Code of Conduct
- We are all keen to enjoy our sport, so we have a simple ground rule to make the playing experience more enjoyable: ‘Stay clean!’ This encompasses our courts, our language and our play.
- Please make sure you leave the courts free of litter, collect in tennis balls for other players to use and don’t let the frustrations of the game make you an unpleasant person to play with.
- Please do not walk behind players whilst a game, a rally or coaching is in progress. This is to avoid distracting other players and to avoid any potential accidents on court.
- If you are trying to cross a court please wait until you are invited to and it is safe to do so.
- If a stray ball comes onto your court don’t knock it back immediately. Wait until the owners are ready and then hit it to the server’s end.
- During play and particularly between games, keep the amount and volume of conversation down to the minimum necessary to play and enjoy your own games. Too much chatter can be disturbing to those playing nearby and, in between games, can hold up play for people waiting.
- Line calls can be a problem and we recommend the use of what the Americans call the ‘honour system’. (i) Only call the lines on your side of the net (ii) Call clearly and firmly what you see and what you honestly believe to be correct. (iii) If you are not absolutely certain or didn’t see the ball clearly, the ball was IN and must be given in the opponents’ favour. (iv) If occasionally you have serious doubts as to your opponent’s eye-sight, ask politely if they are certain as to the accuracy of their call. If they say that they are, get on with the next point. If you feel your opponents regularly have difficulties making correct calls, start looking for different opponents!
- If in social friendly matches there is some doubt over a line call, offer to play the point again rather than cause undue aggravation and time wasting.
- Do not criticise your partner or opponent. Be positive and offer encouragement instead.
- Overall, use your best judgement. We all want to be competitive but don’t let your emotions get on top of you!
- All members must show tolerance, courtesy, good manners, fairness, honesty and integrity in their dealings with other members, officials, club members’ guests and playing and social visitors.
- The club opposes discrimination in any form. All members have a responsibility to make everyone feel welcome and to ensure that membership is a positive experience.
- All members should act responsibly and look to protect and ensure the safety of everyone at the club at all times and particularly to consider the well-being and care of junior players and visitors.
- All club members should respect the rules of the sports of tennis and cricket and address disputes with dignity and appropriate language.
- All club members should try to protect and further the club’s good reputation at all times. When representing the club, all players and officials will observe the principles in this code of conduct.
