITIA and ITF are ensuring that the pathway into the professional game contains an important and robust integrity checkpoint for our future stars.
“This is more than making sure that the players know the rules, though. By introducing ourselves to the players early in their careers, we offer our support and ensure that juniors’ first interaction with topics like anti-doping comes as education, rather than a test.”
Modules are provided through ITF Academy – the ITF’s official education platform - and the ITIA’s integrity introduction has been mandated alongside two other short courses on pre-tournament and in-competition rules on the ITF World Tennis Tour.
Kelly Fairweather, ITF CEO said: “As the global guardians of the game, we are committed to preparing junior players for all aspects of life on the tour and the launch of these mandatory education modules is a crucial part of that.
“Every subject covered in these modules – from tournament entry systems to code of conduct to integrity – is designed to equip players with the skills and knowledge they need to move through the ITF pathway and beyond.”
Published 27 July 2023 11:00
