On the courts of Roland-Garros, they are recognized by their precise run between two points. Crouched down, focused, the ball boys and girls ensure a logistics operation visible to millions of viewers. Their remuneration, however, remains a vague topic for most spectators. Between assumed volunteerism, in-kind benefits, and an emerging legal debate, the reality of this role deserves attention.
Legal Status of Ball Boys and Girls: Volunteers, Not Employees
Let’s start with the most surprising point: the ball boys and girls at Roland-Garros do not receive any salary. Being aged between 12 and 16, French legislation prohibits their remuneration in this context. They do not have an employment contract with the federation.
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Their official status is that of a volunteer. No payslip, no paycheck, no contributions. The French Tennis Federation (FFT) frames their participation as an educational and sporting experience, which places it outside the realm of traditional labor law.
This point is far from trivial when we know that the tournament generates considerable revenue each year. We will return to this later. To better understand the salary of ball boys and girls in tennis, one must first accept that, in the strict sense, this salary does not exist.
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In-Kind Benefits at Roland-Garros: What Ball Boys and Girls Really Receive
The absence of remuneration does not mean that the ball boys and girls leave empty-handed. The FFT has gradually expanded a package of in-kind benefits that constitutes, in practice, the only material compensation for their commitment.
Here is what they are concretely provided with:
- At least two complete outfits and a pair of sneakers provided by the tournament’s official suppliers, kept at the end of the fortnight.
- A large end-of-tournament party with prizes: rackets, bags, branded goodies, and sometimes tickets to watch matches from the stands.
- Complete on-site coverage throughout the tournament (they have nothing to pay: meals, transport, equipment).
This package has been enhanced over the editions, to the point of resembling a structured form of material recognition. For a teenager passionate about tennis, the perceived value of these benefits far exceeds their actual cost.
Comparison with the US Open
The American model works differently. At the US Open, ball persons can be between 14 and 75 years old. Thousands of candidates apply each year from all over the country. The selection process is described as long and very demanding: speed, agility, reflexes, and the ability to blend into the tournament’s atmosphere.
Feedback varies on this point, but some sources indicate that ball persons at the US Open receive financial compensation, unlike the French model. The status changes depending on the tournament and the country, making any generalization risky.
Volunteerism or Disguised Work: The Legal Debate Surrounding Ball Boys and Girls
This is the least discussed angle, yet the most concrete from a legal standpoint. Specialized analyses are now questioning the boundary between educational experience and concealed work in a highly lucrative event.
The ball boys and girls are subject to imposed schedules. Their tasks are codified (managing balls, towels, umbrellas). They undergo specific training before the tournament. In other words, the conditions resemble those of a regulated position, with subordination and time constraints.
The question of disguised work in a volunteer context arises with even greater acuity since the ball boys and girls are minors. French labor law is strict regarding the employment of those under 16, including in the context of sporting events. The FFT has indeed had to adapt its arrangements to remain within the legal framework.
What the Regulations Say About Minor Volunteerism
Volunteerism for minors is not prohibited in France, but it must meet several conditions: absence of a characterized subordination relationship, absence of compensation equivalent to a salary, and parental consent. The difficulty for the ball boys and girls lies in the fact that their tasks are highly regulated and their schedules fixed, two elements that bring their activity closer to a work performance.
No litigation has been resolved to date on this specific issue, but the legal debate exists and is gaining visibility in specialized circles of sports law.
Selection and Training of Ball Boys and Girls at Roland-Garros
We are talking about 280 ball boys and girls mobilized for the 2026 edition. The selection process goes through clubs affiliated with the FFT and involves several steps: physical tests, evaluation of responsiveness, and training sessions on the court.
The desired qualities are specific:
- Speed of movement and ability to anticipate the trajectory of the balls.
- Absolute discretion during exchanges (never disturbing the game).
- Physical endurance to handle several hours under sometimes difficult weather conditions.
The training lasts several weeks before the tournament begins. This is far from a simple role of an extra: the ball boys and girls follow a protocol as codified as that of chair umpires.
For many young players, this experience represents a first direct contact with professional tennis. Some former ball boys and girls testify that this immersion has influenced their sports journey or their career in event management.
The French model remains unique in the global circuit. On one side, a total absence of remuneration assumed by the federation. On the other, a system of in-kind benefits and a formative experience that attracts far more candidates each year than available spots. The legal pressure on the status of these young volunteers could, in the long term, lead to changes in this functioning.