Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Audit - USTA Southern California

Adult Sectionals

DIVERSITY, EQUITY & INCLUSION AUDIT

USTA SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA

DIVERSITY, EQUITY & INCLUSION AUDIT

USTA SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA

QUICK LINKS

SUMMARY STATEMENT  |  KEY TAKEAWAYS  |  WHAT CAN WE DO BETTER?
KEY PERFORMANCE INDICATORS (KPI)  |  DEI COMMITTEE GOALS & OBJECTIVES

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SUMMARY STATEMENT
KEY TAKEAWAYS
WHAT CAN WE DO BETTER?
KEY PERFORMANCE INDICATORS
DEI COMMITTEE GOALS & OBJECTIVES

Community Tennis

SUMMARY STATEMENT

In June 2023, USTA Southern California embarked on an initiative to provide an opportunity for all of our stakeholders to participate in the inaugural Diversity, Equity & Inclusion (DEI) Audit. The purpose of the audit was twofold: 1) to help us get a snapshot of important demographic information in the section, and 2) to get specific feedback on the level of interest in, knowledge of, and support for our current DEI efforts and future strategies.

To assist us in this process, we collaborated with Dr. Lorena Martin, a distinguished researcher and author of sports performance measurement and analytics, and an Assistant Professor at USC’s Marshall School of Business. Dr. Martin has provided us with the in-depth review of the survey which was distributed to over 40,000 people throughout Southern California. The survey results and her findings will assist us in providing transparency and highlighting the areas in which we need improvement.

To address areas of improvement, we have developed a set of Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) to help track our DEI progress and initiatives moving forward. With the support and guidance of our newly restructured DEI Committee, we are confident in our ability to assert Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging as an integral part of Southern California Tennis.

– KEY TAKEAWAYS FROM THE AUDIT

– WHAT CAN WE DO BETTER?

– KEY PERFORMANCE INDICATORS

– DEI COMMITTEE GOALS & OBJECTIVES

KEY TAKEAWAYS

– We received 544 responses from the survey (1%).

– More than 75% of the respondents (76.84%) to the survey fall in the age range of 45-65.

– For future surveys we need to determine a more efficient and productive way to capture a broader perspective from all of the stakeholders.

– Considering that the majority of respondents was from adult participants, there is a large sentiment that views DEI as a non-issue because they see gender and racial diversity in their own respective leagues.

– People may understand diversity because it is visible; however, equity and inclusion may not be as readily understood.

Junior Team Tennis
Adult Tennis

WHAT CAN WE DO BETTER?

– We need to do more in letting all stakeholders know of the role of DEI, the DEI Committee, and DEI efforts and initiatives throughout the section

– The survey results reflect a need to reach out to our younger players who are the future of the game and the section–their understanding of DEI seems limited.

– Based on the race demographics, we need to continue to work in and with Hispanic communities in order to achieve our goal of our section reflecting the diverse demographics of Southern California.

KEY PERFORMANCE INDICATORS FOR DEI

These KPIs have been developed by USTA Southern California to track progress, identify areas for improvement, and demonstrate a commitment to DEI within the sport. Additionally, it is crucial to communicate our efforts and findings transparently to foster trust and engagement within the tennis community.

Click each toggle below to learn more about the Key Performance Indicator.

Measure the diversity of the DEI committee itself, ensuring representation from various backgrounds, genders, ethnicities, and age groups.

Collect data on the diversity of tennis players participating in our organization’s programs, including race, gender, age, and socio-economic background.

Track the number of individuals from underrepresented groups participating in tennis programs, events, and competitions.

Monitor the diversity of tennis coaches, instructors, and leadership roles within the organization.

Assess and regularly update policies and practices to ensure they are inclusive and equitable for all players, coaches, and staff. 

Measure the completion rates and effectiveness of DEI training programs for players, coaches, and staff.

Evaluate the organization’s involvement in diverse communities through outreach, partnerships, and tennis programs targeted at underserved 

populations.

Conduct regular surveys to gather feedback from players and stakeholders about their experiences and perceptions of DEI within the tennis community.

populations.

Recognize and promote the achievements and contributions of individuals from underrepresented groups in tennis, both within and outside the organization.

Adult Tennis
Junior Tennis

DEI COMMITTEE GOALS & OBJECTIVES

GOAL: To develop a group of committed and engaged stakeholders from across the section to work with USTA Southern California staff, Board of Directors (BOD), and others in furthering the causes of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion throughout Southern California.

GOAL: To ensure that USTA Southern California membership, staff, and board reflect the overall diversity, equity, and inclusion of Southern California.

Click each toggle below to learn more about the objective.

Increase committee member engagement through active participation and thoughtful interaction among all members of the committee; consult on a regular basis with USTA Southern California staff and BOD to further promote DEI education and awareness.

The committee chair and other selected members of the committee will sit on the Engagement Committee.

Ensure that marketing and communications are utilized with best practices to promote DEI education and awareness to all USTA Southern California constituents; work with staff in developing resources (e.g., articles, videos, webinars, etc.) to be made available to all shareholders.

The committee chair and other selected members of the committee will sit on the Communications Committee.

Allow for committee members to interact with and participate as representatives in other committees and decision making within USTA Southern California, including the Board of Directors and its Executive Committee; serve as liaisons between all committees and the DEI Committee.

The committee chair and other selected members of the committee will sit on the Representation Committee.

Develop fundraising strategies, sponsorships, and partnerships that will move the DEI Committee to broader resources, sustainability and self-sufficiency.

The committee chair and other selected members of the committee will sit on the Partnership Committee.

Design and develop new DEI Events apart and separate from cultural events to include underserved areas of the section; support other outreach events as part of the Community Tennis department.

The committee chair and other selected members of the committee will sit on the Events Committee.