From: USTA Officiating
Date: Thu, Apr 2, 2020 at 6:31 AM
Subject: USTA Officiating: COVID-19 Update

Dear USTA Official,

We are all currently in the midst of an unprecedented event as we struggle to meet the many challenges presented by the COVID-19 pandemic. Tennis, like every other sport and like our society as a whole, has effectively been halted in its tracks. This stoppage has directly affected the ability of athletes, officials, coaches, tournament directors, athletic trainers and everyone else associated with our sport to earn an income.

We understand that at this uncertain time, financial assistance is something at the forefront of everyone’s thinking. We also realize that the resources currently available to our industry can be difficult to access and often, just as difficult to understand. To that end, we have assembled a list of information and resources focused on financial assistance and relief. That list can be found at: Click here.

We hope these resources will help to streamline what we know is a complicated situation and will make accessing the potential help available easier and quicker. We strongly encourage you to apply as soon as possible for any programs for which you believe you may be eligible.

In addition to these resources, as you are undoubtedly aware, on March 27th, the $2 trillion stimulus package known as H.R. 748 “Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security Act” or the “CARES ACT” (“CARES ACT”)was signed into law. The CARES ACT is set up to provide financial relief to those not traditionally eligible for unemployment benefits-like coaches, pros, athletes and officials- who are unable to work as a direct result of COVID-19.

Pursuant to the CARES Act, coaches, officials, athletes, etc. may be eligible for:

• Expanded unemployment insurance programs:
  • Eligibility expanded to self-employed, independent contractors, those with limited work history, etc., who are unable to work as a direct result of the coronavirus public health emergency through the end of 2020, the Act provides for additional benefits of $600 per week for up to four months on top of state limits
  • Many states are waiving the waiting period before filing for unemployment
• “Recovery Rebates” to provide individuals with adjusted gross income up to $75,000 ($150,000 married) $1,200 ($2,400 married) rebate, plus $500 per dependent child
• Waiver of 10% tax penalty for early withdrawal of up to $100,000 from certain retirement accounts
• Automatic tax filing extension to July 15, 2020

We sincerely hope that you are staying safe and well, and we will continue to provide you with more information and resources throughout this crisis as they are developed.

Best regards,

The USTA Officiating Team
officiating@usta.com
USTA Officiating
USTA
10000 USTA Blvd
Orlando, FL 32827