Code of Conduct For All

Bellfield Park Tennis Club (BPTC) has adopted a code of conduct to be followed by all users of our courts. This is seen as good practice for a facility such as ours and sets out the behaviour expected by all users of the courts.

The aim of this policy is to:

  1. ensure that everyone is treated fairly and with respect.
  2. inform players about the standards of behaviour and etiquette expected so that the right playing environment is created for everyone.
  3. outline the complaints procedure so that, where there is a shortfall in behaviour, this can be addressed.

STANDARDS OF BEHAVIOUR

Tennis should be enjoyed by everyone who wants to play the game.

The BPTC Management Committee is responsible for setting standards and values to apply to every person who uses our park tennis facilities.

All members/players must treat other members, visitors, coaches and officials with respect. There must be no inappropriate actions, behaviour, comments or physical contact which may cause offence, i.e. mental or physical anxiety or hurt to an individual.

Inappropriate actions include:

  • Racquet throwing;
  • Swearing;
  • Being abusive or aggressive;
  • Intimidating behaviour;
  • Questioning another person’s integrity over line calls or other actions;
  • Causing danger or harm to other players through your play.

COURTESY AND RESPECT

Tennis only: No ball games other than tennis are allowed on the courts.

Bikes: Please do not bring bikes onto the courts. There are bike parks on either side of the tennis courts

Mobile phones: Unless absolutely vital, all mobile phones and other communication devices should be switched off or set to silent mode as these can disrupt play.

Food and Drink: Please do not bring any food or drink (other than water) onto the courts as spillage may damage the court surface.

Rubbish removal: Empty cans, old tennis balls, other items of rubbish including leaves and organic material should be removed from the court when play has finished and disposed of in the park bins. This keeps the surface tidy and prevents organic material from rotting into the surface and degrade court drainage.

TENNIS ETIQUETTE

Tennis etiquette exists to help everyone enjoy the game. Opponents, partners, and others on or near the courts should always be shown respect and consideration. Some basic guidelines:

  • Always wear clean sports shoes to protect the playing surface
  • Ensure any equipment you are not using (spare rackets, clothing, drinks, etc.) are out of the way before starting to play and remove all rubbish when leaving courts.
  • Please do not disturb players on court until after their time is up.
  • Talk quietly when standing near tennis courts that are in use.
  • Do not walk behind a court whilst a game or a rally is in progress. Pass as quickly as possible after a point has finished.
  • If a stray ball comes onto a court, wait until the owners are ready before returning it and then hit it to the server’s end. Never send them back while play is in progress to prevent accidents.
  • If your ball goes onto or behind another court, retrieve it after the players have finished their point (but warn them if they are at risk of stepping on it).
  • Retrieve balls for your partner and your opponent and keep balls clear of the courts when playing to avoid tripping.
  • Do not criticise your partner or opponent, be positive and offer encouragement instead.
  • Always come prepared. Bring towels and water to drink when it is hot.

COMPLAINTS PROCEDURE

If an issue cannot be resolved by the parties involved, a complaint can be made in writing to the BPTC Management Committee by emailing:     

Hello@bellfieldparktennis.co.uk

 

The BPTC Management Committee will:

  • acknowledge the formal complaint in writing within 14 calendar days.
  • respond to the complaint within 28 calendar days.
  • deal reasonably and sensitively with the complaint; and
  • take action where appropriate.

EXPULSION

  • The BPTC Management Committee shall have power to refuse membership, expel an existing Member or ban any member of the public from using the facilities if it, in its sole discretion, determines that it would be in the interests of the club, the game or the community to do so.
  • A Member shall not be expelled unless they have been provided with written details of the complaint made against them and given written notice at least 14 calendar days prior to the meeting of the BPTC Management Committee at which their expulsion shall be considered.
  • The Member shall be given an opportunity to appear before the BPTC Management Committee to respond to the complaint made against them.
  • The Member must not be expelled unless at least two-thirds of the BPTC Management Committee present at the meeting vote in favour of their expulsion.

The full BPTC Code of Conduct document is available here.