Dear tennis players,

Hundreds of you have reached out in the last couple of days asking questions about coronavirus, so I wanted to address how it impacts tennis and how we’re navigating these uncertain times here at PlayYourCourt.

There’s no sugar coating it…

This sucks. 

Businesses are shutting down, people are losing jobs, and schools are closing their doors. 

These are really tough times and I want you to know my sincere thoughts and prayers go out to each and every one of you that has been at all impacted by this pandemic. 

For a lot of us, the biggest frustration is not knowing what we’re actually allowed to do or when things will “return to normal.”

I’m not a doctor, but my #1 priority is the safety of you and your family…

So I wanted to share with you how clubs and tennis businesses throughout the industry are being advised on how to proceed.

Before I begin, it’s extremely important to understand that this is a rapidly evolving issue and that guidelines vary considerably depending on where you are in the world.

NOTHING in this update supersedes your local government and CDC regulations so please consult local policy for more guidance on appropriate behavior in your area.

We all know tennis is a unique sport which has many benefits, the primary one being health and wellbeing. 

Most local governments have stated that physical exercise that takes place at a safe distance from others in safe exercise environments is something that can and should continue at this time.

In fact the Department of Culture, Media and Sport in the UK has specifically advised that tennis is one of the best examples of social distancing in practice and should be encouraged as long as the appropriate precautions are taken.

Venues, including public parks and clubs across the world, are all independent organizations that are making their own assessment on whether or not a safe exercise environment can be provided.

If as a result of that assessment a venue or court is closed, it is important that decision is respected by players.

If a venue remains open, tennis activity can take place as long as it is done in a way that is compliant with local government and CDC guidelines.

We all have a huge responsibility to behave appropriately right now, so if you decide to play tennis the following precautions should be taken to help you enjoy safer recreational play or take part in safer tennis instruction:

1. Play should be in line with the government’s advised social distancing measures, including when arriving to and departing from a court.
2. Social spaces (such as changing areas and bathrooms) should be closed, if they are open they still should not be used.
3. Players are advised not to change ends during play.
4. Avoid close proximity when resting.
5. Ensure no physical contact during games – no hand shakes or high fives.
6. For tennis balls, consider using new balls where possible – do not pass on to other friends for use after your own game.  Alternatively, each player could have their own tennis balls identified by number, brand, or writing their initials and ensure that they are the only person to touch that tennis ball with their hands. For other tennis balls, other methods such as lifting with a foot and racket or scooping up from the ground with the racket could be used.
7. Avoid touching your face.
8. Outdoor courts and open spaces are preferable to small indoor spaces.
9. Players should wash hands before and after a tennis session without exception or use an alcohol-based sanitizer if hand-washing is not possible.
10. Clean and wipe down your equipment, including rackets and water bottles. Do not share equipment.
11. No extra-curricular or social activity should take place.

I would like to reiterate that this is a rapidly evolving issue and that guidelines vary considerably depending on where you are in the world.

Please refer to your local government and CDC regulations for more guidance on appropriate behavior in your area.

Regardless of your local coronavirus regulations, PlayYourCourt will do our absolute best to ensure the safest possible environment for you to improve your tennis game.

For those of you that live in the United States, we will continue to offer lessons where permitted in accordance with local government and CDC regulations…

For those of you in our worldwide community that are comfortable and legally permitted to play tennis, we suggest you follow the guidelines we have laid out in this email to ensure the safest playing environment possible…

And finally for those of you not permitted or uncomfortable to play tennis, I encourage you to join our membership program where you can watch hundreds of hours of video instruction right from your couch. When things finally return to normal, you’ll be part of a great community of tennis players excited to practice all the new things you learned.

During times like these it’s important that we all stick together and do everything possible to ensure the safety and health of our family and friends.  Please make good decisions, look out for each other on and off the tennis court, and wash your hands!

From the bottom of my heart thank you for all of your love and support.  Please stay safe out there.

Sincerely,

Scott Baxter
CEO & Founder
PlayYourCourt