FAQ

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Welcome to the HRT Tennis Academy FAQ!

Have questions about our programs, registration, schedules, or policies? We’ve got you covered! Explore our FAQ to find helpful information about everything from choosing the right program for your player to clinic schedules, makeups, billing, tournaments, and more.

Our goal is to make your HRT experience as smooth as possible, so you can focus on what matters most: learning, growing, and enjoying the game.

Still have questions? Reach out to our team at hola@hrttennisacademy.com. We’re always happy to help!

How do I know which HRT junior program is right for my child?

The best program is recommended and determined by HRT's coaching staff based on a combination of your child's age, playing ability, UTR (when available), commitment, maturity, goals, and overall developmental stage. To find the best fit, families should create a CourtReserve account, add their child's player profile details, and contact the coaching staff (hola@hrttennisacademy.com) to arrange an on-court evaluation or trial session.

Are HRT programs grouped by age, UTR, or playing ability?

Yes. Group placements and clinic curricula are carefully determined by the coaching staff using a combination of age, playing ability, UTR (when available), commitment, maturity, goals, and overall developmental stage. UTR ranges are useful placement guidelines, but UTR is not the only factor used to determine the best fit.

What is the difference between Development Foundations, Competitive Foundations, Aspiring High Performance, High Performance, and Elite High Performance?

HRT offers a comprehensive development pathway with clear distinctions between groups:

Development & Competitive Foundations: Designed for junior players under age 13 who are beginners or newer to tennis (typically UTR 0–1.5). These programs focus on building strong technical fundamentals, movement, rally skills, footwork, serving, scoring, and introducing basic match-play rules, while helping players develop a love for the sport.
Aspiring High Performance: Tailored for players under age 13 with a UTR of 1.5 to 3.0 who are transitioning from recreational play to competitive match play. The program focuses on technical fundamentals, court positioning, tactical point construction, mental toughness, and developing a stronger commitment to competition.
High Performance: Designed for players who are committed to tennis and want to train seriously. These programs are more focused on serious training, competition, development, and helping players maximize their potential. UTR ranges (such as 3.0–5.5 or 5.0–6.5 depending on the program and location) can be used as placement guidelines, but age, commitment, maturity, level, goals, and coach evaluation also matter.
Elite High Performance (or High Performance Elite): Designed for top junior players and college prospects seeking an advanced, highly committed training environment. A UTR of 6.5+ may be used as a placement guideline, but UTR is not the sole determining factor. Age, commitment, maturity, level, goals, and coach evaluation are also considered. HRT's High Performance programs at Strawberry, SRTC/Flyte, and the Full-Time Program are designed around serious training, competition, development, and maximizing each athlete's potential.

My child does not have a UTR rating yet. Where should they start?

If your child is under age 13, they should start in either the Little Champions program (ages 3–9) or the Development & Competitive Foundations program (ages 8–13), which are structured specifically for players with no UTR or a UTR of 0–1.5.
If your child is a teenager (ages 13+), they can start in the High School Training Clinics, which are drop-in friendly, require no UTR, and focus on drills and team-style competition.

What are the tennis ball color and classification rules for junior clinics?

HRT structures junior clinics using specific ball types and court sizes to ensure proper, age-appropriate mechanical development:

Little Champions (Ages 4–8): Uses Red and Orange low-compression balls. These are designed for younger players to develop hand-eye coordination and basic motor skills on smaller court spaces.
Development & Competitive Foundations (Under 13 / UTR 0–1.5): Uses Green Dot low-compression balls and standard Yellow balls. HRT strongly emphasizes building correct fundamental mechanics using green dot balls before fully transitioning to standard yellow balls to prevent the development of bad technical habits.

Can my child move to a higher-level group during the term?

Yes. The coaching team continuously reviews player placements based on performance, attitude, work ethic, goals, level, maturity, and UTR progression when applicable to ensure every athlete is in the right developmental environment. Players may be moved up mid-term if they demonstrate they are ready for a higher-level challenge.

Can younger players participate in a higher-level clinic?

