Guidance for Tennis Players
These guidelines apply from Monday 1 June 2020. They have been produced in line with the Government announcement on Thursday 28 May on the easing of lockdown restrictions and the subsequent Government guidance on gatherings, public spaces, and outdoor activities
and the phased return of outdoor sport and recreation published on the Gov.uk website.
IMPORTANT: Do not leave your home to play tennis if Government advice means you should stay at home because you or someone you live with has or has had symptoms of COVID-19, or you are in the most vulnerable category and have been advised to shield from the coronavirus.
COURT LIMITS
Both singles and doubles play are now permitted with people from outside of your household as long as you remain 2 metres apart from other players (including during play) when taking breaks and before/after play. Do not make physical contact (shaking hands, high 5’s) and avoid chasing the ball down to another court if players are using it.
BEFORE LEAVING HOME & AFTER YOU RETURN
Wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds before leaving home to go to the court (or use an alcohol gel if washing hands is not possible)
COURT BOOKINGS
Ensure you have booked a court in advance. This can be done online at: https://clubspark.lta.org.uk/HarburyTC/Booking
EQUIPMENT
* Take hand sanitizer with you
* Use your own equipment where possible. Equipment such as racquets can be shared, but where this happens ensure thorough cleaning before and after use. Players should not share items such as towels.
* Only take the minimum amount of equipment with you that you need to play
* Clean and wipe down your equipment, including racquets and water bottles before and after use
* Bring a full water bottle, and do not share food or drink with others
* Ensure you take all your belongings with you at the end of the session and do not leave anything on court
TRAVELLING TO AND FROM THE COURT
* Avoid using public transport if possible
* Arrive as close as possible to when you need to be there
* Use alcohol gel after touching court gates, fences, etc, and avoid doing so where possible
* Allow others to leave before you enter the court - if you need to wait then do so away from the courts and clear of the gates
* Ensure you leave the court before the end of your allotted time so that it is empty for the next players
* Arrive changed and ready to play.
* Do not congregate after playing. No social activity should take place
EQUIPMENT & FACILITIES
* Players do not now need to use their own clearly marked tennis balls – however, if you choose to use shared balls then extra care must be taken to ensure you do not touch your face during play, and you should clean your hands before play and immediately after finishing (use alcohol gel if required).
* Players should still avoid using their hands to pick up tennis balls from other courts where possible - use your racquet/foot to return them
Be aware that onsite toilet facilities are not open.
* Be aware that onsite toilet facilities are not open.
HYGIENE
* Hand hygiene is imperative - use alcohol gel to clean your hands after touching a shared surface
* If you need to sneeze or cough, do so into a tissue or upper sleeve
* Avoid touching your face