ERSA International

European Racquet Stringers Association

Tennis Certificates

If you want to pay for a certificate/test go to Certificates.

 

Professional Stringer & Master Professional Stringer
Requirements

 

ERSA Master Professional Stringer (MPS) status will be good for one full year from testing date. Maintaining MPS status will require passing an annual written mini-test designed to demonstrate understanding of the year’s significant new technologies. This mini-test will be open book, and will be administered through the mail. ERSA Professional Stringer status will carry no expiration date.

 

Applicants will take a three-part test: a written (multiple choice and short answer) section, a racquet evaluation section, and a hands-on racquet service section. Applicant is allowed to use a Stringer’s Digest or manufacturer’s instructions during the stringing section only.

 

Applicant will supply a strung racquet. Racquet must be less than three years old and in good condition. The applicant will also supply a new replacement bumper and grommet system for this racquet.

 

All applicants will cut strings and remove bumper/grommets from a racquet. Applicants will then install new bumper/grommets and string the frame under the observation of the appointed ERSA tester.

 

Professional machines will be supplied at each test site. Applicants may bring a machine of their choice with ERSA approval. If you have any questions or problems regarding machine use, contact the ERSA. Basic tools and accessories will be available at the test site; however, applicants are encouraged to bring their own tools.

 

Applicants will string a racquet installing a synthetic string in the mains and natural gut in the crosses. Applicants will be given approximately 19’6” of synthetic string and approximately 20’ of gut and should be sure to bring a frame which accommodates these string lengths. The
frame must also accommodate two lengths of string (with 4 tie-off holes).

 

All applicants will increase the handle size of their racquet by 1/8 inch using a provided heat-shrink sleeve. A heat gut will also be provided for shrinking the sleeve. Applicants must also apply a synthetic replacement grip to a racquet. Grips provided will include a self-adhesive
backing, eliminating the need for two-sided tape.

 

The information outline below is available in-full by downloading the document here.

 

Grading

 

Applicants must: A) score 80% or higher on the written portion including the racquet evaluation section; B) achieve an evaluative score of 80 on the string/grommet removal and grommet replacement section, as well as on the stringing section and execute building up and gripping a handle without any errors. In addition, the stringing score sheet contains criteria which must be met to achieve a passing score, regardless of the point total. These include: alternating tensioning of mains (no more than 3 strings ahead on one side), pulling one string at a time, avoiding notching of mains during weaving, installing pattern specified by manufacturer, avoiding crossovers at the head, avoiding any mis-weaves in string face, turning in a frame without cracks or broken/cracked/unseated grommets, completing the bumper/grommet removal and replacement within 20 minutes, completing the string job within 60 minutes, and completing the handle sizing/grip replacement within 20 minutes.

  • The hands-on portion will be evaluated by the tester and racquets will then be returned to the applicants.
  • The ERSA will score the written and racquet evaluation portions and evaluate the tester’s scores on the hands-on score sheet.
  • Applicants will receive test results within four weeks of the test date.
  • Applicants must pass all three portions to become a Master Racquet Technician (MRT) or Certified Stringer.
  • Applicant must complete written and racquet evaluation portions within 90 minutes (1.5 hours).
  • Applicant must complete bumper/grommet removal and replacement within 20 minutes.
  • Applicant must complete stringing portion within 60 minutes for the ERSA PS test, and 40 minutes for the ERSA MPS test
  • Applicant must complete handle sizing/grip replacement within 20 minutes.

 

Hands-on procedure – This is the same for the PS or MPS test, although there are additional points needed for the MpS and are indicted accordingly.

 

Applicant understands the proper use of a balance board and placement of lead tape.

  • Locates the balance point of a strung tennis racquet.
  • Translates racquet balance to points head heavy or head light.
  • Identifies where to place lead tape to meet certain objectives (MPS).
  • Correctly identifies all racquet service errors in a strung racquet.

 

Applicant displays proper string cutting & bumper/grommet replacement techniques.

  • Removes string and grommets using proper technique without scratching or marring frame.
  • Inspects and prepares frame for new bumper/grommet installation.
  • Installs bumper/grommet properly without scratching frame or damaging grommets.
  • Must complete bumper/grommet removal and replacement within 20 minutes.

 

Applicant displays proper stringing techniques.

  • Inspects unstrung frame.
  • Mounts frame in machine to prevent any marring, distortion or frame damage.
  • Inspects string and pre-stretches natural gut properly.
  • Installs string according to frame manufacturer’s specifications in accordance with ERSA guidelines.
  • Ensures string clamps are adjusted to avoid slippage and/or crushing string.
  • Maintains integrity of string and frame throughout stringing process.
  • Produces top quality string job within 20-45 minutes for maximum point value.
  • Must complete string job within 60 minutes for the PS, and 40 minutes for the MPS.
  • Applicant displays proper handle sizing and gripping techniques.
  • Cleans and prepares handle surface.
  • Properly applies build-up material from very butt end (with butt cap left in place) to top of handle.
  • Aligns build-up material within 1/8 inch of very butt end (butt cap is built up).
  • Trims any excess build-up material and ensures bevels are maintained.
  • Aligns grip end with butt edge (no more than 1/16-inch space).
  • Completely covers build-up material with replacement grip.
  • Wraps grip for right-hander with appropriate overlap (no more than 1/16 inch).
  • Properly trims and secures grip end neatly with finishing tape.
  • Must complete handle sizing/grip replacement within 20 minutes.

 

The written part of the tests consist of the following sections –

 

Customer Service
  • Racquet Selection – (MPS applicants only)
  • String Selection
  • String Technology
  • Frame Technology – (MPS applicants only)

 

 

PTS 1 and 2 Certification

 

Requirements

 

Pro Tour Stringer level 1

The applicant will need to complete the following tasks –

Stringing 3 racquets with a 16 x 19 string pattern using an approved Around-The-World (ATW), and a polyester string in 60 minutes, or
Stringing 3 racquets with a 18 x 20 string pattern using an approved Around-The-World (ATW), and a polyester string in 75 minutes.

 

As well as the stringjobs being acceptable in their own right i.e. straight string, neat knots, no cross overs etc, the dynamic tension must be within 1 point of each other. The racquets will be tested either by an ERT300 tenniscomputer or Babolat RDC

 

plus

 

Stringing 1 racquet with a 16 x 19 string pattern using an approved Around-The-World (ATW), and a natural gut string in 30 minutes

 

plus

 

Match the specifications of 1 racquet (being weight, balance, swingweight) to another racquet of the same make/model. The acceptable tolerances can be –

  • Weight should fall within 1g of the original,
  • Balance should fall within 0.1cm of the original, and
  • Swingweight should be +/- 1 Kg/Cm2

 

Pro Tour Stringer level 2

Applicants can only take this test if they have passed PTS 1

 

The applicant will need to complete the following tasks –

 

Stringing 3 racquets with a 18 x 20 string pattern using an approved Around-The-World (ATW), and a polyester string in 60 minutes.

 

As well as the stringjobs being acceptable in their own right i.e. straight string, neat knots, no cross overs etc, the dynamic tension must be within 1 point of each other. The racquets will be tested either by an ERT300 tenniscomputer or Babolat RDC

 

plus

 

Match the specifications of 2 racquets of the same make/model (being weight, balance, swingweight). The acceptable tolerances can be –

  • Weight should fall within 1g of the original,
  • Balance should fall within 0.1cm of the original, and
  • Swingweight should be +/- 1 Kg/Cms

 

plus

 

Complete a written test that relates to scenarios that will occur in a professional tournament environment.