2020 PLAYING RULES (EFFECTIVE JULY 1st)

Due to the impact of COVID-19 we are not operating our regular programs. We are following the Safety Protocols for Tennis Clubs issued on by the City of Richmond Hill, latest update effective June 19th, which requires strict safety guidelines. 

Access to the club is restricted to members only. If you would like to register, please sign up for Summer 2020 Membership and accept the terms and conditions. 

Familiarize yourself with the following rules. It is our collective responsibility to make the club a safe place for all members.

Before you play

Self assess your health and DO NOT come to play if you have any of the following symptoms:

• Fever (feeling hot to the touch, a temperature of 37.8 degrees Celsius or higher)

• Chills
• Cough that's new or worsening (continuous, more than usual)
• Barking cough, making a whistling noise when breathing (croup)
• Shortness of breath (out of breath, unable to breathe deeply)
• Sore throat
• Difficulty swallowing
• Runny, stuffy or congested nose (not related to seasonal allergies or other known causes or conditions)
• Lost sense of taste or smell
• Pink eye (conjunctivitis)
• Headache that’s unusual or long lasting
• Digestive issues (nausea/vomiting, diarrhea, stomach pain)
• Muscle aches
• Extreme tiredness that is unusual (fatigue, lack of energy)
• Falling down often

1. If you are planning to play drop-in tennis, check the online calendar to ensure that courts are not booked for organized activities. 
2. Check the cameras to ensure the courts are playable before you come to the club. Note that play will only be possible on self-dried surfaces as squeenges cannot be supplied to members or staff.
3. If you are not playing an organized match, place your tag in the tag board before heading to the court. If all courts are busy, place your tag and wait outside the club in the designated spots. Do not sit on benches, bleachers, tables or brick wall.
4. If you are playing an organized match (House League or Intercounty Level Play) do not place your tag in the tag board. All players are required to wait outside the club in the designated spots until the monitor indicates it is your match time. As spectators are not allowed on the club property this season do not show up to the club unless you were assigned to play.
5. Wash your hands thoroughly and clean your equipment before you come to play.
6. Bring your own water. There are no water or washroom facilities at the club.
7. Wear a mask while waiting to enter the court.
   

As you play

1. Stay two metres away from your opponent; do not shake hands, do not approach to talk.
   
2. Bring your own set of marked balls. Do not touch tennis balls belonging to other players. These should be passed with the racquet only. You can bring 2 balls and keep them in your pocket until it's your time to serve. Alternatively, you can bring a can of balls and put them on the side until it's your time to so serve. Either method is allowed, as long as tennis balls are not shared.
3. Avoid touching your face after handling a ball, racquet or other equipment
4. Do not touch nets, posts or the fence. If you wish to sit between games you must bring your own chair and ensure it's safely distant from other players.
5. Play only with the group you are assigned to reduce the number of people you are in contact with. Avoid changing pairings.
6. Court changes should occur at opposite sides of the net, taking care of maintaining social distancing with your partner and players in the adjacent courts.
7. There will be no access to the club house for any reason. City washrooms should be open at the back of the building and washrooms may possibly also be available in the community centre. For safety reasons, it is best if players avoid using washroom facilities altogether. You should wear a mask if you enter a washroom.
   

After you play

1. Leave the courts Immediately and safely as you head to the exit
2. Take any garbage with you to dispose of safely
3. Use hand sanitizer after coming off the court (please bring your own)