Coronavirus do’s and don’ts

/ March 19, 2020

Dear Member,

The committee would like to formalise actions and precautions to be taken to minimise the impact and spread of this virus for members and visitors.

At all times, club members and visitors should follow the current government advice which can be found at:

https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/coronavirus-covid-19/
Supporting this advice we recommend:
  1. Handwashing before and after matches/play (remember 20 seconds or sing Happy Birthday twice!)
  2. Use of antiseptic wipes for door handles and surfaces.
  3. Refraining from pre/postplay handshakes with direct skin to skin contact – we suggest courtesy acknowledgement of your choice including wave, bow/curtsy, elbow bump if suitably clothed.
  4. Please observe the NHS hygiene guidance (tissues, handwashing etc), whilst at the club.
Handwash and bacterial wipes can be found in the club house.
As tennis is an outdoor activity, we would encourage members to make the most of this social activity whilst government guidelines concur.
We ask that all members should please advise the Club if you are diagnosed as having contracted Coronavirus or have been in close proximity to someone who has been diagnosed with Coronavirus. This is particularly important if you have recently visited the Club.
Additionally, if you develop symptoms, such as a cough, difficulty in breathing or a fever, even if mild, we ask that you do not to come to the Club until your symptoms have cleared (even if given the all-clear for Coronavirus), out of concern for other members and guests .

Here is the latest tennis advice from the LTA, received  19 March:

We all know tennis is a unique sport which has many benefits – the main one being health and wellbeing. While the LTA has suspended its organised activity, the Government have currently indicated that physical exercise (including grass roots coaching) that takes place at a safe distance from others and in safe exercise environments is something that can continue at this time.

Venues and coaching businesses across the country are all different and operate in different local contexts. They are also independent organisations and businesses. Making an assessment of whether a safe exercise environment can be provided also depends on a range of factors, which will apply differently at each venue.  If a venue decides to continue coaching or tennis activity, we want to provide some practical suggestions to help you to operate in line with the Government’s advice:

Adapting sessions to accommodate the advice on social distancing:

  • Adopt low player-to-court ratios (such as singles or doubles) or individual coaching as per the Government’s advised social distancing measures (defined by Public Health England as spending no more than 15 minutes and not within a 2-metre distance talking to someone)
  • Avoid close proximity when giving feedback, or when players are resting
  • Ensure no physical contact between players during warm-ups or games
  • No other unnecessary extra-curricular or social activity should take place

Further Government information around social distancing is available at here.

Adopting best practice in relation to hygiene, especially before and after training sessions, including but not limited to:

  • Players should wash hands before and after a tennis session without exception (or use an alcohol gel if washing hands is not possible)
  • Clean and wipe down equipment, including rackets, courtside benches, cones. Do not allow racket sharing or use of communal rackets
  • For tennis balls, consider using new balls where possible, and consider using a small number of balls for a lesson so fresh balls can be used for each session; achieve this in a financially feasible way, coaches can consider using a small number of balls (1-2 cans) for a lesson so fresh balls can be used for each session
  • Adaptations to drills will be needed, such as the use of live ball drills over basket drills; furthermore, it is recommended that only coaches touch the balls and players avoid touching the balls
  • Avoid touching your face
  • Outdoor courts and open spaces are preferable to small indoor spaces

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