COVID-19: GUIDANCE FOR PLAYERS
(Updated guidance in effect from 12 April 2021)

TENNIS ACTIVITY
  • Both singles play and doubles play is permitted with people from outside of your household, as long as you remain 2 metres apart as far as possible – meaning that four people from different households can play doubles
  • ​For informal social play, group size is limited to a maximum of six people (or two households) by law. This means you can play tennis providing you only meet up with no more than 5 other people from different households and observe social distancing guidelines.
  • People should not go to a tennis venue socially in groups of more than six
  • A group made up of two households can include more than six people, but only where all members of the group are from the same two households (or support/childcare bubbles, where eligible)
  • ​​Social distancing must be maintained between people who do not live together or share a support bubble

BEFORE LEAVING HOME & AFTER YOU RETURN
  • Wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds before leaving home to go to the court (or use an alcohol gel if washing hands is not possible)
  • Arrive at the venue changed and ready to play, and shower at home. While changing facilities can be opened from 12 April, it is advised that their use be minimised, and not all venues will have them open
  • ​If you have special needs, you may wish to speak to the venue or activity organiser in advance to ensure your needs are accommodated and appropriate facilities are open​​

COURT BOOKINGS
  • Courts must be booked in advance online via the tennis club website
  • To support NHS Test and Trace, you must provide the names of all players when booking so that we have appropriate temporary records to assist this service
  • We will display a QR code that can be scanned to collect these details if not provided during booking
 
EQUIPMENT
  • Take hand sanitizer with you
  • Use your own equipment where possible. Equipment such as rackets can be shared, but where this happens ensure thorough cleaning before and after use. Players should not share items such as towels
  • Only take the minimum amount of equipment with you that you need
  • Clean and wipe down your equipment, including racquets and water bottles before and after use
  • Bring a full water bottle, and do not share food or drink with others
  • Bring your own tennis balls
  • Ensure you take all your belongings with you at the end of the session and do not leave anything on court

​TRAVELLING TO AND FROM THE COURT
  • Travel to take part in recreational tennis activity is permitted, but you should minimise travel and avoid making unnecessary journeys (for example, by combining their trips where possible)
  • ​You can help control COVID-19 and travel safely by walking and cycling, if you can, or driving
  • Car sharing is not allowed, and for other means of transport you should avoid travelling with someone from outside your household or support bubble unless you can practise social distancing
  • Arrive as close as possible to when you need to be there
  • Use alcohol gel after touching any court gates, fences, benches, etc, and avoid doing so where possible

USING VENUE FACILITIES
  • Toilet facilities are open, but players are advised to take particular care when using them and clean hands thoroughly after use​
  • Indoor facilities are areas of increased risk and you should minimise time spent inside
  • ​Visitors are encouraged to wear masks in enclosed indoor public areas

SUPERVISION & SPECTATING
  • Spectating is not permitted for activity taking place on private land. This does not prevent people from viewing recreational or organised sport that is taking place in an outdoor public space, such as a park, in groups of up to 6 people or 2 households
  • ​Where attendance of a parent/guardian (non-participant) is required for safeguarding/supervision purposes, or a carer for a disabled player, it is permitted, but should be off court and limited to one per player where possible