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.
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.
Always wear proper tennis shoes
This isn’t because of the country club dress attire, it’s because black-soled shoes leave marks on the courts that are difficult to get off. Some shoes can damage the courts. 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
A great deal of time and money goes into maintaining tennis courts, and it is not for racing with bicycles or other activities. 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 you have in rubbish bins near the court – if there aren’t any, take it home with you.
Monitor children 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.
Have fun!
The entire objective of playing 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.
Thank you for supporting your local tennis club
