TENNIS COMPETITION'S CONTRIBUTIONS TO CHILDREN'S EDUCATION AND PERSONAL DEVELOPMENT

ABSTRACT This study addresses the Tennis 10's competition and its relation to children's education and personal development. The study justifies itself as tennis is a sport that values moral and ethical aspects and changed recently its rules in children competitions. The aim of this study is to describe and explore the current child tennis competition model in its educational and personal developmental aspects, according to specialists' opinions. Eleven coaches with expertise in the area were interviewed and the results showed an important evolution with the new model compared to the previous. However some adjustments still seem necessary. The main ones would be: new competitive modalities, turning the sport more inclusive and educational; greater value to effort, consequently minor focus in results; and higher number of competitive participations, being able to alter competitive formats and calendar.