Even though tennis courts are open for play, the Tennis Club and its members and all court users have a responsibility to limit the transmission of coronavirus during the on-going pandemic.   We have had to introduce restrictions on the way members can use the courts during the current pandemic, and it is essential that all courts users read and follow these conditions. 

BACKGROUND
The following guidance has been compiled with reference to advice issued by the LTA and a risk assessment carried out by the Club (reviewed regularly). The guidance may be changed or amended at any time in response to updates from the LTA and the developing situation. Whilst the Club has taken all reasonable and recommended precautions and conducted a full risk assessment, players make use of the courts at their own risk.

GENERAL
The Sports Association site is now operating a near-normal timetable and the car park and bar are open from 9am to approximately 10pm every day (confirm with the Sports Association for any changes on 01793 853880).  Access by bicycle or on foot is unrestricted.   Players cycling to the Club should secure their bikes in the designated area adjacent to the entry to Court 1.  Bicycles should not be left leaning against the court fencing. If the Sports Association building is not open there are external toilet facilities on site (on the right hand end of the SA building).  The tennis cabin is not in use; players should bring full water bottles as there is no possibility of replenishing at the Club.  

Anyone using the courts should not gather in groups of more than six at any time.  Please sanitise hands before and after playing and maintain social distancing.  In line with track and trace procedures all courts must be booked on line, and all players attending Club Nights must enter their name in the registration book.  Any player developing symptoms after playing should advise a member of the committee as soon as possible. 

PROCEDURES
1.  Courts must be booked in advance on the RWBTC website or by the Booker app. The player making the booking should make a private note of his/her playing partner so that tracing could be implemented if required. When arriving at the Club, players should employ a one-way system. Approach the cabin and courts via the pathway adjacent to Court 8 and leave the site by the pathway adjacent to Courts 1 and 2.

2.  There is no access to the cabin, therefore the ball machine is unavailable. The first aid kit has been placed in a container and is located on Court 8.  Members should use sanitizer both before and after play.  Sanitizer has been provided at both court entry gates.  Floodlights are available but use must be kept to a minimum.

3.   Singles and Doubles matches may be played but all players should familiarise themselves with LTA guidance for safe play.  Members can book up to 2 sessions a day against the same person. Changing ends should normally be avoided, but where players decide to do so, they should change via the left hand net post to avoid meeting at the net.

4.   Return balls to opponents or other courts by kicking or flicking the ball up and hitting with the racquet. Balls that have strayed onto another court should not be chased down - wait for it to be returned. Players who need access through the ‘shower curtain’ at the rear of Court 8 should use their racquets to hold the curtain open.

5.  Nets will be left tensioned at the playing height at all times - the winders have been removed. The court access gates should be left open while courts are in use. The last players to leave the courts should close and lock the gates. Sanitizer should be used after securing the gate(s). Players are also encouraged to bring their own sanitising liquid.

6.  At all times observe the social distancing rules, particularly during any breaks and when arriving or departing. Adults must accompany junior players (u14) and are not to access the courts.

GUIDANCE FOR PLAYERS

1.  Sanitise before play.

2.  Avoid touching fences, nets, gates etc with your hands.  Leave gates ajar unless you are the last person to leave (i.e. all courts are now empty) in which case you should lock both gates and sanitise.

3. Only handle your own racquet, unless playing as a household.

4.  Do not chase down balls that stray onto adjacent courts, wait for their return.

5.  Return balls to opponents or other courts by kicking or the ball up and hitting back with your racquet.

6.  Use your racquet to gain access through the ‘shower curtain’ at the rear of Court 8.

7.  Try to avoid changing ends, but if you do, change via the left hand net post.

8.  Do not linger after your game, leave the site straight away.

9.  Observe the social distancing rules at all times – the Rule of Six applies.

10.  Sanitise on departure.

Thank you for complying with these guidelines and helping to keep everyone safe.