Teignmouth Tennis Club Code of Conduct

Teignmouth Tennis Club has adopted a code of conduct to be followed by all members of the club. The policy is to establish the standards and values of the Tennis Club and to project an image which will bring credit to The Tennis Club. 

Aim
The aim of this policy 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 created;
• Outline the complaints procedure so that, where there is a shortfall in behaviour, this can be addressed.

Standards of Behaviour and Etiquette.

Teignmouth Tennis Club is responsible for setting standards and values to apply throughout the Tennis Club at every level. Tennis should be enjoyed by everyone who wants to play the game. This policy is fully supported by the Teignmouth Tennis Club Committee. 

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.

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.

Tennis etiquette covers those actions and behaviours which are traditionally considered acceptable
on and around the tennis court.

Respect and courtesy

• Opponents, partners, and others on or near the courts should always be shown respect and consideration.
• Criticism of partners’ or opponents’ play should be avoided. Encouragement is far more constructive.

Walking onto courts at The Tennis Centre.

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

Line calls

• Only call the lines on your side of the net.
• Call clearly, immediately and firmly what you see and what you honestly believe to be correct.
• If a player is not absolutely certain or didn’t see the ball clearly, the view of the committee is either the point must be given in the opponents favour, or all round agreement to play the point.
• 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.
• 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.

Rubbish Collection in Club

• Empty cans, old tennis balls or other items of rubbish should be removed from the court when play has finished.