Yes. Younger players can join higher-level clinics if their skills, competitive UTR, and work ethic warrant it and they are cleared by an HRT coach. For example, highly competitive 11-year-old players with high UTR ratings (such as 5.0+) have successfully been placed in Advanced camps and High Performance groups.

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How do I create a CourtReserve account and register my family for HRT programs?

Registration is completed online through the CourtReserve portal or mobile app. Follow these step-by-step onboarding instructions:

Go to CourtReserve: Visit the HRT website CourtReserve link or open CourtReserve online (or download the CourtReserve mobile app (Apple Store or Google Play)).
Create Account: Click "Sign Up" or "Create Account".
Search Club: Search for and join the organization "HRT Tennis Academy".
Billing Setup: Under billing settings, securely add a valid credit card to your profile (processed via Stripe).
Add Membership: Select the free "Existing Players - Family" membership tier.
Add Family Members: Navigate to your family profile settings (top-right corner menu, select "My Family") and enter the profile details (name, email, phone, birthday, level) for each participating child/athlete.
Select Programs: Go to the "Programs" or "Events" tab, browse by date, age, or skill level, select your clinics, choose dates, and finalize payment. (Note: Adult classes and certain Mill Valley junior programs must be registered directly through the Strawberry Recreation Center recdesk system rather than CourtReserve).

I already have a CourtReserve account with another local club. Do I need to make a new login?

No, you do not need to create a new username or password. You can link HRT as an additional club under your existing profile:

Log into your CourtReserve portal or app.
Go to your profile avatar in the top-right corner.
Select "My Organizations" and click "Add Organization".
Search for "HRT Tennis Academy" and select it to link the club. Tip: Search using only "HRT". The system is programmed to ask for the first four letters of a club's name, but since HRT has only three letters, searching "HRT" bypasses this block. Once linked, you can toggle between your organizations seamlessly using the same login.

Why does the system say "Registration Closed" or show no option to register for an active clinic?

Once a clinic term has officially started, the CourtReserve system automatically closes online registration to the public. This can also occur if the class is completely full, has an active waitlist, or requires a specific verified UTR rating or coach evaluation that is not logged in your profile. What to do: Create your family CourtReserve account first, add your child's player profile, and then contact the HRT admin team directly. If roster spots are open, the admin team will manually add your child to the roster, after which you can complete payment under the "Billing - Transactions" section of your portal.

Am I automatically re-enrolled in the next season/term?

Yes, this is official HRT policy. To ensure that active players do not lose their roster spots to waitlisted families, HRT automatically rolls over and re-enrolls active students from the previous term (e.g., Fall to Winter, or Winter to Spring) into the identical class, days, and location. Your saved credit card will be automatically charged on a specified date prior to the new term starting. Opting Out: If you do not wish to continue training in the next term, you must proactively notify HRT in writing (via email) to opt out before the scheduled auto-charge date. If your card is charged but you do not wish to participate, notify the admin team immediately to withdraw your child and process a full credit card refund.

How can I view the specific calendar dates and schedule for a registered clinic?

To view the complete schedule and individual calendar dates of a clinic your child is registered for, log into your CourtReserve account, click on the registration link for that specific program, and go to the "Dates" section. This tab displays every scheduled session date throughout the entire term.

How can I obtain a detailed invoice or proof of payment for Regional Center reimbursement?

Invoices and transaction receipts can be generated and downloaded directly from your CourtReserve account under the "Billing" section. For specialized documentation (such as matching paid reservations with attendance or itemizing individual private lesson fees), you can request a manual transaction export in Excel format from the HRT admin team.

Where do HRT clinics, camps, and programs take place?

HRT hosts clinics and camps across six key venues in Marin County, depending on the program:

San Rafael Tennis Center (SRTC): 99 Lowell Ave, San Rafael, CA 94903 (The central academy hub featuring 4 courts).
Strawberry Recreation District: 118 E Strawberry Dr, Mill Valley, CA 94941.
MLK Courts (MLK Park): 610 Coloma St, Sausalito, CA 94965.
Redwood High School (RHS): 395 Doherty Dr, Larkspur, CA 94939 (Main location for camps, including summer and holiday break camps. Depending on registration and operational needs, some camp groups may later be moved to San Rafael Tennis Center.)
Ross Tennis Courts: 3 Sir Francis Drake Blvd, Ross, CA 94957
Flyte Racquet Club: 440 Smith Ranch Rd, San Rafael, CA 94903 (The primary training facility for the Academic Full-Time program).

