It's a tough game, tennis.  Not only technique, co-ordination, reaction time, speed about the court and mental resilience (and, of course, practice, practice, practice just like anything you want to be good at), but there are the rules of the game too. On top of the rules, just like any other sport, there's etiquette - things you should and shouldn't do that aren't stipulated in the rule book.  Here's a link to essential etiquette knowledge, courtesy of Local Tennis Leagues.

Court Etiquette at Musselburgh Tennis Club 

We are all keen to enjoy our sport, so we have some simple rules to make the playing experience more enjoyable for all our members and guests. 

• Respect our fantastic artificial clay courts and keep them clean. Tidy up any litter, wear the appropriate clothing and footwear, and DO NOT damage our courts with racket abuse. Sweep the courts after every session. If the courts are wet, please reverse the rubber drag mats or use the heavy-duty green brush. If any clay is removed from the court and sticks to the brushes, please deposit any clay from the brushes back to the baselines of the courts. 
• Play with fairness, respect, honesty and integrity at all times.  
• Enjoy your session and have fun. 

On Court Etiquette at Musselburgh Tennis Club 

The following is an extract from Lawn Tennis Association’s Website on court etiquette which reflects our approach and must be adhered to: 

• Please do not walk behind players whilst a game rally, or coaching is in progress. This is to avoid distracting other members and most importantly to avoid any potential accidents on court. 
• If you are trying to cross a court, please wait until you are invited to and it is safe to do so. 
• If a stray ball comes onto your court, do not knock it back immediately, wait until the owners are ready and then hit the ball to the server’s end of the court. 
• During play and particularly between games, keep the amount and volume of conversation down to a minimum.  
• Line calls can be a problem and we recommend using the “Honour System”. Only call balls on your side of the net. Call clearly and firmly what you see and what you honestly believe to be correct. If you are not absolutely certain or did not see the ball clearly, then you cannot call a ball out. You cannot play a “let” because you are unsure. If you are unsure, the ball must be played as in. Remember with Artificial clay courts, the ball will leave a mark on the orange part of the court, but not on the white lines. On tight calls close to the line, there should be a mark outside the line on the orange part of the court. If there is no mark, the ball may have touch the white lines. Be mindful of this.   
• If you have any doubts over an opponent’s line call, ask them politely if they are certain of their call, and then get on with the match. 
• Do not criticise your partner or opponent, try be positive and offer encouragement instead. 
• Enjoy your match.  

Respect and Behaviour at Musselburgh Tennis Club 

All club members and guests must show tolerance, courtesy, good manners, fairness, honesty and integrity in their dealings with club members, officials, member’s guests and social visitors.  

• Equality – The club is opposed to discrimination in any form. All club members have a responsibility to make everyone feel welcome and to ensure that membership of the club is a positive experience. 
• Safety and Responsibility – All club members will act responsibly and look to protect and ensure the safety of everyone at the club at all times and particularly to consider the well-being and care of junior players and visitors. 
• Fair Play – All club members will respect the rules of the club and sport and address disputes with dignity and appropriate behaviour.  

Representing MTC in team events 

We would be delighted if you want to represent MTC in various different competitions that we compete in.  It is imperative that all our team players WANT to represent the club and are proud to do so. All our team players should endeavour to protect and further the club’s reputation at all times.  When representing the club, all players will observe the principles in this Code of Conduct. In addition to this we expect the following from our team players: 

• We play as a team and not as individuals. 
• We give 100% effort and work rate in every shot. 
• We play competitively with a desire to win however we respect our opponents at all times. 
• We respect and follow instruction from our team captains at all times. 

In addition, when playing home matches, we expect: 

• Players to arrive promptly in order to receive instruction from our captains. 
• All players to assist the captain in preparing and checking courts, nets, balls etc. 
• Players to welcome our guests and prepare any match teas for after the match. This may include tidying up or preparing the clubhouse. 
• Players will be given match tea instruction in advance from the team captains. You are responsible for providing suitable and appealing food and refreshments that are of a standard that will ensure that our guests will leave our club with a glowing report of their experience.  
• All players are expected to stay and welcome our guests at the match tea, regardless of the result. This is hugely important to our reputation. Please stay, even if just for 5 minutes, and NEVER let this decision be based on the match result. If, for personal reasons, you cannot stay, please inform the captain in advance, so he/she can offer your apologies to the opposing captain.  
• Remember there is no “I” in “TEAM”. Give 100% effort and commitment to your partner, team mates and captain. This is a competitive team event where we play to win. 
• Enjoy competition. It should be fun and remember none of us play this wonderful game to a level that it pays our mortgage!