BLTC has adopted a code of conduct to be followed by all members of the club. These are seen as good practice for a club such as ours and sets out the behaviour expected by all members and visitors to the club.

The policy is to establish the standards and values of the Club and to project an image which will bring credit to Billingshurst Tennis Club.

The aim of this policy is to:

1. ensure that everyone is treated fairly and with respect;

2. inform members about the standards of behaviour and etiquette expected so that the right playing environment for individuals and the club is created;

3. outline the complaints procedure so that, where there is a shortfall in behaviour, this can be addressed.

Standards of Behaviour and Etiquette

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

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.

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.
• Members must not walk behind players whilst a game or a rally is in progress.

Walking onto or behind courts

• Members should wait for players to finish a game, or minimally a point, before walking onto a court where play is taking place.
• When crossing a court to reach another court or leave the courts, players should wait until a game is finished and then cross as quickly as possible.
• 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.

Line calls

• Lines calls can sometimes be a problem.
• 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 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.
• 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.

Mobile phones

• Unless absolutely vital, all mobiles phones and other communication devices should be switched off or set to silent mode as these can disrupt play.

Rubbish Collection

• Empty cans, old tennis balls or other items of rubbish should be removed from the court when play has finished.
• Rubbish should be disposed of in the bins outside or inside the Clubhouse.