Tennis – UPDATED PROTOCOLS including Doubles Play and Coaching
Dear [[firstname]]
The ELTC Committee are delighted to confirm that the Northern Ireland Executive have now announced further relaxation of restrictions to play (Step 3).
The key changes announced in Step 3 as they relate to the protocols adopted by our club
apply with immediate effect
and are as follows:
-
Both singles play and doubles play is now permitted with people from outside of your household, as long as you remain 2 meters apart as much as possible
-
Group coaching is available again (see note 1 below)
-
Visitors to clubs are allowed subject to appropriate contact tracing protocols being in place (see note 2 below)
-
It is a requirement of the club that you use your own tennis balls for serving in both singles and doubles unless all players agree to share at the start of the match.
-
The clubhouse remains out of bounds except for access to the defibrillator and emergency only access to the toilets.
Note 1 : Group of 4 Coaching – Message from Matthew and Louise
We have all enjoyed getting back to tennis after lockdown. The singles league has been a massive success thanks to everyone taking part. But the time we have all been waiting for is here....doubles is back!
Now we can get 4 people not from the same household on court together. With the singles matches, many of you may have seen areas of your game you want to improve and may wish to take advantage of some coaching. From now, we are able to open that up to groups of 4 people training together. Ask anyone that has taken part in this form of coaching and they will tell you that not only is it great craic but you can learn so much about both singles and doubles play.
You can make up your own group of 4 or just put your name down for a spot, your choice.
So if your interested in finding out more details, times etc, just send Matthew or Louise a quick message through any method you want, Facebook, Whatsapp, text, email, phone......!
Coaching Contact details : email coaching@tenniskillen.com Mobile Matthew : 07877 839545 Mobile Louise : 07737 532377
Note 2 : Visitor Rules for contract tracing
-
Visitors can only play with a member of the club and that member will be responsible for the visitor
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The responsible member must select “Visitor” as opponent on the court booking system when booking a court for their match
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Before their match the responsible member must inform club coach Matthew McGann (by text or email) of the name, address and contact details of the visitor
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The responsible member will make the visitor aware of all Covid-19 protocols in place at the club
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Visitor fees are £5 per visitor per match and should be left with Matthew if available or in an envelope in the outside post box (Including visitor name)
-
Visitors are restricted to playing at the club a maximum of 3 times per annum
LATEST CLUB PROTOCOL SUMMARY
Given the various changes over time, in the restrictions as dictated by the Northern Ireland Executive and Ulster Tennis we have detailed below the updated summary of the protocols now in place at our club. To keep tennis safe and to ensure the courts remain open,
the Committee are asking that ALL of our members adhere strictly to ALL of these guidelines.
MEMBERSHIP & THE ONLINE BOOKING SYSTEM
Crucial to complying with the key guidelines is the requirement that we meet the NHS requirement for tracing with FULL traceability of who has been on court (all players and visitors) and therefore members will only be able to play if they pre book their court through the online booking system and that they also check in online when they arrive at the courts. (A separate email was issued on 20/05/2020 detailing how to book in touchless on your smartphone using the App or a google link)
SOME GENERAL GUIDANCE FOR PLAY EXPLAINED (Effective Friday 3rd July 2020)
-
Access to the tennis club is strictly for fully paid up members only (which includes Direct Debit Members) and tennis can only be played if booked online. This rule is in place to facilitate contact tracing. Contact tracing guidelines require the club to have accurate and up to date records for court activity and member details.
-
Your opponent must also be a current member. If your opponent is a member they will appear on a list populated by current members for you to choose from when you are booking your court. There will be a designated member called “visitor” to allow for visitor play.
-
Members may play against visitors provided they comply with the requirements of note 2 at the top of the email
-
Both singles play and doubles play is now permitted with people from outside of your household, as long as you remain 2 meters apart as much as possible
-
Bring your own clearly marked tennis balls for serving in both singles and doubles EG. Initialled in permanent marker.
-
You can share tennis balls but only where all players agree to share at the start of the match
-
The court gates will be propped slightly open to allow touch free entry and exit to the courts.
-
Please ensure you bring your own hand sanitiser to your matches.
-
Please follow all signage at the club including which gates to enter and leave the courts by.
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The clubhouse will at all times be strictly out of bounds with the only exception being access to the defibrillator and emergency only access to the toilets.
-
This means no tennis can be played at night as the lights are also strictly out of bounds
Additionally, please find below a breakdown of some of these guidelines in respect of how they apply specifically to our club and its facilities.
KEY RETURN TO PLAY GUIDELINES APPLICABLE TO ELTC
Before you leave home
-
Book your court.
-
Factor into your booking times the requirement to vacate the court 10 minutes before the end of your session.
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Under 16's casual play must be supervised by a parent / guardian and if not playing the adult must stay (in car or car park) for the duration of the junior’s session.
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There will be no access to the clubhouse for lights so play needs to be booked for times before it gets dark.
-
Bring your own set of clearly marked tennis balls.
-
Bring your own water and sanitizer.
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Remember that there are no changing or bathroom facilities open at the courts except for emergency. Please use your home facilities before coming to the club.
-
If your session is cancelled it is imperative that you cancel your online booking.
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Don’t forget to bring your phone to check in when you get to court.
Arriving at the club
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Check in on your phone.
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Remain in the carpark until your court is free to enter.
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The clubhouse, the steps up to the clubhouse and the area at the top of the steps are strictly out of bounds. Only exception is for access to the defibrillator and emergency toilet access.
-
Enter via the designated gates. The gates will be propped slightly open to avoid the need to touch them.
Playing your game
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Only serve with your own clearly marked tennis balls. Your opponent will pass them to you without picking them up with their hands. THIS PROTOCOL REMAINS IN PLACE UNLESS ALL PLAYERS AGREE TO SHARE TENNIS BALLS AT THE START OF THEIR MATCH.
-
If you decide to change ends, do so using the opposite net post from your opponent.
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Tennis balls straying across from adjacent courts should be passed back without using your hands.
Leaving the courts
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The tennis court needs to be vacated ten minutes before the end of your booked session.
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Make sure that you have all your belongings with you.
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Leave the gate propped slightly open as you found it.
Practice wall
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The practice wall will be open at the same times as the courts.
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Access is strictly from ERGS.
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The wall can accommodate 2 players, one on either side of the wall.
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If a player’s tennis ball goes over the wall to your side then send it back without touching it with your hands.
If you are unsure or in doubt in any situation please contact Matthew (07877 839545), Mark (07920057426), Maxine (07719304254) or John (07867551400).
Yours in sport
ELTC Committee
27/08/2020
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