Knowle Lawn Tennis Club

MESSAGE FROM THE CHAIRMAN (18th May 2020):

Dear Members

It is with some pleasure that I can announce that the courts will re-open on a restricted basis on Wednesday 20^th May at 9am. Please read the guidance and conditions of play, and important news regarding membership. You will note that you can only play if you book a court. Clubspark will be open from tomorrow Tuesday 19^th May to enable bookings to be made. I would emphasise that it is very important that the guidance and conditions of play are followed in order that play can resume in as safer way as possible. I would like to thank you for your indulgence over the last few difficult weeks.

Peter Wayborn
Chairman

GUIDANCE AND CONDITIONS OF PLAY

PLAYERS

Players are restricted to 2 per court for singles play. The only exception is where 4 players from the same household attend, in which case doubles can be played. All players must be members of the Club. A junior member may only play with another member who is 18 years or over.

MEMBERSHIP

It is clear that the benefit of membership this year will not be what we anticipated even a few weeks ago. As a result we have decided to reduce the cost of membership by 25% for the year 2020/21.

So the rates become:

Membership	Discounted rate (Paying in full by 31 May 2020)	Full rate
Full adult	£145.50	£154.50
Weekday	£78.75	£82.50
Young adult (19-22)	£82.50	£91.50
Young Adult (16-18) full playing rights	£45.00	£48.00
Junior	£27.00	£27.00

In order to be able to play, all players will need to have paid. We request that instalments are avoided, as we already 2.5 months into the year, but if your circumstances do not permit payment in full then payment can be made over 3 monthly instalments. Please also remember to complete the membership form on the website. This a legal requirement and is a condition of membership. This gives the tennis club bank details.

If you have already paid the full rate – firstly thank you! You will in the light of the reduction be entitled to claim a refund of 25% of the amount paid. If you wish to claim please e-mail the treasurer, Tony Willford, and provide details of the membership being reclaimed, details of the bank account to be credited – sort code, account number and full name of the account holder. Tony’s e-mail address is tonywillford@hotmail.com.

BOOKING OF COURTS

Players must book a court prior to attendance. You cannot turn up and play. This can be done via Clubspark and the times available will be shown for respective courts. You can only book one hour time slots. Initially the courts will be available for play between 9am and 8.30pm. Players should arrive promptly for their allocated period of play and they should also complete their use of the court at or just before the stipulated time to enable social distancing to be maintained during changeover periods.

BALLS

Players should use their own clearly marked tennis balls and the individual to whom they belong should be the only person to handle those balls. If you need to return a ball to a player on the other side of the net or to another court they should be picked up with the racket hit or kicked to their intended destination. Club balls will not be provided. However the club will give each full adult member a tube of new balls free which can be obtained by prior arrangement from Tony Willford at his home address, Mob 07976560206. Any subsequent balls can be purchased at £5 per tube.

HYGIENE

All players are expected to provide their own sanitiser and it is requested that the keypads on the entrances be wiped before and after use. Likewise the latches on the court gates. Please note that the clubhouse will remain closed for use so that there are no toilet or changing facilities available at this time. It is advised that all equipment used should be wiped and cleaned after use. Players should also avoid the use of court benches where possible. All the nets have been raised to the correct height and the winders removed. Players should also avoid using the benches on the patios.

SOCIAL DISTANCING

Players should stay at least two metres away from other players at all times including during play, when taking breaks and before and after play. Do not make physical contact with other players (such as shaking hands or high five). Stay on your side of court and avoid changing ends, or agree to change ends at opposite sides of the net. Avoid chasing the ball down to another court if other players are using it. It is also very important to maintain social distancing during the time players are coming on and off court and to leave the club promptly.

FIRST AID

Due to there being no access to the clubhouse, the first aid box has been placed in the outside cupboard which houses the floodlights fuse board and can be used as required.

These guidelines have been produced in line with the Government guidance on public spaces, outdoor activity and exercise published on 11 May 2020, and guidance given by the LTA both of which can be read on their respective websites.

If you can play the game and are looking for a new club, or if you are a complete novice in search of coaching, the folks of Knowle Lawn Tennis club look forward to welcoming you in to their vibrant community.