The Official Rules of Tennis

Please click here to access the 2009 Rules of Tennis.

Club Play and Court Times

Please see the Court Timetable, which is also available on the Club Notice Board for your playing times. There are times when not all the courts are available for social play. This is due to coaching, matches and other factors. In club sessions all play is doubles and the ‘mixing in’ rule applies. This means that after playing one short set (first pair to 6 games), everyone mixes in with any member (or guest) who is waiting to play, or if no-one is waiting, mixes in with other players as they finish their sets.

Social play at the weekend afternoons is usually organized by 2 members. When you come to one of these sessions, introduce yourself to the member doing ‘the board’ on that day. They will explain the system to you. On Saturday and Sunday afternoons tea and cakes are usually available for a small charge between about 4 pm-4.30pm.

Tennis Attire

All members shall wear recognised tennis clothing (coloured shorts/skirts are allowed) and white tennis shoes. The soles should not be black or have ridges, which cut the shale courts. If you are in any doubt about your shoes, please check with a member of the committee before playing.

Tennis Balls

You should have a tube of tennis balls of a reasonable standard for club play. Used match balls can be bought from the team captains. New balls are also on sale.

Care of shale courts

DO

Water before use in dry conditions. 

To do this, press the button on the fence (car park side). The power for the pump will remain on for approx 20 minutes. The hand held hoses can then be turned on.

Sweep the courts after use

Either across the court (side to side) or up and down, with a soft broom or by dragging the carpet across the court. Please do the area behind the base lines where any disturbance has taken place.

DON’T

Wear shoes with ridges or studs as these destroy the surface

Play on dry courts as this will break up the surface

Court Etiquette

Please remember not to cross the back of the court whilst  play is in progress.

Guests

Guests may play at the club up to 3 times, after which they are expected to join. There is a fee of £3 per visit.

Complaints and Suggestions

If you have any questions or comments, please contact a committee member. There is usually a committee member at the club during social play— otherwise our phone numbers are available here or on the club notice board.