Covid Rules of Play 1 June 2020
The current LTA advice for Covid Restricted Play can be found here LTA Advice
The advice for Players is summarised below - please follow both Sections 1 and 2
If you have any symptoms of Covid please STAY AT HOME
SECTION 1: BEFORE & AFTER PLAY -STAY UP TO DATE
1. Government information around social distancing is available here and should be read in full
2. Be aware guidance can change and restrictions may be reintroduced – follow any updated guidance issued by Marlborough Tennis
3. Keep 2 metres apart
BEFORE LEAVING HOME & AFTER YOU RETURN
1. Wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds before leaving home to go to the court (or use an alcohol gel if washing hands is not possible)
2. Use hand gel on entering and leaving the court.
COURT BOOKINGS
Book a court in advance. Or you are not allowed to play.
EQUIPMENT
1. Take hand sanitizer with you
2. Take all your own equipment (do not share equipment such as rackets, grips, hats and towels)
3. Only take the minimum amount of equipment with you that you need to play
4. Clean and wipe down your equipment, including racquets and water bottles before and after use
5. Bring a full water bottle, and do not share food or drink with others
6. Use your own clearly marked tennis balls if you prefer
7. Avoid opening or using the pavilion if possible. Only use the toilet if really necessary.
TRAVELLING TO AND FROM THE COURT
1. Arrive as close as possible to when you need to be there
2. Avoid touching court gates, fences, benches, etc. if you can
3. Allow others to leave before you enter the court - if you need to wait then do so away from the courts and keep clear of the gates
4. Ensure you leave the court before the end of your allotted time so that it is empty for the next players
5. Arrive changed and ready to play. Do not use the pavilion to change.
6. Avoid congregating on or around the court after playing to allow access for others
COURT LIMITS
1. Doubles play is now allowed. Maximum of four people per court. Players can be from different households.
2. Coaching can have 6 people on court = Coach and five participants
3. 6 players can share 2 courts.
4. A parent can watch coaching if social distancing of 2 metres is maintained
5. Socialising – Carefully arranged and managed social activity can take place for groups of no more than six people, subject to social distancing always being in place
SECTION 2: DURING PLAY
MAINTAIN SOCIAL DISTANCING
1. Stay at least two metres away from other players at all times (including during play, when taking breaks and before and after play)
2. Do not make physical contact with other players (such as shaking hands or high five)
3. Stay on your side of court and change ends at opposite sides of the net
4. Avoid chasing the ball down to another court if other players are using it
5. Avoid using your hands to pick up tennis balls that aren’t yours - use your racquet/foot to hit/kick them to your opponent or return them to another court
6. Avoid using other equipment such as courtside benches, net handles or court sweepers where possible
HYGIENE
1. If you do use the pavilion, wash/sanitise your hands on entering, sanitise any surfaces you touch and sanitise your hands after leaving / locking up
2. If you need to sneeze or cough, do so into a tissue or upper sleeve
3. Avoid touching your face
COMPETITIONS
1. Only internal to the club where the matches are in a ladder or a league played over several days. One day social tournaments not allowed yet
2. All LTA staged and LTA approved competitions (grade 1 to 6) up to at least Sunday 28th June 2020 have been cancelled
3. The LTA will be providing guidelines for the resumption of competitive tennis activity in due course
ENJOY
1. Enjoy playing tennis
2. Act responsibly, so others can also enjoy tennis
3. Be considerate and respectful of others and their right to play tennis
4. Take some time to warm up, it is awhile since you last played, try not to injure yourself
5. Follow these rules and
6. Stay safe, Keep safe, Play safe