It is the day that we, at ATC, have been waiting for, 13th May, 2020 and the re-opening of our countryside tennis courts.

If you are fashioning your tennis socks today or in the next few days or well, as long as these dystopian times continue, then here as some things that you have to do and need to know. 

The LTA have clarified that [sic]There is no need to leave a gap between courts in use. All courts can be used subject to social distancing being maintained at all times.

So both of the ATC courts will be available to book from today but remember the social distancing bit. It is key to us being able to play tennis safely and responsibly. Set out below are some further helpful reminders (as set out by LTA in their guidance for players document https://www.lta.org.uk/globalassets/news/2020/lta-guidance-for-tennis-players---covid-19.pdf) as abridged by us to apply to the ATC tennis courts. You may want to make a coffee or a tea before you read them. Like we said, dystopian (but necessary).

BEFORE LEAVING HOME & AFTER YOU RETURN
- Wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds before leaving home to go to the court (or use an alcohol gel if washing hands is not possible)
COURT BOOKINGS
-Ensure that you have booked a court in advance via the ATC website booking system.                -Please be respectful to other Members and don't be greedy in over-booking courts. Our T&C's will soon be updated and there will be more on court booking in those 
EQUIPMENT
-Take hand sanitizer with you
-Take all your own equipment (do not share equipment such as rackets, grips,
hats and towels)
- Only take the minimum amount of equipment with you that you need to play
- Clean and wipe down your equipment, including racquets and water bottles
before and after use
- Bring a full water bottle, and do not share food or drink with others
- Bring your own tennis balls that are clearly marked (e.g. with your initials)
- Ensure you take all your belongings with you at the end of the session and do
not leave anything on court
TRAVELLING TO AND FROM THE COURT
- Avoid using public transport
- Arrive as close as possible to when you need to be there
- Avoid touching court gates, fences, benches, etc. if you can but if you do touch anything try to use disposable gloves or wipe down all surfaces with antibacterial wipes. There will be some hand sanitiser at the courts. Please don't take it home with you!If you can, remember your own.
- Allow others to leave before you enter the court - if you need to wait then do so away from the courts and clear of the gates
- Ensure you leave the court before the end of your allotted time so that it is empty for the next players
-Arrive changed and ready to play. Shower at home. 
- Do not congregate after playing. No extra-curricular or social activity should take place
SECTION 2: DURING PLAY
COURT LIMITS
-Maximum of two people per court (singles play only). Players can be from different households
- The only exception to the above is where a group of four players are all from the same household in which case they can play doubles
MAINTAIN SOCIAL DISTANCING
- Stay at least two metres away from other players at all times (including during play, when taking breaks and before and after play)
-Do not make physical contact with other players (such as shaking hands or high five or kissing)
-Stay on your side of court and avoid changing ends, or agree to change ends at opposite sides of the net
- Avoid chasing the ball down to another court if other players are using it
EQUIPMENT & FACILITIES
- Use your own clearly marked tennis balls
- Avoid using your hands to pick up tennis balls that aren't yours - use your
racquet/foot to hit/kick them to your opponent or return them to another court
- Avoid using other equipment such as courtside benches, net handles or court
sweepers where possible
HYGIENE
-If you need to sneeze or cough, do so into a tissue or upper sleeve and if you think that you may have COVID19 - go home and self isolate as per Goverment instructions
-Avoid touching your face

Keep well, keep fit, be responsible (and alert) and enjoy your tennis!