Birkenhead LTC Codes of Conduct
BLTC Message from Chair and Directors BLTC
Given some recent and longer standing examples of less desirable behaviour on and around our courts across adult, junior players and spectators. We would like to direct all to the Lawn Tennis Association Code of Conduct for players, and the associated guidance for spectators, parents and coaches.
https://www.lta.org.uk/494b8d/siteassets/about-lta/file/lta-code-of-conduct.pdf
We circulate this because there have been some behaviour and dynamics on our courts that we would prefer not to see, and so this is general call for all members to follow the Code of Conduct rather than pursuing individual instances.
I and others have seen behaviours conducted by players of all ages which have been far from acceptable.
Exemplars of these behaviours, include (and not exclusively) ;-
Raquet smashing
Uncontrolled hitting of balls in anger,
Raquet abuse
Excessive shouting / poor language,
Repeated bad line calls
Distracting noises and shouting during a point or at the point of serve
Tapping the net when opponent serving
Not being attentive or ready to play, and general delaying tactics
Excessive time out of court during a match
I have discussed these issues with a well-respected Tournament Referee who fully agrees that all such behaviours should be clamped down upon. The Directors and I agree.
Players set examples to other players, whilst accepting no-one is perfect, we can all contribute by adhering to the LTA Code of Conduct.
Many of these instances constitute code violations: -
HINDRANCE and/or UNSPORTSMANLIKE BEHAVIOUR, which typically result in loss of points, games, and ultimately disqualification with repeated occurrences. More extreme examples, hitting another person with a stray ball hit in anger even if by accident is an automatic default of the match.
ROLE OF SPECTATORS /SUPPORTERS
The LTA code of conduct requires no direct speaking to players (through the netting) by spectators during a match. Coaching from the side e.g., “Focus”, Move”, or specific guidance “mind your backhand” should be avoided in competitive play. At tournaments there are repercussions for these instances. At BLTC we often have no referee and so we are self-policing, which requires awareness and adherence to the LTA Code of Conduct.
Our general guidance is that matches should be conducted in a fair and reasonable manner. With no undue attempt to off put off or Hinder an opponent’s game by behaving badly.
NATIONAL LEAGUE MATCHES
Our ten National League junior teams this Winter and Summer are important and prestigious junior matches competing with Clubs from all over the county. Both players and spectators should be aware of rules and standards when these matches are taking place.
This policy is available here and on the LTA website. https://www.lta.org.uk/494b8d/siteassets/about-lta/file/lta-code-of-conduct.pdf
WIRRAL LEAGUE AND CLUB TOURNAMENT MATCHES
All matches at the club should be conducted in accordance with this code of conduct, and so please have it to hand when matches being played.
Matches under the auspices of the Wirral League also adhere to the LTA Code of Conduct.
Parents and coaches please support our juniors towards adherence of this code of conduct. The Club Welfare Officer is available for private conversations about this, should that be necessary.
Regards
Margaret Dooley Chair BLTC 13/10/23
07816673353