Court
Etiquette
The following rules of etiquette are mostly general courtesy and common sense and should be followed on all tennis courts. Most of us know the right thing to do; we just need a gentle reminder every now and then.
The entire objective of tennis, aside from being good aerobic exercise, is to have fun. You can follow these rules of etiquette and still have a good time on the courts.
Show respect and courtesy - To your opponent(s), your partner, and others on or near the courts. Keep your voice down and confined to your court as much as possible so as not to disrupt players on adjacent courts. If you get into a loud dispute with your opponent, take it off the court and away from other players.
Do not walk onto another court during a game - Wait for the players to finish the game, or minimally the point, before walking onto their court. It is very distracting to have someone disrupt a game in progress, so if you must cross another court, do so after the game is finished, and go around the court, not through the middle.
Do not retrieve your ball from the other court - As with the above, it is common courtesy not to disrupt players on court during a match. If your ball rolls onto an adjacent court, wait for them to finish the game and kindly ask for “a little help” to get their attention. Under no circumstances should you run over onto their court in the middle of a game to retrieve the ball yourself. Unless it is to warn of danger e.g. a ball is trip hazard.
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Always wear proper tennis shoes - Some shoes can damage and leave marks on the courts that are difficult to get off. Make sure you wear tennis shoes or appropriate trainers onto the courts. The proper shoes also give your feet the needed lateral support when running down balls and making abrupt changes in direction.
Use the tennis courts for tennis - The courts are for playing tennis –no dogs, bikes or other non-tennis items on the court. Do not run into or jump over the nets. These activities can seriously damage the court surface and the nets.
Close the gate behind you - Whether you’re coming onto the courts, or leaving, it is common courtesy to close the gate behind you. This will keep the balls inside the confines of the gate and they won’t roll outside.
Pick up after yourself - Don’t leave empty cans, bottles, sweet wrappers or any other rubbish on the courts when you leave. Dispose of any rubbish in bins provided or take it home with you.
Monitor children (under 13 years old) on the courts at all times - Everyone who plays tennis wants to encourage kids to play the game as well, but children must also follow these rules. Since they can tend to get distracted, it’s up to the adults with them to assist. Stray balls, running around and yelling are actions that need to be managed.
Clubhouse - No dogs in clubhouse. Lights off and lock up if you are the last to leave. Leave the clubhouse clean and tidy.
Car park - Take care in the car park, look out for pedestrians, and turn off car engines, lights and music so as not to distract play.
Security - Please lock the courts, shut the club gate and be respectful of our neighbours and avoid any disturbance when you leave.
Have fun! - The entire objective of tennis, aside from being good aerobic exercise, is to have fun. You can follow these rules of etiquette and still have a good time on the courts – the players on adjacent courts will appreciate it.
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Updated January 2024