What is the clinic term schedule for the 2026–2027 academic year?

HRT operates on a 3-term sessional calendar, plus summer camps:

Term 1 (Fall) — 12 Weeks: August 17 – November 6, 2026.
- Labor Day Holiday: Monday, September 7, 2026 — No Clinics.
Term 2 (Winter) — 12 Weeks: November 9, 2026 – February 19, 2027.
- Thanksgiving Break: November 23–27, 2026 — Holiday Camp Only.
- Winter Break: December 21, 2026 – January 1, 2027 — Clinics resume Monday, January 4, 2027.
- Presidents' Week: February 15–19, 2027 — Holiday Camp Only.
Term 3 (Spring) — 15 Weeks: February 22 – June 11, 2027.
- Spring Break: April 5–9, 2027 — Holiday Camp Only.
- Memorial Day Holiday: Monday, May 31, 2027 — No Clinics.
Summer Camps: June 14 – August 6, 2027.

What is the exact schedule for HRT Holiday and Summer Camps?

Camp dates for 2026–2027 are scheduled as follows. The final location and all camp-specific details should always be confirmed in the program description on CourtReserve:

Thanksgiving Camp: November 23–25, 2026.
Winter Camp:
- Week 1: December 21–23, 2026.
- Week 2: December 28–30, 2026.
- Week 3 (Optional / If Offered): January 4–8, 2027.
Presidents' Week Camp: February 15–19, 2027.
Spring Break Camp: April 5–9, 2027.
Summer Camps: June 14 – August 6, 2027.

My child will arrive late from school or needs to depart early. Can you accommodate this?

Yes. HRT is highly accommodating of varied school dismissal times, transportation constraints, or academic tutoring schedules. Simply notify your head coach in advance, and they will ensure your child is integrated smoothly and safely into the ongoing session without disruption.

Can my high school varsity athlete drop into clinics flexibly around their school match schedule?

Yes. During the spring high school season, high school players actively playing on their school teams can drop in and make up conflicting sessions on other clinic days (such as Friday). Parents must notify the general manager by Sunday which available make-up session their athlete plans to attend that week.

Can my child make up a missed clinic session on another day if we are sick or traveling?

No. HRT clinics require a full-term commitment, and make-up classes, credits, or refunds are not offered for individual clinic absences due to personal schedules, family travel, or routine illnesses. Why this policy exists: Roster spots are capped to preserve strict coach-to-player ratios and maintain group consistency, and court/coaching commitments are locked in advance. While staff may occasionally offer a one-time courtesy exception to attend on another day, this is not a guaranteed policy. The only official exception is for high school varsity players, who may reschedule classes that conflict with school matches.

What happens if HRT cancels a class?

If HRT cancels a clinic session (such as due to low registration numbers, facility emergencies, or coaching scheduling issues), families are notified immediately via email and issued a full refund or a credit to their CourtReserve account.

Are there any medical exceptions to the clinic cancellation and refund policy?

Yes. Prorated refunds, account credits, or sessional adjustments are evaluated only if a student suffers a severe medical injury or physical illness that causes them to miss 50% or more of the registered term. To request a medical exception, you must submit a signed physician's/doctor's note to the admin team.

What is the cancellation policy for individual drop-in sessions and private lessons?

Individual Drop-In Sessions: Cancellations for drop-in clinic bookings must be submitted at least 48 hours in advance of the scheduled clinic start time to receive a full refund or CourtReserve credit. Cancellations requested less than 48 hours before the session are non-refundable and ineligible for credit.
Private Lessons: Private lessons have a strict 48-hour cancellation policy to avoid being charged. Cancellations made 48 hours or more in advance will receive a full refund or account credit, while last-minute cancellations are billed in full.

