Tennis to serve....Play

 

Tennis clubs in Tipperary are preparing to reopen next Monday 18th May.

Tennis Ireland has prepared, in consultation with key stakeholders and experts, practical guides for clubs, players and coaches to follow during Phase 1 of the reopening of tennis. The protocols aim to safeguard staff, volunteers, members, and the wider community.

The measures cover each step of the journey from home to the club and back home again and it is recommended that they are implemented in full until further notice.

Nenagh Lawn Tennis Club, Puckane & District Tennis club and Killaloe/Ballina Tennis Club have confirmed they will be reopening but in a limited capacity.

The restrictions set down by Tennis Ireland are designed to protect the ability to maintain social distancing measures, thereby limiting the transmission rate. These will be relaxed on a phased basis if cases of the virus reduce further.

All clubs are also encouraged to consider the appointment of a Covid-19 Officer and committee to oversee regulations.

In terms of playing, these are the guidelines for the first phase from May 18th which will be reviewed prior to the second phase on June 8th.

Before you decide to play

Once you decide to play

· Play should be limited to singles. The only exception for doubles is if playing partners are from the same household. Further doubles play will be considered in future phases of reopening.

· Arrive and leave as close as possible to when you are due on court

· A parent/guardian must accompany any player under 18 years.

· Players should arrive ready to play as their will be no access to dressing room

· Players should ensure that they utilise toilet facilities in their own home prior to arriving at the club as toilet facilities will not be available.

· Players should, ideally, bring a small bottle of hand sanitiser with them and keep it in their pocket of bag for use.

During Play & Social distancing behaviours

· Players must refrain from handshakes and high fives

· Keep 2 metres away from other people at all times

· Do not share food, towels and drinks

· Wash hands frequently with soap and water or hand-sanitiser when available

· Dispose of any used tissue in your own bag and bring it home with you

· Change ends at opposite sides of the net. If this is not possible then do not change ends.

· Use two sets of clearly marked tennis balls. These should be alternated for serving with each player only touching their individual tennis balls.

· Use your racquet / foot to pick up balls and hit them to your opponent. Avoid using your hands to pick up the balls.

· Remain apart from other players when taking a break.

· If a ball from another court comes across, send it back with a kick or with a racquet