Covid-19 Tennis Play Guidelines

Eagle Ridge Members and Families,

Members must reserve a court each time they play. Reservations can be made online using the button on the club home page.

WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW:

Players 17 and under must be accompanied by a parent or an adult over 18 years of age.
Tennis is for Members only. Guests/Non-members are not allowed.
Bathrooms will be closed and no facilities will be provided.
All other areas of Eagle Ridge are not to be used while on the premises. This includes the playground, sandbox, pavilion, playing fields, etc.
Failure to follow the rules and guidelines may result in the revocation of tennis playing privileges.

The sport of tennis naturally lends itself to social distancing. With a few modifications, tennis can still be enjoyed and can play a vital role in managing stress, socializing safely, and providing the opportunity for members to engage in much-needed exercise. The following modifications have been created in conjunction with recommendations outlined by the CDC, OSHA, and USTA.

WHAT TO BRING TO THE TENNIS COURT:

Face covering
Hand sanitizer or disinfecting wipes
Water bottle large enough to keep you hydrated during play.
Consider taking extra precaution such as wearing gloves.
Sharpie to mark your personal tennis balls or use 2 different numbered balls as outlined in WHEN PLAYING.

TENNIS COURTS:

Stay home if you are experiencing any symptoms of COVID-19, including but not limited to: mild to severe respiratory illness with fever, cough, chills, muscle pain, sore throat, new loss of taste or smell, etc.
Stay home if you have been in contact with someone with COVID-19 within the past 14 days.
Please do not play tennis if you have preexisting conditions, as defined by the CDC, that puts you at greater risk of contracting COVID-19.
As hand sanitizer is commercially in short supply, we ask that you bring your own.
All benches are removed from the tennis courts. Any trash can be put in the dumpster.
Arrive no sooner than 10 minutes before your reservation. Do not enter the courts until the players have left the court you have reserved.
Continue to be respectful to fellow members by keeping your distance as recommended by the CDC.

PREPARING TO PLAY:

Protect against infections:

Please use a hand sanitizer before going onto the court. Please bring your own sanitizer.
Do not share racquets or any other equipment such as wristbands, grips, hats and towels.
Use new balls and a new grip if possible.
If you need to sneeze or cough, do so into a tissue or upper sleeve. Please take any used tissues with you when you leave or put them in the dumpster.
Avoid touching court nets, fences, etc. if you can.

WHEN PLAYING:

As recommended by the USTA: Although unlikely, it is possible that a tennis ball can transmit the COVID-19 virus, as virtually any hard surface can transmit the disease. So, here are extra precautions you can take to keep safe when playing tennis:
- Open two cans of tennis balls that do not share the same number on the tennis balls.
- Take one set of numbered balls, and have your playing partner take the set of balls from the other can.
- Proceed with play, making sure to pick up your set of numbered balls only. Should a ball with the other number wind up on your side of the court, do not touch the ball with your hands. Use your racket head or your feet to advance the ball to the other side of the court.
Try to stay at least six feet apart from other players. Do not make physical contact with them (such as shaking hands or a high five).
Doubles play is recommended only for members of the same household. You should consider not playing doubles with individuals not in your household as it could lead to incidental contact and unwanted proximity. If you do play doubles, avoid all incidental contact.
Avoid touching your face after handling a ball, racquet, or other equipment. Sanitize your hands promptly if you have touched your eyes, nose or mouth.
Avoid sharing food, drinks, or towels.
Use your racquet/ foot to pick up balls and hit them to your opponent. Avoid using your hands to pick up the tennis balls.
Stay on your side of the court. Avoid changing ends of the court.
Remain apart from other players when taking a break.
If a ball from another court comes to you, send it back with a kick or with your racquet.

AFTER PLAYING:

USTA recommendations suggest sanitizing your equipment after playing.
Please take everything with you. This includes the balls and any garbage.
Leave the court as soon as reasonably possible.
Please use your hand sanitizer after coming off the court.
No extra-curricular or social activity should take place. No congregating after playing.

Thank you for your patience and support as we navigate through this pandemic. Together we can make tennis fun, enjoyable, and safe!