COVID - 19 Update of 13/06/20 - No Further Relaxation of Indoor Tennis Rules

Following The Government’s latest announcement on Thursday 11th June 2020, releasing further Lockdown restrictions, such as non essential retail businesses being able to reopen, we were hopeful that we would be in a position to announce further relaxations for tennis.

However, despite Clubs ( including Abbeydale lobbying The LTA to get clarity from The Sports Minister ) on Friday June 12th the latest update The LTA referred Venues, Coaches and Players to the June 1st announcement, with NO NEW ADDITIONS AT ALL.

Indoor Tennis and Tennis Clubhouses are currently being treated in the same category as Gyms and restaurants and so until further updates, for the w/c 15th June, we will unfortunately still be without The Clubhouse and Indoor courts !

I strongly hold the view that it should be easy to keep a 2m distance in a 12,000 square foot building and there isn’t a safer sport !! but equally, we can’t ignore the safety recommendations that the The Government and our Governing Body have advised and so we have to be satisfied for now with just outdoor courts and both singles and doubles, plus small coaching groups.

Just a reminder that The Club Programme re-starts ( outside ) from Monday 22nd June and all sessions are bookable online through The ClubSpark website.

I hope that The LTA listen to us and I can come back to you very soon with a more positive update ( especially with the recent poor weather ) on the reopening of indoor facilities.

If any of you want to keep an eye on The LTA’s latest advice, please click on the link below or visit The LTA website.

https://www.lta.org.uk/about-us/tennis-news/news-and-opinion/general-news/2020/march/coronavirus-covid-19---latest-advice/

 

June 1st England - LTA Return to Managed Play

Following the further easing of restrictions in England from 1 June announced by the Prime Minister on Thursday evening (28 May) and the publication of detailed Government guidance on Sunday (31 May), the Government has confirmed what these measures mean in relation to tennis. Players from different households can now play doubles together as long as they stay two metres apart as far as possible, and small group coaching for up to six people (including coaches) can resume.
These developments to the measures are detailed on the Gov.uk website under their guidance for 'Gatherings, public spaces and and outdoor activities' (see 1.6) and in their information for the public for the 'Phased return of outdoor sport and recreation'.
Based on our continued discussions with Government and in line with its detailed guidance published on Sunday, the LTA has worked to develop an updated set of practical guidelines as soon as possible for venues, coaches and players to apply from 1 June so that tennis can be played in England, where the local environment allows. We have clearly indicated the key additions and updates to the guidelines on the pdfs.


These guidelines apply to both tennis and padel, and outline adaptations and considerations so that tennis 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 currently 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 before undertaking tennis activity: