Basically anyone can get the recreational coach certification so it by itself is practically useless. Getting certified Professional 1 is much more involved and therefore carries more weight. Many clubs and facilities won't even consider hiring a pro who is not Certified Professional 1--which is several levels above rec. coach. And yes, some coaches on the ATP tour are certified by either the USPTA, PTR or ITF--or sometimes by all 3. Since you seem to have stopped your certification process, and therefore the continuing education that goes with it I think you're off base, and frankly a bit naive, with your attitudes about the USPTA and what pro certification really means.
