Riverside Tennis Club Code of Conduct This Code of Conduct is issued by Riverside Tennis Club and aligns with the Code of Conduct January 2025 produced by Lawn Tennis Association Limited (LTA), the governing body of the game of tennis (including lawn tennis and padel tennis) in Great Britain, the Channel Islands and the Isle of Man.

Am I covered by this Code of Conduct?

This Code of Conduct applies to all participants, including all members, players, those who are supporting players (including parents), coaches, officials and volunteers, when engaging, or participating in tennis, on or off the court.  

What is the purpose of this Code of Conduct?  

The purpose is to set out the standards of conduct that are expected and required of all participants. These standards reflect the Club’s mission to ‘promote and grow tennis as a sport for all ages and abilities.  We do this by continuously striving to be the best we can’, and the LTA’s mission to grow tennis by making it more welcoming, enjoyable and inspiring to everyone, as well as reflecting generally recognised standards of discipline and good sporting behaviour.

Which standards apply to me?

Riverside Tennis Club is fully committed to safeguarding and promoting the well-being of all our members and visitors. The club believes it is important that everyone associated with the club should always show respect and understanding for the safety and welfare of others. It is unacceptable for anyone on club premises to behave dangerously or inappropriately, or in a way that distracts those coaching or playing tennis, or that could cause damage to club property. Members are encouraged to always be open and share any concerns or complaints that they may have about any aspect of the club with a member of the Club Committee. This Code of Conduct is arranged so that the standards which apply to every participant (irrespective of their role or participation at the Club) are set out first and then, for certain participant groups, additional more specific standards are set out which are applicable to that group. Please ensure that you are familiar with all standards applicable to you and note that not being aware of a standard will not be an acceptable reason for not complying.

What are the consequences of not complying?

Persistent breaches of the Code of Conduct may result in loss of membership, if they constitute ‘Misconduct’ or ‘Prohibited Conduct’ and/or be a breach of contractual obligations or of other relevant regulations (such as the LTA Competition Regulations 2, the LTA Coach Accreditation Regulations 3, the LTA Official Licensing Regulation s4 and/or the LTA Venue Registration Regulations 5) and so may result in the LTA bringing disciplinary proceedings or taking other action against you, or the Club. Please note that the LTA Disciplinary Code includes (among other things) the LTA Disciplinary Regulations, LTA Safeguarding Regulations, LTA Anti-Doping Regulations and LTA Anti-Corruption Regulations.

Standards of Conduct for ALL Participants (applies on and off court)

All Participants agree to:

• Conduct themselves in an appropriate manner and in accordance with high standards of behaviour and integrity.

• Help to create a safe, inclusive and accessible, welcoming and enjoyable environment.  All members have a responsibility to make new members and visitors feel welcome; help us keep our reputation for being a friendly club.

• Treat all other participants, including opponents, coaches and officials fairly and respect their decisions.

• Not verbally, physically, or emotionally abuse, or mistreat any other participant, including using intimidating, or threatening behaviour.

• Value diversity and not unlawfully discriminate against anyone.

• Not use any inappropriate language, audible obscenity or gestures.

• Take responsibility for their actions or conduct and how those actions may affect others.

• Comply with all policies issued from time by the Club and where appropriate the LTA.

• Comply with all laws, rules, regulations, guidelines, guidance and advice (including those relating to COVID-19), made or issued by the government which directly, or indirectly apply in connection with tennis.  

• Keep confidential any confidential information that may be disclosed to them (i.e. medical information relating to a player).

• Not participate in any tennis activity (including playing, coaching, officiating) whilst under the influence of alcohol, or illegal substances.

Additional Standards of Conduct for ALL Players All Players agree to:

• Participate within the rules and etiquette of tennis.

• Act with honesty, integrity and in a sporting manner both at Riverside Tennis Club and when representing the Club in matches (including any on-court matters such as line calls).

• Wear sports clothing and sports shoes with non-marking soles.

• Be responsible for the behaviour of anyone they bring to the club and any visitors’ payments that may be applicable.

• At club play sessions follow the rules of the peg board.  All members with a peg are equally entitled to club play. Existing members should make a point of including new members, juniors and visitors.

• Treat all club property and equipment with respect and tidy/clean up after yourself before you leave.

