Courts 1 and 2 in Hot Weather - Important Information please read

Using courts 1 and 2 in hot weather (anything over 20 degrees)

 In consultation with the contractors that installed our new courts, it is felt that members would benefit from further guidance/procedures that must be adopted if we are to seriously look after our new courts, and not breach our warranty guidelines, with particular reference to playing on hot days (anything over 20 degrees)

Overview.

When courts are resurfaced they require great care, particularly within the first 12 months of construction, as this is when the tarmac, binding coat, and paint are still curing.  Of particular note is the damage, during this 12 month period,  that can be done if members play on a court that is too warm.  The abrasive affect of weight combined with action i.e., pivoting, stopping at speed and sliding on a new court that is too warm will result in 'spotting' (the appearance of black spots on the court).  In reality, we start to churn up our own courts.

Procedure to avoid spotting - if you think the temperature is 20 degrees or above

1. Check temperature - thermometer is attached to fence nearest car park
2. Conduct a thumb pressure test. (We suggest an area in between the 2 courts - NOT ON THE COURTS)  Press your thumb down on to the court with a reasonable amount of force. If you feel any movement or 'give' in the surface, retire from the court, padlock gate and place the 'Court closed' sign on the gate.  
3. IMMEDIATELY INFORM ONE OF THE LISTED CONTACTS on Court Closed Board ( Debs Dennis, Dave Hill, Jo Sharp, Hannah Hill). Every effort will then be made to contact members who have booked courts).

The courts will then be out of action for the remainder of the day.  Options are being considered as to when/how/if the courts may be reopened later in the day. Members will be informed as soon as the Tennis Committee have made a decision.

I would like to stress at this point that this procedure is only required for our first warm season.  Additionally, if you are playing and spotting occurs, stop play immediately, retire from the courts, lock them and place the 'Court Closed' sign on the gate.

4.The obvious question many of you will ask is, 'What about evening play (6pm onwards); surely the courts would have cooled by that time'?  Unfortunately, this is not the case as the courts will retain their heat for a considerable amount of time.  However, that said, there are many variables to consider if a decision is to be made to reopen the courts at 6pm for evening play.  

The Bottom Line.

If the temperature, on the thermometer, on the new courts, is approaching 20 degrees, conduct a thumb test and act accordingly.

Failure to comply with this - if spotting occurs and needs to be repaired - will mean court closure while the work is carried out, render our warranty null and void, and cost the club money to repair.

Regards

Andy

Buildings and courts rep