Following the Prime Minister’s statement on 23 June and the subsequent updated guidance published by the Government on 30 June for the phased return of sport and recreation, the LTA has worked to develop an updated set of practical guidelines for venues, coaches and players.  Key additions and updates to the guidelines have been clearly marked on the pdfs, including what dates they apply from where applicable.

These guidelines apply to both tennis and padel, and outline adaptations and considerations so that tennis and associated activity can be enjoyed in a way that is in line with Government advice and helps to prevent the spread of COVID-19. They include measures to maintain hygiene and minimise unnecessary interactions with others.

These guidelines apply to England only, and have been produced to help venues, coaches and players operate in line with the Government guidance. The full guidelines can be downloaded below – please ensure you read the relevant guidelines in full:

Guidance for tennis players

Guidance for tennis venues

While there are no significant changes to the core aspects of the guidelines, there are a number of updates venues, coaches and players should familiarise themselves with, including the relaxation of some of the previous precautionary measures, as well as new opportunities such as the reopening of clubhouses and bars from 4 July.  However, the maximum size of groups will remain at no more than six people, and indoor changing facilities and sports courts should remain closed.

The LTA remains in continued dialogue with Government, and we anticipate larger groups being permitted and indoor tennis courts being able to reopen as restrictions are further eased. The Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport has indicated that subject to public health, it is the Government’s aspiration to reopen indoor gyms and leisure facilities in mid-July.

We will share further updates with regards to the easing of restrictions as decisions are made, and ask that until that time venues and players remain patient and follow the guidelines that are in place.

Players are asked to be patient with venues and coaches as they take the necessary time to safely implement the guidelines in a way appropriate for their own circumstances.

Fixtures:  A dedicated Fixtures page lists all the fixtures for our competetive teams and you will see that the different leagues are colour coded.

Calendar:   All our main organised activities through the summer can be found on the Calendar page – matches, social tennis and coaching etc.  Simple to use and if you put the cursor over a calendar entry you will get some more information e.g. where there is a match, it will tell you where the match is and who the opponents are and start and approximate finish times.

Tournaments: There is a dedicated Tournaments page and all the draws will be accessible from this page once the draws have been made.

Links: There are various links through the site – on the Home page there is a link to the club’s Facebook page, and to Ridgeway Sports and Social Club.  On the Sidebar there is a link to the BBC Sport page by clicking on  BBC Tennis News and links to the four most recent tennis news item from the BBC Sport pages. a link to the S & D LTA site on the Fixtures page and a link to the LTA site on the LTA page.  There is also a link to Club Rackets on the Open Morning information in Upcoming events once you open the item up.

Mick Mason

Chair