LEVEL 2 BALLKID SELECTION TRIALS

Level 2 Selection Trials for the Ballkid Program - Australian Open 2018 Squad will be held on Saturday 6 & Sunday 7 May 2017.

VENUE: National Tennis Centre, Melbourne Park (Richmond)

Please arrive at least 15 minutes prior to the commencement of your session time to allow for registration.

*The National Tennis Centre is located on the eastern side of Hisense Arena, opposite AAMI Stadium (Punt road side of Melbourne Park). Please note that this is NOT within the vicinity of Rod Laver or Margaret Court Arena's.

The nearest Tram Stop (Route 70) is Hisense Arena. If travelling from the city DO NOT disembark at the Rod Laver Arena stop; please remain on the tram until the next stop which is Hisense Arena.

CAR PARKING: Car parking will be available in the Eastern Plaza Carpark, located directly under the National Tennis Centre.

Due to the large number of events taking place in the precinct, event day pricing ($30.00) will apply on both trial days. Parking can be prebooked at https://prebook.mopt.vic.gov.au/

Where possible, we recommend that parents utilise the Ballkids drop off/pick up point at Hisense Arena;  there is a 5 minute parking bay at this point where Ballkids can be dropped off and collected*. Signage will be in place to direct applicants to the National Tennis Centre from this point.

HOW LONG DO TRIALS LAST: Each Level 2 Selection Trial will run for approximately 2 hours.

MEETING POINT: Signage will direct you to the registration area on Level 3 (Mezzanine Level) of the National Tennis Centre. Parents are welcome to on site during the trials; the Tennis Cafe located on Level 2 will be open throughout the course of the weekend.

OTHER EVENTS: Please note there may be other events taking place within the precinct on this weekend and you should allow for appropriate travel time.

WHAT TO WEAR: Comfortable sporting attire, non-marking tennis shoes

WHAT TO BRING: Water bottle

EMERGENCY: In case of an emergency on the day, please ring 03 9914 4676.

IMPORTANT POINTS TO NOTE

• Attendance is compulsory, and non-attendance will result in your application being withdrawn.
• Absentees will not be offered an alternative trial session.
• Trial times are final and cannot be changed.
• Please be punctual, as your opportunity to participate will be jeopardised by late arrival.
• Please advise of any medical conditions or injuries at the time of registration.

 

Selection will be structured in the following manner:

An assessment of the following skills, including but not limited to:

• Ability to roll a ball including speed, accuracy and flatness
• Seed and agility fitness test (movement across the court)
• Ability to collect/control multiple tennis balls on the run;
• Ability to service the ball to the player (ball toss, / presenting the balls to the player)
• Willingness to stay focused, comprehend instruction, improve personal skill level;
• Cooperation/teamwork/attitude/behaviour;

We have the utmost confidence in the validity and fairness of the selection process and would like to highlight that:

• Tennis Australia employs a team of experienced staff who are responsible for the selection and training of all Ballkid volunteers.
• Tennis Australia is regarded as having the most outstanding ballkids of all the Grand Slams, something we are extremely proud of and work very hard to maintain.
• Each child is assessed by a minimum of two staff members.
• Each child is graded on their suitability to perform both a net or baseline position.
• It is a very competitive field - children are considered on their own merit and the outcome is dependent on the performance of each applicant during the selection trial. 

 

Results for Level 2 Selection Trials will be emailed no later than Friday 27 May. It is your responsibility to check this information regarding the status of your application and the next steps in the process. Please note that individual results will not be disclosed.