Courtside Code of Conduct & Rules

At Shadwell Tennis Club our code of conduct and rules sets out the behaviour expected by and of all members and visitors to make for a great tennis experience for all participants at every level.

The rules bring positive credibility to Shadwell Tennis club by following established standards and values of the Club

The aim of these rules is to ensure that everyone is treated fairly and with respect;

inform members about the standards of behaviour and etiquette expected so that the right playing environment for individuals and the club is achieved and hould there be a gap in behaviour a complaints procedure  (TO BE PUBLISHED ) must be followed so that the gap can be addressed.

Standards of Behaviour and Etiquette

1. Everyone who wants to play the game should be able to do so at Shadwell Tennis Club in the safest most secure and enjoyable way.
2. All members must treat other members, visitors, coaches and officials with respect. There must be no inappropriate actions, behaviour, comments or physical contact, which may cause offence i.e., mental or physical anxiety or hurt to an individual.
3. Inappropriate actions include:

• Racquet throwing;
• Swearing, being abusive or aggressive;
• Intimidating behaviour;
• Questioning another person’s integrity over line calls or other actions;
• Causing danger or harm to other players through your play.
• Leaning on or hitting balls against the fence or nets

Respect and courtesy

1. Opponents, partners, and others on or near the courts should always be shown respect and consideration.
2. Constructive criticism and positive encouragement of partners’ or opponents’ play should be the strength of our tennis.
3. Members must not walk behind players whilst a game or a rally is in progress.

Walking onto or behind courts

1    Members should wait for players to finish a game, or minimally a point, before walking onto a court where play is taking place.

1. If a stray ball comes onto a court, before returning it, players must wait until the owners are ready and then hit it to the server’s end.
2. Members must not walk onto a court whilst coaching is in progress unless invited by the coach to do so.

Line calls

1. Only call the lines on your side of the net.
2. Call clearly, immediately and firmly what you see and what you honestly believe to be correct.
3. If a player is not absolutely certain or didn’t see the ball clearly, the ball was IN and must be given in the opponents’ favour. When a player genuinely doubts an opponent’s call, the player may ask: “Are you sure of your call?” If the opponent reaffirms that the ball was out, the call shall be accepted. If the opponent acknowledges uncertainty, the opponent loses the point. There shall be no further delay or discussion. Ultimately those players on the side of any disputed call have the final say.

4    However, if in social friendly matches there is some doubt over a line call, it is polite to offer to play the point again rather than cause undue aggravation and time wasting.

Items on court

1. Unless absolutely vital, all mobile phones and other communication devices should be switched off or set to silent mode as these can disrupt play.
2. No glass containers, food or chewing gum on court.
3. Empty cans, old tennis balls or other items of rubbish should be removed from the court when play has finished.
4. Rubbish should be disposed of in the bins outside or inside the Clubhouse.

The Committee may at their discretion suspend or refuse continued membership to any person who knowingly contravenes the Rules currently in force, or otherwise behaves in a fashion that is considered detrimental to the common interests of the Club

Finally…

1. With proper, comfortable sporting clothes and court friendly shoes, racket in hand it is time please!! 
2. When it is game set and match … the last person to leave the courts/premises must lock the gates and clubhouse.             

THE HARD COPY OF THE COURTSIDE CODE OF CONDUCT AND ETUQUETTE CAN BE FOUND HERE