If you are wondering whether ball kids at the French Open receive pay, the quick reality is that Roland-Garros frames the role as a supervised, skills-based volunteer program. This explainer walks through what organizers list as program benefits, how selection works, and how Roland-Garros compares with other Grand Slams. The article uses official Roland-Garros and FFT materials for evidence and points readers to those pages for current details. It also flags differences at other major tournaments so applicants and fans can compare expectations before applying.

Roland-Garros describes ball kids as supervised volunteers with program benefits, not salaried employees.

Thousands apply for roughly 300 spots, so selection favors availability, fitness and discipline.

The US Open pays hourly, while Wimbledon and the Australian Open use honorarium or volunteer arrangements.

Short answer: Do ball kids get paid at the French Open?

One-sentence summary

Roland-Garros frames ramasseurs de balles as supervised volunteers who receive uniforms, meals, training and transport support rather than a standard salary, so applicants should not expect a regular wage.

Do the ball boys get paid at the French Open?

Roland-Garros frames ball kids as supervised volunteers who receive uniforms, meals, training and transport support rather than a standard salary; any cash items are generally described as expense coverage and not wages.

Why this question matters for applicants and fans

For anyone deciding whether to apply or for fans curious about event staffing, knowing how compensation is presented helps set realistic expectations; the tournament and the Fédération Française de Tennis describe the role as a skills-based volunteer opportunity, not employment, and official pages explain the program and its benefits Roland-Garros ball kids overview and Ball Kids Academy.

What a ball kid at Roland-Garros does and how the role is framed

Typical responsibilities during a match

On court, ramasseurs de balles perform a set of focused duties: retrieve and supply balls to players, pass towels, manage ball placement during service games, and remain alert to the referee and match flow to avoid interrupting play. These tasks are organized to keep matches running smoothly and require quick reflexes, attentiveness, and calm under pressure.

How the tournament frames the role (volunteer, supervised, program benefits)

The FFT presents the role as a supervised program with team leaders, scheduled shifts, and mandatory training sessions rather than paid employment; the tournament highlights the training, uniform provision and on-site supervision as core parts of the experience FFT ramasseurs de balles page.

A typical on-court moment looks like this: a ball kid moves quickly to a corner, hands a ball to a server between points, then returns to a ready position while keeping eyes on the match. That sequence illustrates why the organizers emphasize rehearsed positioning and clear instructions at training sessions.

Are ball kids paid? What Roland-Garros lists as compensation and support

Uniforms, meals, transport, training and other nonwage benefits

Close up of a ball kid handing a towel to a player showing tournament uniform and focused body language french open betting odds

Roland-Garros materials list practical program support as the main form of compensation: a tournament uniform, meals during assigned shifts, transport assistance in some cases, structured training and supervised duties rather than a wage or salary; official communications present these items as the program benefits applicants should expect Roland-Garros ball kids overview.

What public sources say about cash allowances or per diems

Public information does not show standardized salary figures for ramasseurs de balles at Roland-Garros; when cash elements are mentioned they are framed as expense coverage or allowances rather than employment wages, and applicants should treat older online figures as historical context and verify current details with the organizers FFT program details. A local report discussed pay anecdotes and appreciation tokens.

Confirm application dates and program details

Check the official Roland-Garros ball kid page before applying to see the latest application windows and program details.

Visit the Roland-Garros ball kid page

Selection, training and how many spots are available

Application routes and the role of FFT clubs and BNP Paribas

The selection process runs through FFT club channels and partner recruitment programs such as those supported by BNP Paribas, which assist with outreach and training in recent cycles BNP Paribas recruitment update. See how Funded Plays evaluations work.

Selection criteria: fitness, rules knowledge, availability and discipline

Official summaries indicate thousands of applicants compete for roughly 300 spots in recent cycles, so selection emphasizes availability across the tournament, physical fitness, reliable attendance at training, and a clear understanding of on-court rules and conduct Roland-Garros ball kids overview.

Practical preparation for applicants includes showing punctuality at tryouts, demonstrating agility during drills, and being ready to commit to the shift schedule if selected; those traits are commonly foregrounded in club-run selection sessions. (see Funded Plays blog for general tips)

How Roland-Garros compares to other Grand Slams on compensation

US Open: paid, hourly ballpersons

The US Open uses paid, hourly ballpersons as described in its official Ballperson FAQ, which contrasts with Roland-Garros where organizers frame the role as a volunteer-style program US Open Ballperson FAQ.

