Coronavirus update – 22/03/2020 – tennis members
Following the Government’s announcement (Friday 20 March) that social spaces such as pubs, gyms and leisure centres must close, all tennis clubhouses and similar social facilities should be closed as soon as possible.
Courts however can remain open for use to help ensure people remain active, subject to strict social distancing and hygiene practices being employed.
The Department of Culture, Media and Sport has specifically advised that tennis is one of the best examples of social distancing in practice, and so should be encouraged as long as the guidance permits.
All indoor courts are closed but our outdoor courts are open for play ( subject to weather conditions) and we are currently following the LTA guidance as below. Please adhere to them in the interest of health and safety for fellow Members and staff. The Club reserves the right to change these rules as it responds to the daily guidance.
A 5-minute buffer period must be taken between court booking slots to allow time for players to leave before next players arrive- Coaches and players must finish five minutes before the court booking finishes. Please refrain from congregating in groups and leave swiftly after your session.
Please ring Reception on 020 8480 4200 to check in for your court and most importantly to cancel your court. Please go straight to your court.
You should only facilitate activity with two players per court. A coach can oversee two players on a court but no more please.
Players can only play up to a maximum of 90 minutes a day to maximise availability across the membership to the restricted number of courts.
The Government is advising those who are particularly vulnerable to risk of severe illness from coronavirus (COVID-19) to be particularly stringent in following social distancing measures.
Players should wash hands before and after a tennis session without exception (or use an alcohol gel if washing hands is not possible). From Monday the Clubhouse will be closed to Members. The croquet pavilion toilet will be kept open and regularly cleaned throughout the day.
Clean and wipe down equipment, including rackets, courtside benches, cones. Do not allow racket sharing or use of communal rackets
For lessons, Professionals should consider using new balls where possible, and consider using a small number of balls for a lesson so fresh balls can be introduced. Players must use sanitising gel before and after handling the balls – please bring in your own gel as the coach has a limited supply.
Thank you for your co-operation, support and understanding during these unprecedented times as we try to keep our facilities open for Member exercise.
Marc Newey
Chief Executive