Medstead Lawn Tennis Club - Codes of Conduct

All Members agree:

To conduct themselves and ensure all behave in a professional and appropriate manner consistent with the LTA’s vision and mission and in the best interests of the Game.

This includes helping to create a safe, inclusive, accessible, welcoming and enjoyable environment both on and off the court.

To play with honesty and integrity and in a sporting manner.

To value diversity and not to discriminate against anyone or treat anyone less favourably by reason of age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage, civil partnership, pregnancy, maternity, race (including colour, nationality or ethnic or national origins), religion, belief (including religious, philosophical or lack of belief), sex or sexual orientation.

All adult members agree:

To treat all children, adults, volunteers & coaches with respect
To use appropriate language at all times
To adhere to the Medstead Lawn Tennis Club Safeguarding Policy; Diversity and Inclusion Policy; Rules and Regulations
To report all allegations of abuse or poor practice to the club Welfare Officer
To refrain from smoking; taking recreational drugs; or consuming alcohol (except when part of a MLTC organised social event) on club premises or whilst representing the club
Not to abuse, neglect, harm or discriminate against anyone; or act in a way that may be interpreted as such
To have the relevant consent from parents/carers, children and adults before taking or using photos and videos
To refrain from making physical contact with children or adults unless it is necessary as part of an emergency or congratulatory (e.g. handshake / high five)
To refrain from transporting other people’s children (under 18s) or “adults at risk” to activities organised by the club e.g. away matches. For all activities related to the club where parents/carers transport their own children, or make private arrangements with other parents/carers/members to deliver or collect their children, they are responsible for their children’s safety and for the suitability of any travel arrangements
To avoid being alone with a child or “adult at risk” unless there are exceptional circumstances.

In addition, coaches and members who are volunteering within the club e.g. Committee members and those coordinating or organising events agree:

To prioritise the well-being of children and “adults at risk” at all times
Act as a positive role model by maintaining the highest standards
To use Court 1 and 2 for children and “adults at risk” in preference to Court 3 as Court 3 has restricted visibility.
To be a positive role model & act with integrity at all times
To help create a safe and inclusive environment both on and off court
Not to allow any rough or dangerous behaviour, bullying or the use of bad or inappropriate language
Not use any sanctions that humiliate or harm a child or “adult at risk”
To value and celebrate diversity and make all reasonable efforts to meet individual needs
To keep clear boundaries between professional and personal life, including on social media
To ensure roles and responsibilities are clearly outlined and everyone has the required information and training
Not to have a relationship with anyone under 18 that they are coaching or responsible for
Not to have a relationship with anyone over 18 whilst continuing to coach or be responsible for them.

Club members under the age of 18 agree:

To be friendly, supportive and welcoming to other children and adults
To play fairly and honestly
To respect club coaches and volunteers and accept their decisions
To behave, respect and listen to your coach
To take care of their equipment and club property
To respect the rights, dignity and worth of all participants regardless of age, gender, ability, race, culture, religion or sexual identity
Not to use bad, inappropriate or racist language, including on social media
Not to bully, intimidate or harass anyone, including on social media
Not to smoke, drink alcohol or take recreational drugs of any kind on club premises or whilst representing the club at competitions or events
To talk to the club Welfare Officer about any concerns or worries they have about themselves or others

Parents or carers of club members under the age of 18 agree to:

Positively reinforce their child/young person and show an interest in their tennis
Be realistic and supportive
Never ridicule or admonish a child/young person for making a mistake or losing a match
Behave responsibly at the venue; do not embarrass your child
Accept the official’s decisions and do not go on court or interfere with matches
Encourage their child to play by the rules, and teach them that they can only do their best
Deliver and collect their child punctually from the venue
Supervise their children under the age of 13 years who are at the Tennis Club and not in a club session such as coaching
Ensure their child has appropriate clothing for the weather conditions
Ensure that their child understands the code of conduct
Provide emergency contact details and any relevant information about their child including medical history

Last Updated November 2023