Tennis Courts Reopening – PLEASE READ ALL OF THIS because things have changed and you will need to BOOK A COURT in order to play.
We are delighted to report that the Tennis Courts at Graffham Recreation Ground will now be open for use again, from Saturday 16th May 2020 following the advice from the Government and the LTA as set out below:
https://www . lta . org . uk/globalass
England – Return to Restricted Play
Following further clarifications we have received from Government, tennis activity in England will be able to take place outdoors from Wednesday with singles play only, other than where players are all from the same household in which case they can play doubles.
Naturally we are keen for members to get playing again but we do need to be careful and sensible so as not to encourage the spread of the virus.
As you might suspect there are a few “rules” that we must ask you to follow.
Firstly, if you don’t feel well, please don’t play.
However if you are OK, before you go to the Courts please do:
1. Make sure that you have paid your subscription – This applies to everyone using the courts whether playing yourselves or being coached.
2. Read and follow the rules/guidance of the Government/LTA
a. Here it is again https://www . lta . org . uk/globalass
3. Book a court – contact Philippa Sanders (see members email for contact info) for general play and Richard Hopp for coaching
a. As you know we have no formal or online booking system. This is something that we are actively trying to achieve as quickly as possible, however in the meantime, in order to manage the use of the courts we will ask you all to ring Philippa to book a court.
b. Richard Hopp has a number of coaching slots and you should contact him for coaching
4. ONLY go to/use the courts if you have booked.
5. Buy , bring and use a hand sanitiser. There will be some at the courts but bring your own to be sure.
6. Wash your hands before leaving home and afterwards
When at the Courts:
1. Use a hand sanitiser before playing and afterwards
2. Maintain social distancing at all times, this includes:
a. Parking and approaching/leaving the courts
b. Entering or exiting the courts
c. Playing when there are other members on the courts who are not from your household.
d. Making sure that you pick up and use only your own equipment (clothing, racquets and balls – mark your tennis balls to identify your own) – any items left behind after you have finished will have to be destroyed
3. Singles can be played with one person outside your household.
4. Doubles can be played only when players are all from the same household.
5. Junior members aged 12 and under must be accompanied by an adult.
6. Be careful. Try to avoid injuries as a result of over-enthusiasm!
Having left the courts:
1. Please give us some feed back as to how you think it is going – admin@graffhamtennis.co.uk
Import
Please note that the Pavilion (and therefore the loos) remains closed as does the Playground. Please do not use, or let your children use, either.
And Finally
We need everyone to be sensible about it so that we can remain open. If it becomes apparent that the rules/guidelines are being flouted we may have no option but to shut the courts again. It’s as simple as that.
Please read and respect the guidelines.
This is good news and the Committee are delighted that tennis is back, albeit in reduced circumstances! Let’s keep it going.
Stay safe!
Beetle