June 1st 2020 Update - Doubles now allowed !
Following the latest Government Covid -19 updates over the weekend of 30th / 31st May and further advice from our Governing body The LTA, we are now in a position to make a few changes to “Safe Tennis” at Abbeydale Tennis Club.
While it is great that the lockdown is being gradually relaxed, we are aware that our key responsibility is to keep members safe at The Club above all else and so although we will make slight changes to the way we run, we aren’t rushing in and throwing the doors wide open and forgetting that Covid 19 is still a problem and we are keeping that thought in the forefront of our minds in any actions we take.
The main change is that from June 1st 2020, Doubles may be played as well as singles with people from different households.
The LTA have produced a guideline for players which members can find at https://www.lta.org.uk/globalassets/news/2020/lta-guidance-for-tennis-players---covid-19.pdf. Please can all members make sure they have read this document before playing at The Club.
The LTA are now recommending that using one set of tennis balls is now acceptable. However, while as a Club we can’t argue with the science, we recommend caution and believe it must be slightly safer to have your own set of balls ( but this is just advisory )
Indoor Courts / Clubhouse:- The Clubhouse, Indoor Courts & Café must still remain closed until the next phase of Lockdown release.
Junior Squad Coaching:- While we are desperate to commence group coaching again, we only want restart when we are confident it is safe to do so and during the risk assessment we have carried out, we currently agree with The Sheffield Education Department ( who don’t think it’s safe yet for children to return to school ) and don’t think it would be responsible to restart the group coaching just yet. Over the next few days we will be seeking advice and making plans to provide safe group coaching and will announce further details very soon.
What is allowed as at 01/06/20 : -
a) Outdoor Tennis ONLY is allowed
b) NEW - Doubles can now be played
c) Reception Via Intercom during ( Limited ) working hours.
d) NEW - Club Programme / Coaching Small Groups:- Groups of 5 players ( & Coach ) are now allowed to meet and play sport as long as social distancing measures can be adhered to. However, The Club now needs to complete further risk assessments on the safety aspect of Group Coaching and we are awaiting The LTA’s guidance notes for coaches on “Safe Coaching” before announcing details of the Club Programme and when it can return. Provisionally we are planning to relaunch a New Club Programme from the W/C Monday 15th June 2020, subject to The Coaches being able to demonstrate to The Club they can plan sessions that are safe.
What isn’t allowed as at 01/06/20 : -
a) Indoor courts must remain closed.
b) Clubhouse must remain closed ( unless for outdoor court access )
c) Children Group Lessons - Risk Assessments and Play Safe Tennis plans are being currently developed and an announcement made within the next 14 days.