Wimbledon and Australian Open: honorarium or volunteer models

Wimbledon runs a structured Ball Boys and Girls programme that references an honorarium-style arrangement rather than standard employment wages, and the Australian Open similarly treats ballkids as volunteers, emphasizing training, uniforms and program support rather than salaries Wimbledon programme information.

These differences are useful context for applicants deciding where to seek matchday positions and for observers comparing staffing across Grand Slams.

Funded Plays Challenges

Visit the Roland-Garros ball kid page

How to apply and what to expect if you are selected

Application timeline and common documents or commitments

Application windows typically open well before the tournament and run through local FFT club offices or partner programs; candidates should check the FFT and tournament program pages for exact dates and required documentation, such as parental consent for younger applicants and proof of availability for the full assignment period FFT program details.

What a selected candidate should bring and how to plan travel and daily schedules

If selected, bring comfortable shoes suitable for standing and quick movement, a refillable water bottle, any personal medications, and copies of any required confirmations; plan travel to arrive before scheduled warm-ups and expect to remain on site according to the shift roster while meals and some transport support are provided in line with program guidance Roland-Garros ball kids overview.

Minimalist 2D vector top down tennis practice court diagram showing circular markers for ball kids a larger leader marker cones rackets balls and directional arrows in Funded Plays colors for french open betting odds

A simple checklist before arrival helps: confirm shift times, check uniform pickup and meal arrangements, and note contact details for team leaders or club coordinators in case of last-minute travel issues.

Typical mistakes and pitfalls applicants and participants should avoid

Misreading the program as employment

A common mistake is treating the role as a paid job rather than a supervised volunteer-style program with benefits; read official rules and program descriptions carefully so expectations about pay and support match what organizers list FFT program details.

Failing to meet availability or training expectations

Another frequent pitfall is underestimating the availability requirement; many candidates lose spots because they cannot commit to the full schedule or miss mandatory training sessions, so clear communication about availability during the selection process is essential.

Quick pre-application checklist for candidates

Availability
Physical readiness
Rules reviewed
Travel plan
Uniform collected

Use before applying

Practical fixes include checking dates against school or work commitments early, attending every required training drill, and confirming transport options to avoid last-minute absences.

Practical examples: a day in the life and sample scenarios

Typical shift schedules and breaks

A sample day for a ramasseur de balles might start with an early arrival for uniform pickup, a warm-up and a training drill, followed by assigned match duties of one to two hours with scheduled rest breaks and meal provisions; exact shift patterns vary by court assignment and the daily match schedule Roland-Garros ball kids overview. Context on similar programs is available from other tournaments.

Differences between centre court and outer court duties

Centre court assignments typically involve higher visibility, slightly longer waiting periods between points and more formal procedures for positioning, while outer court duties may be busier with quick turnarounds and more frequent ball retrieval; both settings offer useful experience but differ in pace and spectator proximity.

Regardless of assignment, organizers advise following team leader instructions closely, staying hydrated, and using scheduled breaks to rest so readiness is maintained across successive matches.

Key takeaways and where to check for official updates

Simple summary for applicants

In short, Roland-Garros presents ball kids as a supervised, skills-based volunteer program with uniforms, meals, training and possible transport support rather than a salaried position; applicants should not rely on assumed pay and instead confirm current program details with organizers FFT program details. (see Funded Plays)

Recommended official sources to verify current details

For the latest application windows, selection guidance and any updates about allowances or support, check the official Roland-Garros program pages and partner announcements before applying, because public sources do not list guaranteed monetary figures and policies can change from year to year BNP Paribas recruitment update.

Are ramasseurs de balles paid a salary at Roland-Garros?

No, Roland-Garros frames ball kids as supervised volunteers who receive uniforms, meals, training and support rather than a standardized salary.

How many ball kids are selected for Roland-Garros?

Recent cycles select roughly 300 ball kids from several thousand applicants, according to tournament communications.

Do other Grand Slams pay their ball kids?

Compensation varies: the US Open uses paid hourly ballpersons, while Wimbledon and the Australian Open use honorarium or volunteer-style models.

If you plan to apply, treat the role as an opportunity to gain experience and represent your club rather than as a paid job. Confirm current application windows and any support arrangements on the official Roland-Garros program pages before making travel or scheduling decisions. Official sources and partner announcements will have the most current details about allowances, training dates and selection procedures.