Play Guidelines

The Capilano Tennis Club strives to ensure that playing tennis at our facility is fun and enjoyable for everyone. Therefore we have defined and strongly support the following as 'Play Guidelines' for all members and guests. These guidelines complement but do not replace the Tennis Canada Code of Conduct or the official ITF Rules of Tennis. If you observe another player (or players) NOT observing these guidelines:

• (If you feel comfortable doing so) Quietly but clearly point out the breach of the guidelines you feel has been observed, and ask the offending player(s) to please not repeat.
• (If you do not feel comfortable speaking to the other player(s)) If the pro is on site, tell him/her about the situation and ask him/her to speak to the offender(s).
• If the pro (or a member of the club executive) is not on site, note the details of what you observed and email or phone your concern to the club President, who will follow up as appropriate and reasonable.

CAPILANO TENNIS CLUB PLAY GUIDELINES 

1. Treat other players with respect. Even in competitive situations, we're all playing for enjoyment and exercise - keep that idea firmly in your head at all times.

• Don't criticize your partner when playing doubles - compliment him/her for a good shot, but say nothing or provide encouragement when he/she makes an error.
• Don't argue with your partner or opponents about line calls, scoring or how balls are played.
• Always respect the line calls of your opponent . Each player (or team) makes calls on his/her/their side of the net. Let your opponent(s) hear (or see via hand signals) the call. 

2. Avoid being a distraction to other players.

• Talk quietly when near tennis courts that are in use. Minimize shouting and other noises while playing. Hand signals for in and out balls are a good idea, because verbal calls may be difficult to hear.
• Never walk behind a court when a point is still in play. If you have to cross a court, wait for a break in play and quickly cross over either at the net or at the back.
• Use the closest gate to enter or exit the court. If you are playing on court 3 or 4, use the west gate. If you are playing on court 1 or 2, use the east gate. The double gate beside court 1 is intended only for maintenance access (e.g. putting up or taking down nets and windscreens) and for moving the ball machine on and off the court.
• If your ball goes on to an adjoining court DO NOT go on to that court to retrieve your ball. Wait for a break in the adjoining court game and then ask to have your ball returned. If the players are taking a break on the sidelines, you may go onto their court quickly to retrieve your ball.
• Retrieve balls for your partner and your opponent. When sending balls back to a neighboring court, either pass them to a player who is ready to receive them, or roll them on to the back of the court. Never send them back while play is in progress.
• If people are already playing on a court you hope to use, don't disturb them until their time is up.

3. Maintain safety and cleanliness of our facility at all times.

• Ensure that bags, racquet covers, ball cans, jackets etc., are placed out of everyone's way when you are on court.
• Keep all garbage (including tennis ball cans and lids) in your bag or otherwise under control while playing, and place all garbage in the receptacles provided. If you observe garbage or any other hazards on the courts, please pick it up and place it in a receptacle.
• Wear non-marking shoesat all times when on the courts. Appropriate tennis wear (proper athletic wear) is encouraged.

4. Honour the club rules regarding the length of time you can  hold a court when others are waiting - 30 minutes for singles, 60 minutes for doubles.