WISBECH TENNIS CLUB: Code of Conduct

This Code of Conduct sets out what the Club regards as good practice for all members to follow, and is available so that every member is clear as to what is expected of them in order to create the right playing environment in which everyone can enjoy their tennis.

Should a breach of the Code of Conduct occur there is a Complaints policy and procedure.

Rules of tennis

 An understanding of the rules of tennis underpins this area. The rules of tennis are published by the International Tennis Federation and can be found at http://www.itftennis.com/media/220771/220771.pdf

Advise on the interpretation of the rules is available from British Tennis at http://www.britishtennis.com/newtotennis/rules/code.shtml

Code of Conduct

 All members are expected to treat all other members and all other players respectfully. The Club will not accept any behaviour which may cause any physical or mental harm to any other member or player.

    • Treat all participants as you like to be treated;

    • Respect the rights, dignity and worth of all participants regardless of their gender, ability, cultural background or religion;

    • Welcome new members and players to the Club irrespective of their experience of the game and their level of play;

    • Be fair, considerate and honest in all dealings with others;

    • Maintain a safe environment for the conduct of all club related activities;

    • Control your temper. Do not use abusive language/gestures. Do not deliberately distract or provoke an opponent. Refrain from ball / racquet abuse;

    • Understand that there may be repercussions for the club by your actions;

    • Be a positive role model.

General Etiquette and Behaviour around the site

    • Park in a considerate manner. If there is not enough room please park at the club end of the Leisure Centre car park

    • Players should wear clothing, of any colour, suitable for physical activity;

    • Tennis footwear is required both to promote safety and also to prevent damage to the courts;

    • Always collect up the tennis balls when you have finished playing and replace tubes in relevant place in the clubhouse;

    • Unless very wet, always brush the court after you have finished playing;

The Clubhouse

We would expect all members to follow good housekeeping. i.e. use the bins appropriately, wash up if applicable and ensure that all lights and the water heater are turned off before locking up then rotating the padlock numbers on the clubhouse and gate to ensure security.

 

Win with grace and lose with dignity

Play by the rules and enjoy your tennis

 

Wisbech Tennis Club accepts no responsibility for loss, damage or injury sustained by members or visitors while at the Club.

 

Court Etiquette

 Tennis etiquette covers different areas from those addressed within the rules of the game. Etiquette covers a range of actions and behaviours which are considered acceptable on and around the tennis court.

British Tennis provide advice on etiquette which can be found at http://www.britishtennis.com/newto tennis/rules/etiquette.shtml

  • Show respect and courtesy to your partner, your opponents and others on or around the courts;

  • Recognise and acknowledge good play whether it is your own team or the opposition;

  • During play and particularly between games keep the amount and volume of conversation to a minimum so as to avoid distracting players on other courts.

Do not walk across another court during a game

  • Wherever possible access Courts 2-4 by means of the external gate, wait for the conclusion of the point or if the match is a competitive one wait until the end of game, or until you are invited to cross, and do so as quickly as possible. Close the gate behind you;

  • If your ball rolls onto an adjacent court, wait for a break in the play in that court before politely requesting its return rather than retrieving it yourself;

  • If a ball from an adjacent court strays onto yours do not hit it back immediately but do so when the players on that court are ready and then hit it to the server’s end of that court.

Line calls

  • Only call the lines on your side of the net;

  • Call clearly on the basis of what you honestly believe to be correct;

  • If you are not certain, or did not see the ball clearly, the ball was good and the benefit of the doubt goes in favour of the opponent;

  • If occasionally you have serious doubt over a line call, ask your opponents politely if they are certain as to the accuracy of their call, and if they are, move on and play the next point.

Keeping score

  • The server should announce the score audibly before each point;

  • If the server forgets or cannot be heard, the receiver should ask the server to make a more audible announcement of the score.

Mobile phones

  • Mobile phones taken onto court should be switched off, or put on silent or vibrate mode, so as to avoid creating a distraction. Mobile phone calls should not be made or received on court;

Coaching Sessions

  • Abide by the rules set down by the coaching team;

  • Respect club officials and accept their decisions;

  • Talk to the coaching staff if you have concerns.

 

Parents and Guardians

  • Remember that children should participate in sport for their enjoyment;

  • Encourage children to participate, do not force them;

  • Focus on the child’s efforts and performance rather than winning or losing;

  • Always encourage children to play according to the rules and to settle disagreements without resorting to hostility or violence;

  • Never ridicule or shout at a child or child’s opponent for making a mistake or losing;

  • Remember that children learn best by example;

  • Appreciate good performances and skilful play by all participants;

  • Support all efforts to remove verbal and physical abuse from sporting activities;

  • Respect club official’s decisions and requests and ensure your children do likewise;

  • Show appreciation for volunteer coaches, officials and administrators. Without them, your children could not participate;

  • Respect the rights, dignity and worth of all participants regardless of their gender, ability, cultural background or religion;

  • Do not interfere with the progress and / or conduct of a game.