There are four distinct USTA schools available to current or aspiring tennis umpires.  Not all are available in every location and some travel may be necessary to attend schools as an umpire progresses through their career path. 

SECTIONAL SCHOOL:
This school is designed for umpires applying for certification as Provisional, Sectional, or USTA umpires.  There are normally several schools in each section held at various times throughout the year (check with your sectional chairman for up to date school schedule).  At least one such school in each section will be taught by a National Trainer/Evaluator.  The remainder of schools will be taught by Sectional Trainer/Evaluators that have been selected by the Sectional Chairman, approved by the National Chairman, and trained by the National Trainer/Evaluators. 
 
Topics covered in this school include but are not limited to a comprehensive review of the basic rules of tennis, basic chair umpire, line umpire and roving procedures and techniques, the USTA National Trainer/Evaluator evaluation system etc.  You can refer to the USTA officials web page (under the heading Training and Education) and find past sectional and USTA level pre-tests to help further your knowledge on just what things are going to be taught at the school you attend. 

REFEREE SCHOOL:
This school is designed for referees in all certification categories.  Topics covered in this school include but are not limited to a review of the basic rules of tennis, responsibilities of the referee before play begins, making the draw; scheduling matches; the point penalty system; responsibilities after the tournament, tournament regulations, and discussions on rule interpretations.

ITA SCHOOL:
This school is designed for officials who work at collegiate dual meets or tournaments and covers the rules and regulations used by the Intercollegiate Tennis Association (ITA). 

USTA REFRESHER SCHOOL:
This school is designed for umpires who hold a certification level of National or Professional line umpire, chair umpire or referee.  This school can also be attended by those umpires holding a USTA line umpire, chair umpire and referee certification level “only if the individual has received a waiver from attending sectional school by his/her sectional chairman”.  These schools are held every two to three years at the discretion of the USTA National Officials committee.  The school will only be taught by National Trainer/Evaluators and could be held at any time during the year. 
 
The primary focus of these schools will be on situations captured in actual tennis matches taped at professional events around the world.  Test questions will also be largely situational as well as covering some of the finer nuances of the rules of tennis.  Other topics to be covered at these schools will vary from year to year.  These items include but are not limited to changes in rules and regulations for the various tennis organizations (i.e., USTA, ITF, ATP (Professional Men’s Tour), WTA (Professional Ladies Tour), ITA) and changes to or clarifications of officiating techniques. 

USTA CHAIR ACADEMY AND ITF BADGE SCHOOLS:
For active USTA certified umpires who have demonstrated great promise on the court and in the classroom over a period time (recommended 2-5 years depending on work record, evaluations etc.) more advanced schools are available to attend.  These schools are primarily for active working chair umpires who seek advancement to the higher levels of the professional game.  You can find more information about the USTA Chair Academy and ITF schools on the officials web page at www.usta.com.   

The best starting point for the higher levels of the game would be to first attend a USTA Officials Department Chair Umpire Academy.  This is a very intensive school for chair umpires which is taught by the USTA Director of Officials along with a handful of other experienced individuals in the officiating community.  To express an interest in being considered for this school, you should contact your sectional chairman directly. 

For those chair umpires who have had initial on-court experience either at the USTA Pro Circuit level or high level competition (i.e. ITF sectional level events) the next step would be to express interest in an ITF White Badge school with your sectional chairman or the USTA Officials Department.  Successful completion of an ITF White Badge School signifies that the official is certified by the ITF as a “National Official”. 

Additional on-court chair umpire experience at professional level events (i.e. USTA Pro Circuit events) are required for consideration to attend an ITF Bronze Badge school.  Successful completion of and ITF Bronze Badge school signifies that the official is certified by the ITF as an “International Official”.  Truly exceptional chair umpires can progress to the ITF Silver and Gold Badge levels.  To reach this level you must have demonstrated outstanding skills on-court and commit a considerable amount of your time to be available to work the highest level of professional events.  You can contact the USTA Officials Department at officiating@usta.com for more information about these advanced ITF certification levels.