Missouri Valley

Welcome People Back Safely With Tennis In The Parks

July 06, 2020


As individual states and local communities begin to re-open on the heels of the COVID-19 pandemic, the American populace is particularly eager to return to some form of physical activity and social engagement. Tennis is one sport that is particularly well-positioned to satisfy those desires, as it requires no direct physical contact and, when played within specific guidelines, can be played both safely and enjoyably. For those reasons, tennis is primed to serve a central role in the recovery of communities across the U.S.  

 

Indeed, tennis figures as the ultimate return sport; a leader in a gradual and measured return to normalcy. The USTA has outlined specific guidelines for both players and facilities that, when followed correctly and in conjunction with local, regional, and federal regulations from government and health agencies, will create a safe and fun experience for all. You can find more details on usta.com

 

According to the 2019 NRPA Agency Performance Review, 80 percent of NRPA members offer tennis courts at their facility. Because tennis is played in a variety of venues across the U.S., from local parks courts to private facilities, it is imperative that teaching professionals and coaches, facility administrators and parks and recreation managers, all commit to playing an important role in keeping the sport’s community safe at all levels. Though staffing capabilities may vary, those involved should nonetheless be both proactive and diligent in providing a clean environment, adhering to sanitary practices, planning activities, storing and distributing equipment, and communicating their plan of action to staff and patrons. 

 

At the start, programming should be limited to activities such as casual court rental, one-on-one coaching, small groups, and private lessons. Staff should wear masks and gloves when checking in players and should wash their hands and/or gloves often and after touching items. Teaching professionals for structured programming should be assigned to specific courts, and if possible, specific days and times. When booking courts for play, staff should stagger sessions to create a buffer that will allow for the proper disinfecting of courts and other areas, and it is encouraged that every other court is used, where possible, to further promote social distancing. Capturing accurate, complete information upon reservation is a must, in the event that proper health authorities need to trace who has been on-site.

 

At all facilities, all surfaces — such as counters, tabletops, doorknobs, bathroom fixtures, and toilets — should be cleaned several times a day while wearing disposable gloves. The use of indoor spaces, such as locker room and shower areas, should be avoided, and these should be kept closed whenever possible. Court gates should be left open, while stair rails should be wrapped with caution tape to discourage touching, or else should be wiped down every hour. 

 

On court, scoreboards and similar devices should be removed from nets, and disinfectant soap, hand sanitizers or wipes should be available for participants to use. Players should be discouraged from handling balls and other coaching equipment during lessons — instead, the coach or teaching pro should handle these items and work closely with staff to ensure proper disinfection. Using new balls on a very regular basis is highly encouraged, as is restricting balls to a particular group, court or day of the week, and labeling them with a permanent marker. Although there is no specific evidence that tennis balls can spread COVID-19, contamination by respiratory droplets from an infected person can potentially survive on hard surfaces up to three days.

 

Tennis is a wonderful, healthy, social sport, and as it benefits the physical, mental and social health of its participants is also aligned with the NRPA’s pillar of health and wellness. It can be an important factor in getting people active again after a sedentary few months. And when people are active and healthy, the communities in which they live reflect that, becoming more active and more vibrant themselves.

 

Tennis is a great sport to come back to, and by following these guidelines and taking every precaution to help keep all participants safe, tennis not only will return to courts all across the country but will again thrive there. 

 

USTA Tennis Resources to Step Up Your Game

 

The USTA has many resources available to your parks and recreation facilities. Contact your local Tennis Service Representative to learn more about these tools. 

 

Program Resources on the Tennis Service Center

  • Net Generation youth tennis manuals, equipment, and workshops

  • Youth programs including Team Challenges, Team Tournaments and Team Tennis

  • Grants for court construction, equipment, and more

 

Court Resources

  • Tennis Venue & Design Group, business development, technical, advocacy, and facility funding

  • Maintenance support including Tennis Courts - A Construction and Maintenance Manual Published by the USTA and the American Sports Builders Association

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