What happens when it rains or if the courts are wet?

Because wet tennis courts represent a major slipping and safety hazard, clinics are canceled if it rains or if the courts are too damp to play safely. Families are notified via email and WhatsApp. If a session is canceled, a pro-rated session credit is automatically applied to your CourtReserve profile for future camps or terms.

The 30-Minute Play Rule: If a clinic is active for 30 minutes or more before being rained out or halted by wet courts, no credit or refund can be issued for that day.

When will HRT make and announce the rain cancellation decision?

The coaching staff monitors the local weather closely and officially announces rain cancellations by 2:30 PM for afternoon clinics and by 4:00 PM for evening clinics.

What happens when air quality is poor?

Clinics are fully canceled when the Air Quality Index (AQI) exceeds 150. If the AQI is between 100 and 150, modified on-court activities of lower physical intensity may occur.

Where are weather updates and emergency cancellations sent?

Weather updates and emergency announcements will be communicated through the HRT WhatsApp Community and via email announcements. Parents and players should actively monitor both channels during uncertain weather conditions.

What is UTR, and does my child need a UTR rating to train at HRT?

UTR stands for Universal Tennis Rating. It is a global rating system that calculates a player's skill level on a scale from 1.00 to 16.00 based on actual head-to-head match results. Beginners and recreational players do not need a UTR to enroll. A UTR is not required for Little Champions, Development & Competitive Foundations, or High School Clinics. For High Performance and Elite programs, UTR ranges can be used as placement guidelines, but age, commitment, maturity, level, goals, and coach evaluation are also considered.

How does HRT use UTR for group placement?

HRT uses UTR ratings alongside age, playing ability, commitment, maturity, goals, and coach evaluation to group players appropriately. UTR ranges are useful guidelines, but UTR is not the only determining factor. The goal is to place players in an environment that is balanced, motivating, competitive, and appropriate for their development.

Which matches count toward a player's Verified UTR?

All competitive match scores played in verified USTA tournaments and official, UTR-sanctioned events (including HRT weekend tournaments) count directly toward a player's Verified UTR. Regular team tennis, unverified local matches, or standard practices may not count.

Why does my child's UTR rating not change immediately after a match or tournament?

UTR Ratings do not necessarily change immediately after an individual match or tournament. UTR recalculates ratings daily, but the rating is based on a rolling weighted average of recent match performance rather than simply wins and losses. The algorithm considers factors such as the opponent's rating and reliability, the score and competitiveness of the match, match format, and the player's other recent results. Because it is a dynamic system, a player's rating can also change as opponents' ratings change over time. Therefore, a recent tournament may not immediately produce the rating change a player expects. Parents can visit UTR Sports for a detailed explanation.

Does HRT recommend specific tournaments for players?

Yes. HRT coaches routinely recommend weekend events to help players build competitive confidence. They also host their own UTR-sanctioned "HRT Legend Tournaments" (such as junior circuit boys/girls events held on Sundays at Redwood High School) specifically to help juniors gain match experience.

Beginners: Start with local, level-based weekend tournaments like the HRT Legend Tournaments.
Intermediates & Advanced: Play USTA junior circuit tournaments (such as Level 7 or Level 5 events) to build official section standings. High-performance players should compete in 2 to 3 tournaments per month.

Should my child play UTR or USTA tournaments?

HRT encourages both depending on the player's development path:

HRT Sunday UTR Tournaments: Highly recommended for beginners because they are level-based, low-pressure, FAST4 format events that group players by actual skill level, building confidence.
USTA Tournaments: Group players strictly by age division (12U, 14U, etc.). These are crucial for section rankings and official junior ranking tracks. While Level 7 events are beginner-friendly, the actual playing level in age-bracket draws can vary significantly.

Does HRT provide coaching at tournaments?

HRT tournament team and Full-Time players may have access to coaching support at tournaments. For the Full-Time Program, HRT plans to offer domestic tournament travel coaching and supervision as an additional service. Availability and pricing will depend on staffing and the specific tournament. These events may include local tournaments with a coach traveling with a group of players and national tournaments requiring flights and overnight travel.

