Renewing Your PTR Membership Means Access to Quality Insurance Offerings from the ICBA
New! For All Members
PTR is excited to announce that for the first time ever, all of our members will now have access to ICBA benefits and resources including comprehensive health coverage options through your PTR Membership.
Why is PTR Making These Benefits Available?
At PTR our mission is to better serve coaches worldwide. Over the last few years, we’ve heard from our members that finding quality benefits and resources as a coach can be a significant challenge. In response, we’ve partnered with the Independent Contractors Benefits Association (ICBA) to provide you access to comprehensive benefit offerings that you can’t find anywhere else. We want to help ease the burden of finding quality benefits and health coverage options so that you can focus on spending time on the court.
What is Included in ICBA Benefits & Resources?
All PTR Members will have access to benefits and resources including comprehensive health coverage options through the Independent Contractors Benefits Association (ICBA). The ICBA leverages the buying power of its large membership base to negotiate competitive group programs with the largest insurance and benefit providers in the country – resulting in quality, choice, and affordability that you can’t find anywhere else.
Through the ICBA you’ll have access to a wide range of health coverages designed to fit every lifestyle and budget. Coverage options include Major Medical Plan Options (short term and long term), low-cost Basic Health Plans, Dental Plans, Aflac coverages, and a free Health Savings Discount Card. Members also have access to a comprehensive suite of support services including free banking services, tax support, student loan support, discounts & savings on hotels, travel, and entertainment, and more!
How Do I Access Benefits?
Your ICBA membership begins with all new PTR memberships and renewal memberships (effected starting June 24th) and will be effective through the 24/25 year ending August 31, 2025. Once you renew your PTR membership, you’ll receive an email with information about benefits and resources available to you through the ICBA and information on how to get access to them.
Member Spotlight - Galina Boykova
Living thousands of miles away from her family, with a seven-hour time difference, Galina Bykova has a strong bond with her family. Her parents, characterized by their hard work and positivity, continue to inspire and motivate her.
You see, Galina Bykova’s love of tennis began in her home in St. Petersburg, Russia. She was a strong player and secured a full scholarship to play for Fresno State – a Division 1 school in the United States. While there, she grew a lot in the sport, including being awarded the honors of 2015 Big Sky Player of the Year, 2015 First Team All-Big Sky, Player of the Week (April 14, 2015), 2014 WAC Freshman of the Year, 2014 First Team All-Wac Singles, 2014 Second Team All-WAC Doubles, Wac Player of the Week.
Upon graduation from Fresno State with a Bachelor’s Degree in Media, Communications, and Journalism, she began coaching tennis at Cliff Drysdale Tennis. Her strength in leadership led her to her current role as the Director of Tennis at the Ritz-Carlton Bacara in Santa Barbara, California.
Outside of her professional life, Galina is committed to personal growth and exploration. When her schedule allows, she enjoys traveling to new states, hiking, visiting museums, and riding on roller coasters.
Amid all of this, family remains a central pillar in her life, providing unwavering support despite the physical distance. She’s learned to embrace technology like FaceTime to stay connected.
Galina Bykova’s is more than a tennis player: she is an athlete who leverages her personal strengths and familial support to achieve professional success in the competitive world of tennis.
Introducing the New PTR Badge Program: Elevate Your Coaching Expertise
We are thrilled to announce the launch of the PTR Badge Program, an exciting new initiative designed to provide our coaches with additional education and credentials, enhancing their certification and expertise in various areas of tennis coaching. This innovative program offers a structured pathway for coaches to delve deeper into their areas of interest, gain specialized knowledge, and earn recognition for their commitment to professional development.
Why the PTR Badge Program?
In the ever-evolving world of tennis coaching, staying ahead means continuously expanding your knowledge and skills. The PTR Badge Program is crafted to meet this need by offering a diverse range of badges that cater to different coaching specializations. Each badge signifies a coach’s proficiency and dedication to a specific aspect of coaching, making them stand out in the competitive field of tennis coaching.
Initial Badge Offerings
At the launch of the PTR Badge Program, we are excited to offer three foundational badges:
Future Badges to Look Forward To
As part of our commitment to ongoing professional development, we will be introducing additional badges in the near future. These will cover areas such as:
- Junior Development
- Adult Development
- Performance
- Tournament Director
- Technology
The Benefits of Earning Badges
Earning badges through the PTR Badge Program not only enriches your coaching skillset but also adds significant value to your professional credentials. Here are some of the key benefits:
- Enhanced Expertise: Gain in-depth knowledge and specialized skills in your areas of interest.
- Credibility and Recognition: Showcase your commitment to continuous learning and professional growth.
- Career Advancement: Open doors to new opportunities and stand out in the coaching community.
- Flexible Learning: Access self-paced courses and workshops that fit your schedule, allowing you to learn at your own pace.
How to Get Started
Ready to take your coaching career to the next level? Visit our PTR Badge Program page to explore the available badges and enroll in courses that interest you. Upon completion of a course, the corresponding badge will be proudly displayed on your PTR certificate, demonstrating your additional credentialing and expertise.
Join the PTR Badge Program Today!
We encourage all PTR coaches to embrace this opportunity to elevate their coaching journey. The PTR Badge Program is your gateway to becoming a more skilled, knowledgeable, and recognized tennis coach.
For more information or to enroll in a course, visit ptrtennis.org/badge-program/ or contact us at 843-785-7244. Let’s embark on this journey of professional growth together!
Join Us for PTR Community Day and Help Grow the Game of Tennis!
On June 22nd, PTR coaches nationwide will come together for a special event: PTR Community Day. This initiative aims to introduce new players to the sport of tennis through free, 1-hour clinics hosted by certified PTR coaches. Whether you’re a seasoned player or someone who’s never picked up a racket, PTR Community Day is your opportunity to experience the joy of tennis and connect with your local community.
What is PTR Community Day?
PTR Community Day is an initiative by the Professional Tennis Registry (PTR) to promote tennis and inspire new players. Coaches across the country will host free clinics, offering an inviting and educational experience for participants of all ages and skill levels. This event is a fantastic chance for families, friends, and individuals to come together and enjoy a day of fun and fitness on the court.
How to Get Involved
- For Coaches: Sign up to host a free clinic by filling out the registration form on the PTR website. Customize the provided flyer to promote your event locally and use the lesson plan to ensure a successful clinic.
- For Participants: Find a local clinic near you and join in the fun! Whether you’re new to tennis or looking to improve your skills, PTR Community Day clinics are open to everyone.
Why Participate?
- Grow the Game: Help expand the tennis community by introducing new players to the sport.
- Community Engagement: Strengthen your connection with local tennis enthusiasts and make new friends.
- Health and Wellness: Enjoy the physical and mental benefits of playing tennis, a sport that promotes fitness and well-being.
Share Your Experience
We want to hear about your PTR Community Day experience! Coaches and participants are encouraged to share pictures, stories, and event recaps by emailing Caitlyn at caitlyn@ptrtennis.org. Your stories will help inspire others and showcase the positive impact of this event.
