Introduction

Reedham Park Sports Club believes that it is important that all members, coaches, administrators and parents/guardians associated with the club should, at all times, show respect and understanding for the safety and welfare of others. 

Additionally, juniors and parents/guardians are expected to understand their roles in maintaining and promoting the club’s values, ensuring a positive and supportive environment for everyone both on and off court.

RPSC requires all its paid members to abide by the RPSC - Code of Conduct/Court Etiquette.

The code applies to members of all ages, including Junior members. In most cases, our Junior members have parents/guardians who are also active paid members of the Club.

In this case, we expect both to be clear about the Code and strictly observe its provisions accordingly.  In the case of a Junior, whose parents/guardians are not members of the Club, the Code applies to the Junior member only.

However, if the parents/guardians who are not members of the Club, behave in an unacceptable manner which amounts to breaching any of the provisions in the Club’s Code of Conduct, the Club has the right to warn the parents that they may be banned from our premises which may affect their child’s membership.

This document should be read alongside the RPSC - Code of Conduct/Court Etiquette that applies to all paying members of all types, juniors and adults. 

If there are any concerns, however small, please talk to a member of the General Committee or the Head Coach.  For safeguarding issues, speak to the Safeguarding officer of the Club by sending an email to rpscwelfareofficer@gmail.com

About junior members

RPSC believes that Junior Members have the right to:

• Be safe
• Be listened to
• Be respected
• Have their Privacy
• Enjoy their sport in a protective environment
• Be protected from abuse by another member
• Able to Participate on an equal basis, appropriate to their ability
• Experience competition and the desire to win
• Be believed
• Be able to ask for help

If all our junior members feel happy and safe, then being at, and belonging to, Reedham Park Sports Club will be a very positive experience for them. It is important that parents support their child’s participation in tennis and help them to enjoy it.

Guidelines for Parents/Guardians

1. Outside coaching sessions, junior members are the responsibility of their parent/guardian – not the Club.
2. An adult must accompany junior members under the age of 14.
3. Every junior having coaching must be a member of Reedham Park Sports Club
4. Any fees for training or events must be paid promptly.
5. It is the responsibility of the parent/guardian to provide emergency contact details and any relevant information about their child, including medical history. The Club or the Coach must be notified of any changes.
6. The parent/guardian should ensure that Juniors arrive and are collected punctually from the venue.
7. Juniors must be encouraged to play by the rules and helped to recognise good performance, not just results.
8. Juniors must be encouraged to set a good example by recognising fair play and applauding the good performances of all. 
9. The parent/guardian should encourage Juniors to respect all children, adults, volunteers, coaches, officials and staff members at all times. 
10. The parent/guardian must accept the official’s decisions. No member or spectator should go on court or interfere with matches.
11. Do not use bad, inappropriate or racist language, either at the club or on social media. 
12. The parent/guardian should make it clear to their child/children that Juniors must not bully, intimidate or harass anyone, including on social media.
13. The parent/guardian should never ridicule or admonish a child for making a mistake or losing a match.
14. The parent/guardian must ensure that their child/children wear tennis shoes with light coloured/non marking soles and appropriate clothing when playing.
15. Parents/Guardians should ensure that their child/children understand and adhere to the Code of Conduct for all members and the guidelines for Junior Members below.

Guidelines for Junior members:

1. Be kind, friendly and welcoming to everyone, especially new players.
2. Listen to your coaches, try your best and challenge yourself.
3. Do not get disheartened if you have not played well, there is always another day.
4. Play with honesty, respect and courtesy, win or lose.
5. Call all lines and scores clearly and honestly but, if in doubt, give the point to the opponent.                               
6. Play within the rules.
7. Show respect and consideration for other players.
8. Do not use bad, inappropriate or racist language, either at the club or on social media. 
9. Wear tennis shoes with light coloured/non marking soles and wear appropriate clothing when playing.
10. You must be accompanied by an adult if you are under 14 and not part of a supervised class or club event.
11. Do not leave the club unless the coach knows you are going, and your parent/guardian is there to collect you.
12. Smoking, alcohol and drugs are strictly prohibited on the premises or whilst representing the club.
13. Do not leave litter anywhere on the premises. Put it in a bin or take it home.
14. Always remember to take home your personal belongings, especially your valuables. The Club is not responsible for any lost item. All left properties are put in the lost property box inside the Clubhouse where you can check to find your missing belonging/s.
15. Remember to brush/clean your shoes when leaving clay courts and before going into the clubhouse.
16. Do not draw on the clay.
17. Only water in non-breakable containers is allowed on court.
18. No chewing gum within the club grounds.
19. No skateboards, roller blades, etc are allowed in the Club premises. Do not ride your bike inside the grounds.

If you have any concerns, however small, please talk to your parent/guardian or your coach. 

For safeguarding issues, speak to the Safeguarding officer of the Club by sending an email to rpscwelfareofficer@gmail.com

Bad Conduct Disciplinary Procedure

The Club reserves the right to address breaches to the RPSC Code of Conduct which applies to all members.

We are issuing these guidelines for both Juniors and their parents/guardians because they help everyone keep to the provisions of the Code of Conduct.

In cases where a Junior member displays bad conduct, the Club’s Disciplinary Procedure will apply.

*Bad Conduct means any actions displayed which are in breach of the Club’s code of conduct. It generally refers to behaviour that disrupts the positive and respectful environment of the club.

You can download a copy of these guidelines by clicking here.