Are tournament coaching and travel expenses included in regular clinic tuition?

No. Sessional clinic tuition and monthly Full-Time program fees do not cover tournament entry fees or domestic tournament travel, lodging, or on-site coaching services. For the Full-Time Program, HRT plans to offer domestic tournament travel coaching and supervision as an additional service. Availability and pricing will depend on staffing and the specific tournament.

How far in advance is the schedule released for weekend tournaments?

HRT tournament staff typically creates and publishes the tournament draws and specific match time slots on Friday morning before the weekend event. Registered players are grouped into 3-hour play windows (such as 8:00–11:00 AM, 11:00 AM–2:00 PM, or 2:00–5:00 PM) based on their UTR rating.

Can I book private lessons and how much do they cost?

Yes, private lessons are available for junior and adult players. Rates are determined by the specific coach and range from $120 to $200 per hour:

Jose Hilla (CEO & Academy Director): $200/hour
Hugo Colpart (General Manager & Tennis Director): $200/hour
Cesar Rabelo: $180/hour
Sajid: $180/hour
Gonzalo: $180/hour
Sarah Spruch: $160/hour
Nate Oppenheim: $140/hour
Kabir: $140/hour
Giovanni: $130/hour
Ali: $130/hour
Fitness Training: $120/hour.

How to Schedule: Private lessons are coordinated and booked directly with individual coaches. Priority scheduling is given to academy players enrolled in multiple weekly clinic sessions. Payments are made directly to the coach at the time of the lesson.

Can I book semi-private lessons for siblings or small groups?

Yes, HRT supports custom semi-private lesson structures for junior and adult players. Pricing is structured as the coach's regular private lesson hourly rate, plus $10 per hour for each additional player. For example, if a coach's regular private lesson rate is $140/hour, a semi-private lesson with two players is $150/hour total.

Can we set up a private, custom group clinic with friends?

Yes, HRT offers recurring private group clinics upon request for groups of 4 or more players. This is perfect for weekly sessions with friends, tournament teammates training together, or corporate groups. To set this up, reach out to General Manager Hugo Colpart directly at hola@hrttennisacademy.com.

Do you offer racquet stringing services?

Yes. HRT offers professional stringing services out of the San Rafael location. Racquets should be left with a coach, indicating string type and desired tension. Typical turnaround is 2–4 days.

Labor Only: $30
String + Labor: $50
24-Hour Rush Service: +$20
Grommet Installation: $15

How much do HRT clinic sessions cost?

Clinic rates for 2026–2027 are structured based on session duration, level, and location:

2.5-Hour High Performance Clinics: $125 per session
2.5-Hour Sausalito MLK After-School / Standard Clinics: $115 per session
2-Hour Clinics: $95 per session for term enrollment, or $105 for individual drop-in sessions
1.5-Hour Clinics (e.g., Little Champions): $75 per session for term enrollment, or $85 for individual drop-in sessions
Adult Clinics (1.5 hours): $65 per session
Private Lessons: Range from $120 to $200 per hour depending on the coach. All clinic fees must be paid in full before participation.

Is registration for the entire term, or can we register on a rolling basis?

Weekday clinics require a full-term commitment (typically 12 or 15 weeks depending on the season). Billed amounts cannot be prorated or reduced for planned absences, as registration reserves a permanent spot. However, late registrations are accepted mid-term provided there is open space remaining on the roster, and tuition will be prorated from the day they officially join.

Can I pay for individual or drop-in sessions instead of a full term?

Drop-in payments are accepted at a premium surcharge for select programs (such as High School Training Clinics at $105/session and Saturday Little Champions at $85/session), but these must be approved in advance. Standard weekday after-school clinics do not support drop-ins because sessional continuity is required for consistent group development.

What is the mandatory "HRT Package" fee?

Every High-Performance and junior clinic player is charged a mandatory annual gear package fee of $120. This fee covers the player's official team uniforms, which include 3 HRT t-shirts and 1 hoodie. Uniforms are distributed after the first few weeks of classes.

