2024 Ball Crew Registration
February 15 – May 1, 2024
Welcome to the UAMS Health Little Rock Open Ball Crew! The Little Rock Open Ball Crew is regarded as one of the best Ball Crews in the ATP Challenger Series by players, coaches and officials. The Ball Crew is a one-of-a-kind team that plays a vital role in the success of the tournament.
Before applying for the Ball Crew, read the requirements below. These requirements apply to all new and returning Ball Crew applicants.
Age Requirements:
The minimum age for the Ball Crew is 10 years old by May 24, 2024
Physical Requirements:
You must be physically capable of performing two to three hour continuous sessions on court as part of a five-hour shift.
Participation Requirements:
- Attend Ball Crew Orientation: May 15, 2024, 7:00 pm- This session is for parents and all Ball Crew. We will cover Ball Crew expectations and logistics. A Zoom link will be sent closer to the day.
- Attend Ball Crew Training:
- May 21 & 22; 6:00-7:30; Rebsamen Tennis Center days are required of anyone who is new to the Ball Crew
- May 23; 6:00-7:30; Rebsamen Tennis Center This day is required for returning Ball Crew team members. New crew members are welcome to attend for extra practice.
- Commit to a minimum of three shifts during the one-week tournament. Shifts may be taken on the same day. There are morning, mid-day, and evening shifts available. Ball Crew members will receive a separate communication to sign up for specific shifts in April.
- Sign Liability and Photo Release Waivers
Waivers:
What is the Ball Crew?
The Ball Crew is responsible for efficiently managing the balls for the players and attending to player’s needs during the match to ensure smooth, uninterrupted gameplay.
There are two roles on the court; Net Crew Members and Back Crew Members.
Net Crew Members are located on either side of the net and are responsible for overall management of the court. Typically, Net Crew Members will be experienced crew members; however, everyone needs to understand the role in the event that they need to work the net.
Back Crew Members are located in the back corners of the court. Their job is to move along the baseline to retrieve and distribute the balls.
As a Ball Crew Member, you need to always be aware of the score, what is happening with the players and which crew members have balls.
Service Hours
Work on the Ball Crew may qualify for service hours required for school. Please reach out to Melissa Johnston at melissa.johnston76@gmail.com for help confirming service hours.
Ball Crew Shift Details
**This section will be updated with more details closer to the tournament.
What to Wear and Bring Each Day
Ball Crew members will receive an official Ball Crew shirt. You will need to wear black shorts or skirt. You can also wear a black or white hat. Please no neon colored hats or shoes.
What to Bring Each Day
We recommend bringing the following each day:
- Water bottle
- Sunscreen
- Small towel or cooling towel
- Snacks
You can take a small bag with you to the court and leave it outside the fence or we will have a place for you to leave your bag at the Ball Crew tent.
Checking In and Out
When you arrive at Rebsamen Tennis Center, you will sign in at the volunteer check-in table and then go to the white ball crew tent located in the center area of the tennis center. When you arrive at the tent, you will confirm your court assignment and go to the court.
When your shift ends, please check out with the ball crew coordinator and have your parent or guardian meet you at the volunteer tent to sign out.
Food and Beverages
Lunch and dinner will be provided each day.
Bottled water will be available. We also recommend bringing a water bottle.