Code of conduct and etiquette

Code of Conduct

We are a friendly club, and the following is guidance to ensure all are welcome, and we create a positive and enjoyable experience for everyone.

• Fair play – play with honesty, respect, and courtesy.

• Be aware of tennis etiquette.

• Be inclusive – be kind, friendly and welcoming to everyone, especially new players, regardless of ability.

• Safeguarding – all members have a part to play in safeguarding members, in particular juniors and vulnerable adults. Please see our safeguarding policy for more information.

• Respect, we request all members treat the clubhouse, equipment and playing areas with respect so allowing the enjoyment of all the facilities for members.

• Fun and enjoyment are paramount whether the tennis be casual, social, or competitive.

• Bullying, intimidating, harassing or abusive behaviour and discrimination based on age, gender, sexual orientation, gender reassignment, race, nationality, ethnic origin, religion or belief, ability or disability will not be tolerated. We encourage individuals to report incidences of such behaviour to Club committee members, coaches or our Welfare Officer.

Further information

This code of conduct should be read together with the LTA Code of Conduct and Disciplinary Code and Hurst Green Tennis Club rules and guidelines; policies on Equality and Diversity; Anti Bullying, Safeguarding, Photography & Filming, Whistleblowing, Online Safety & Communication available via Club Documents for Members

Compliance

It is expected that all members will comply with this code of conduct both whilst at the club or when representing the club at competitions or similar events.

In the unfortunate circumstances that there is a breach of the code of conduct, in the first instance please let the member know directly. If there are further breaches or you are uncomfortable challenging directly then please inform a committee member or email hurstgreentc@gmail.com. The committee decision on any outcome will be final and may involve expulsion from the club.

Tennis etiquette

• We all love playing tennis and having good tennis etiquette when on court will ensure that we all continue to enjoy the game and that matches run smoothly, giving us all as much time on court as possible.

• If you need to walk across another court to get to your court, wait till there is a break in play and your presence has been acknowledged, then promptly walk along the back of the court to get to your court.

• Keeping score – it is the server’s responsibility to keep score. If your opponent disagrees, then track back the points until you both agree.

• Ensure the balls are always at the server’s end of the court – if you are receiving it’s your job to ensure the balls are returned to the server. If a ball goes over to a neighbouring court don’t interrupt their point, wait for a break in play and then retrieve it.

• Don’t play lets if you are unsure of a line call; you call the ball on your side of the court. If you are not sure, call the ball IN.

• If a player touches the net while the game is in play, the player loses the point.

• Only play lets (except serve lets) when there is outside interference in your match, for example a ball from another court flies across and interrupts your point, or you receive some other interference, such as a friendly dog coming to say hello!

• If there are people waiting to play, be considerate and make the change of sides a quick step. There is plenty of time to talk to people once you are off court.

• Lastly, we all need to let off steam sometimes. However, let’s keep screaming and shouting to a minimum and keep everyone involved in the set – don’t poach the shot from your partner if it’s clearly their shot. Remember these are friendly matches – be more Roger Federer than John McEnroe!

If we all follow these points it will help to create a positive experience for all members at social tennis sessions.

Junior code of conduct