What happens if I accidentally register for the wrong program?

If you accidentally register for the incorrect program, notify the HRT admin team immediately (hola@hrttennisacademy.com). They will manually withdraw your child, adjust the registration to the correct group (if space is available), apply any paid balance, and process a credit card refund for any cost difference.

How do account credits work?

Account credits (generated from rainouts or approved sessional adjustments) are stored in your CourtReserve profile. Once a credit is on your account, it is automatically applied to reduce the cost of your next clinic, program, or camp booking. Credits are non-transferable and cannot be cashed out or refunded directly back to credit cards.

Do you offer sibling discounts?

HRT does not offer a standardized or automated sibling discount in CourtReserve. However, they support families on a case-by-case basis, historically applying a courtesy 10% sibling discount for summer camps or arranging flat weekly rates for multiple siblings.

Do you offer financial assistance or scholarships, and how do I apply?

Yes. Through the nonprofit HRT Tennis Foundation, scholarships and financial assistance are offered to passionate young players to make high-quality tennis opportunities accessible regardless of financial circumstances. To apply, families must request, complete, and submit HRT’s official scholarship application form to the committee, along with necessary financial documentation. All applications are kept strictly confidential.

What is the HRT Full-Time High Performance Program?

The Full-Time Program is an intensive, 10-month professional training track running from late August through mid-June, designed for elite student-athletes aiming for collegiate or professional tennis.

Who is eligible for the Full-Time program?

Eligible athletes are highly motivated, competitive players (typically ages 10 to 20) with active tournament experience who meet selective UTR requirements. Applicants must submit a completed application and undergo an evaluation and on-court assessment by the coaching directors. Advanced high-performance training is geared toward UTRs of 4.5+ up to 10+.

What does a typical Full-Time weekly schedule look like?

Athletes train daily (Monday through Friday) receiving 4 to 5 hours of on-court tennis and 1 hour of physical conditioning per day (up to 20 hours per week). Training is held at Flyte Racquet Club and partner facilities.

Mondays & Fridays: 12:00 PM – 3:00 PM (at Flyte) and 4:00 PM – 6:30 PM (at San Rafael SRTC).
Tuesdays – Thursdays: 8:30 AM – 11:00 AM (at Flyte), 12:30 PM – 2:00 PM (at Flyte), and 4:00 PM – 6:30 PM (at San Rafael SRTC).

How much does the Full-Time program cost and what is the payment schedule?

Tuition is $3,500 per month over a 10-month academic-year commitment, totaling $35,000 annually. A non-refundable deposit of $7,000 (covering the final two months of tuition, April and May/June) is due on June 1st.

What is included in the monthly Full-Time tuition?

The monthly tuition covers all daily full-time on-court tennis training, periodized athletic fitness and strength conditioning, mental performance coaching, college recruitment guidance, coaching/mentoring, access to all after-school HRT clinics, and training camps during major school breaks.

How does the program coordinate with academic schooling?

Trainees enroll in accredited online independent study schools to accommodate their rigorous training schedules. HRT coordinates directly with the schools to monitor academic progress and align daily training. Trainees have access to a dedicated academic space with desks and WiFi at Flyte Racquet Club to complete study work during breaks.

Accredited Partners (NCAA-Compliant): AESA Prep Academy, Laurel Springs School, Holston Academy, American College Placement, and Dwight Global Online School.

Are boarding and accommodation options available for non-local or international players?

Yes. Players can choose to live in a supervised Academy House with HRT coaches and fellow players. This setting fosters a focused team environment. The boarding fees are:

Private Room: $1,000 per month
Shared Room: $600 per month
What is Included: Full supervision, meals, and court transportation.

What happens if we withdraw from the Full-Time Program early?

The Full-Time Program requires the academic-year commitment stated in the signed agreement. If a player or family terminates the agreement early, HRT keeps the two-month deposit. Injuries are exempt from this policy. The signed Full-Time agreement governs the specific terms and should be consulted for the complete contractual details.

FAQ

Welcome to the HRT Tennis Academy FAQ!

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