BLAKEDOWN & HAGLEY TENNIS CLUB
Club Rules and Information as at September 2021
1. Blakedown & Hagley Tennis Club support, promotes and enforces the LTA/Tennis Foundation Fair Play values within all tennis activities and environments.
2. Equality and Diversity Policy – Blakedown & Hagley Tennis Club follows the LTA policy on ensuring everyone is treated fairly and with respect and ensure members, non-members, and visiting teams are not denied access to our tennis venue because of a discriminatory reason. An explanation of the different types of discrimination in the LTA/Tennis Foundation Equality and Diversity Policy at www.lta.org.uk/equality
3. Each member and visitor shall take responsibility for setting and upholding standards and values that apply throughout the tennis venue at every level, so tennis can be enjoyed by everyone who wants to participate.
4. Each member and visitor shall demonstrate a commitment to eliminating discrimination by reason of age, gender, gender reassignment, sexual orientation, race, nationality, ethnic origin, religion or belief, ability or disability and to encourage equal opportunities and an inclusive welcoming environment.
5. Each member and visitor shall oppose all forms of harassment, bullying or abuse towards an individual or group whether it is physical, verbal or online that is based on any of the characteristics listed above or for any other reason. Any incidents of this or a similar nature will be treated seriously and subjected to the appropriate disciplinary process.
6. In the event that any employee, member, volunteer, visitor or visiting team feels that he, she or they have suffered discrimination or harassment in any way or that the policies, rules or code of conduct have been broken they should follow the procedures below.
The complainant should report the matter in writing to any member of the management committee. The report should include:
- details of what occurred;
- details of when and where the occurrence took place;
- any witness details and copies of any witness statements;
- names of any others who have been treated in a similar way (provided that those people consent to their names being disclosed);
- details of any former complaints made about the incident, including the date and to whom such complaint was made; and
- an indication as to the desired outcome.
7. The Committee of Blakedown & Hagley Tennis Club will ensure there is an immediate investigation of any complaints of discrimination on the above grounds, once they are brought to the attention of the tennis venue. Complaints will be dealt with in accordance with the LTA complaints policy and, where such a complaint is upheld, the management committee may impose such sanctions as it considers appropriate and proportionate to the discriminatory behaviour. All procedures will be in accordance with guidance provided by LTA/Tennis Foundation.
8. The booking section of the club website will include the dates and times of League Matches, coaching, tournaments, club mix-ins and any other events deemed appropriate.
9. Members may book a court at all times shown to be available on the booking section although match replays and tournaments may overrule this. Team Tennis Club Captains are to update Club Secretary on any re-arranged fixtures such that they can be shared on the website.
10. Members are required to use the booking system on the club website to book a court. Once a court is booked a confirmation code will be sent together with an access code for the courts.
11. General mix-in tennis will normally take place on Monday evenings from 6pm throughout the year plus Friday and Sunday mornings from 10am. These sessions are open to all members and visitors (providing visitors fee has been paid) including juniors whose standard has been approved by committee.
12. During matches requiring two courts, the third court is available for members’ use (except for coaching) provided that this does not interfere with match play. The team captain has the right to request members to stop play if he/she believes that this condition is not being met.
13. Members and visitors are expected to maintain a suitable standard of dress. It is essential that proper tennis shoes are worn to avoid damage to the court surface.
14. Juniors will have priority for coaching sessions on all three courts, on days/evenings to be agreed and/or on such other occasions as are allocated.
15. The committee shall appoint a club coach/team after due consideration and the appropriate checks have been made.
16. Tennis balls and floodlighting tokens will be provided for League Matches, tournaments and club mix-ins.
17. The floodlights can be operated by £1 coins. The meter lasts for 20 minutes per token/coin and to avoid the lights cutting out during play, enough tokens/coins should be inserted to complete the session. The green light allows a further five minutes play during which more tokens may be inserted. Once the lights switch off, there is a delay of 10-15 minutes before the system will re-strike. The system does not allow floodlit play after 10 pm in accordance with the club’s planning permission.
18. The member last using the court should slacken the nets, collect any balls, close the court gate and make sure that the clubhouse is locked.
19. The last member to leave the Sports Centre out of school hours (i.e. evenings, weekends and school holidays), should also lock the drive gate. If there are other cars in the car park please try to locate the owners and let them know the barrier will be locked. If this isn't possible please send a message to Ian Challis on 07786 545744.
20. All visitors must be signed into the Visitor’s Book by the accompanying senior member before commencement of play. That member will also be responsible for paying the appropriate visitor’s fee (currently £3 per session for adults and £1 for students and juniors) which can be left in the ‘honesty’ box in the clubhouse.
21. Match Fees – these are £1.50 per person per match home and away. Any additional fees/monies agreed between the Club Captains and match players for food/travel etc., shall be agreed separately between aforementioned parties, but shall not form part of the Match Fees due to the Club.
Blakedown & Hagley Tennis Club Committee
September 2021