• Ensure when hosting visiting teams, that they welcomed and engaged with during after match refreshments

• Ensure all courts are locked, windows are closed, both clubhouse doors are locked, shutters are down, courts and clubhouse lights are switched off, when you are the last person to leave the club.

• Keep to agreed timings for training and competitions or inform the coach/team captain if you are going to be late.

• Not run coaching sessions themselves, or take part in any coaching sessions, or buddy hitting activities that are not led by the Club Committee’s contracted coaches, or approved buddy hitters

Standards of Conduct for ALL Coaches All Coaches agree to:

• Be a positive role model. Act with integrity, even when no one is looking

• Always prioritise the well-being of all children and adults at risk

• Treat all children and adults fairly and with respect

• Help to create a safe and inclusive environment both on and off court

• Act in the best interests of the players they support, including being honest, realistic and consistent, teaching them and accepting that players can only do their best

• Be sensitive to each player’s self-esteem when providing constructive feedback, including where the player may have made a mistake, or lost a match

• Not use any sanctions that humiliate or harm a child or adult  

• Not allow any rough or dangerous behaviour, bullying or the use of bad or inappropriate language

• Report all suspected / allegations of abuse or poor practice to the club Welfare Officer

• Value and celebrate diversity and make all reasonable efforts to meet individual needs

• Not abuse, neglect, harm or discriminate against anyone; or act in a way that may be interpreted as such

• Keep clear boundaries between professional and personal life, including on social media

• Refrain from making physical contact unless it is congratulatory (e.g. handshake / high five) or is necessary as part of a medical emergency).  

• Avoid situations with players that could be perceived as compromising or inappropriate

• Not have a relationship with anyone under 18 for whom they are coaching or responsible for

• Avoid being alone with a child or adult at risk unless there are exceptional circumstances, or except when necessary for undertaking professional services (i.e. on court for 1:1 coaching)

• 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 (parent/guardian consent should be in place)

• Have the relevant consent from parents/carers, children and adults before taking or using photos and videos

• Maintain a high standard of professional appearance including equipment use and its state of repair

• Be fully engaged in coaching sessions and always give maximum effort  

• Ensure qualifications and all CPD are maintained

• Refrain from smoking and consuming alcohol during club activities or coaching sessions

• Ensure roles and responsibilities are clearly outlined and everyone has the required information and training

Standards of Conduct for ALL Committee Members and Volunteers

All Committee Members and Volunteers agree to:

• Uphold the values of Riverside Tennis Club

• Help to create a safe, inclusive and accessible, welcoming and enjoyable environment both on and off court  

• Act in the best interests of members and visitors, including being honest, realistic and consistent • Always prioritise the well-being of all children and adults at risk

• Treat all children and adults fairly and with respect

• Report all suspected / allegations of abuse or poor practice to the club Welfare Officer

• Value and celebrate diversity and make all reasonable efforts to meet individual needs

• Not abuse, neglect, harm or discriminate against anyone; or act in a way that may be interpreted as such (e.g.

• Refrain from transporting children or adults at risk, unless this is required as part of a club activity away match) and there is another adult in the vehicle (parent/guardian consent should be in place)

• Have the relevant consent from parents/carers, children and adults before taking or using photos and videos

Standards of Conduct for ALL Young People (Under 18)  

All Young People (Under 18) agree to:

• Be friendly, supportive and welcoming to other children and adults

• Play fairly and honestly

• Respect club coaches, 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

• Not bully, intimidate or harass anyone, including on social media

• Not smoke, drink alcohol or take drugs of any kind on club premises or whilst representing the club at competitions or events

• Talk to the club Welfare Officer about any concerns or worries they have about themselves or others

Standards of Conduct for ALL Parents, Guardians, Carers

All Parents, Guardians and Carers agree to:

• Deliver and collect your child punctually from the venue

• Ensure your child has appropriate clothing for the weather conditions and brings a water bottle

• 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 any medical conditions / behaviour  

• Positively reinforce your child and show an interest in their tennis

• Always use appropriate language

• Be realistic and supportive

• Never ridicule or belittle 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, or raise your voice to 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

• When playing tennis with your child, ensure that activities and playing times are appropriate to their age and abilities and be mindful of weather/playing conditions.  (Please speak to one of our Coaching Team for advice)

• Supervise your child at all times whilst at the club.  The only exception to this is when your child is taking part in a coaching session. (The club cannot take responsibility for children outside of coaching sessions).

Committee Approved: January 2026