Lymington Tennis Club

Code of Conduct

Our code of conduct applies to all participants in the game, including all club members, players and those supporting players (including parents).

All members, players and supports agree to:

• Always respect opponents, officials, and the rules of tennis.
• Avoid any negative, abusive or aggressive behaviour, racket abuse, and use of bad language. 
• Maintain self-control, play with integrity and sportsmanship, including accepting victory or defeat gracefully, respect the dignity of all participants regardless of their background or ability.
• Treat others fairly, always ensuring the use of court etiquette and wearing appropriate attire on court. 
• Be friendly, supportive and welcoming to others at the club.  
• Play fairly and honestly.
• Respect club staff, volunteers and officials and accept their decisions.
• Behave, respect and listen to your coach.
• Take care of your equipment and club property.
• Respect the rights, dignity and worth of all participants regardless of age, gender, ability, race, culture, religion or sexual identity.
• Not use bad, inappropriate or racist language, including on social media.
• No bullying, intimidation, shaming or harassment towards anyone, including on social media.
• No smoking, drinking alcohol or drugs of any kind while playing tennis or whilst representing the club at competitions or events. 
• All equipment to be handled responsibly with respect and care, such as the ball machine, nets and other equipment on court.
• Talk to the club Welfare Officer about any concerns or worries they have about themselves or others.
• Respect and look after the clubhouse and club facilities including always leaving the premises in the same state that you found them.

Code of conduct particularly relevant to children and coaching

• Prioritise the well-being of all children and adults at risk at all times.
• Treat all children and adults fairly and with respect at all times.
• Be a positive role model. Act with integrity, even when no one is looking.
• Help to create a safe and inclusive environment both on and off court.
• Not allow any rough or dangerous behaviour, bullying or the use of bad or inappropriate language. Controlling temper and not throwing your racket or hitting balls in anger. 
• Report all allegations of abuse or poor practice to the club Welfare Officer.
• Not use any sanctions that humiliate or harm a child or adult at risk, reporting any behaviour concerns to the club comity. 
• Value and celebrate diversity and make all reasonable efforts to meet individual needs.
• Keep clear boundaries between professional and personal life, including on social media.
• Have the relevant consent from parents/carers, children and adults before taking or using photos and videos.
• Refrain from making physical contact with children or adults unless it is necessary as part of an emergency or congratulatory (e.g. handshake / high five).
• Refrain from smoking and consuming alcohol or drugs during club matches or coaching sessions.
• Ensure roles and responsibilities are clearly outlined and everyone has the required information and training.
• Avoid being alone with a child or adult at risk unless there are exceptional circumstances.
• Refrain from transporting children or adults at risk, unless this is required as part of a club activity (e.g. away match) and there is another adult in the vehicle.
• Not abuse, neglect, harm or discriminate against anyone; or act in a way that may be interpreted as such.
• Not have a relationship with anyone under 18 for whom they are coaching or responsible for.
• Be acutely aware of the power that coaches and coaching assistants develop over players in the coaching relationship and avoid any intimacy (sexual or otherwise) with players.

All parents and carers agree to:

• Positively reinforce your child and show an interest in their tennis.
• Use appropriate language at all times.
• Be realistic and supportive.
• Never ridicule or admonish a child for making a mistake or losing a match.
• Treat all children, adults, volunteers, coaches, officials and members of staff with respect.
• Behave responsibly at the venue; do not embarrass your child.
• Accept the official’s decisions and do not go on court or interfere with matches.
• Encourage your child to play by the rules, and teach them that they can only do their best.
• Deliver and collect your child punctually from the venue.
• Ensure your child has appropriate clothing for the weather conditions.
• Ensure that your child understands their code of conduct.
• Adhere to your venue’s safeguarding policy, diversity and inclusion policy, rules and regulations.
• Provide emergency contact details and any relevant information about your child including medical history.

Consequences of non-compliance

If you do not comply with any one or more of the standards set out in this code of conduct, then it may constitute "misconduct" and will be brought to the attention of the club committee for a decision on what action to take in line with our Complaints Policy, and the LTA Disciplinary code. 

Updated November2025