Frequently Asked Questions

• It looks like rain. Are we still having class?

  All prepaid scheduled ATO youth programs use Remind Alert text messages as the primary form of last minute communication. Make sure you accept the invitation to receive these messages when you register and that you are receiving the weekly updates. A cancellation update with scheduled make-up times will also appear on the ATO website homepage under “Court Conditions” for a prepaid scheduled ATO youth program IF weather makes courts unplayable. Please do not contact us directly about your child’s class. Some seasons we have a couple hundred players and are unable to respond to individual messages on a daily basis. Players attending drop-in clinics need to refer to their GroupMe for the most recent updates. ACT and AHS players need to refer to direct communication from their respective coaches. Thanks in advance for using the communication systems we already have in place to find out about the status of your child’s program!

• Why do I have to pay a registration fee?

  The Town of Arlington requires a registration fee for participation in programs held at the Arlington Tennis Center including prepaid scheduled clinics, drop-in classes and private lessons. Fees are $25 for Arlington residents (a registered incorporated Arlington address) and $50 for non-residents (unincorporated Arlington, Lakeland, Bartlett, Cordova, Eads, and all other non-residential addresses). This was voted on by our local elected officials and not within our control. As part of ATO’s contract with the Town, we are required to collect those fees and pay them on your behalf in one amount to minimize the public traffic in local government buildings.

• Didn’t I already pay my registration fee this year?

  The Town of Arlington requires a registration fee each season (Spring, Summer, and Fall).

• My child is a new student. What do we need to bring to class? What kind of racket do we need?

  Your child will need to bring water, wear non-marking athletic shoes and comfortable athletic clothes.  Various sizes of rackets will be available to check out for new players unsure about which racket they eventually need to purchase.  However, we do not have enough for everyone, and they are first come, first serve.  If you are buying now, we suggest an affordable racket for beginners from your local sports store.   

• My child needs to miss a prepaid scheduled class. Can we make it up another time?

  Due to many factors, pre-registered youth classes are unable to schedule individual make-ups for students who miss. Just like many other activities, your child’s seasonal fee holds a place in the group for the season whether they attend every class or not.

• Do you offer private lessons?

  Yes! To schedule a private lesson, contact one of our coaches or trained junior coaches. Our website’s pulldown menu has a “Private Lessons” tab with contact information and the “Our Team” tab has bios so you can find the right fit for you!

• Are the courts available for me to come and practice with my family?

  Tennis is a family sport! We invite all members of the family to come out to our facility during unscheduled court time and hit together.  Check the online calendar on our website for the least busy times to find open courts. All school practices, matches and ATO programs have priority, and open courts are on a first come, first serve basis.  

• How can my child make a team?

  Our programs are designed to introduce all players to the fundamentals of match play. In order to be prepared to make a school team, most students will need to practice more than once a week. Going to the courts to hit with friends or family, registering for extra sessions, attending drop-in classes, or scheduling a few private lessons may be required to help them meet their goals.