Ballinasloe and District Tennis Club
Code of Conduct
Ballinasloe & District Tennis Club is committed to providing a safe, welcoming and inclusive environment for all members and visitors.
1. Introduction
Ballinasloe & District Tennis Club is committed to providing a safe, welcoming and inclusive environment for all members and visitors. The club promotes the values of respect, fairness, sportsmanship and community participation in line with best practice within Irish tennis.
The club provides modern all-weather courts and facilities for players of all ages and abilities and encourages participation through coaching, social play, competitions and club events.
All members are expected to behave responsibly and respectfully when using club facilities or representing the club.
2. Respect and Behaviour
Members must:
- Treat fellow members, visitors, coaches and committee members with respect at all times.
- Display good sportsmanship during all matches, training sessions and club events.
- Avoid behaviour that could be considered abusive, threatening, intimidating or discriminatory.
- Respect the rights of others to enjoy the club facilities.
3. Respect for the Local Community
The club is located in a residential area and members must act responsibly when arriving at and leaving the club.
Members must:
- Drive carefully and observe the 30 km/h speed limit when approaching the club grounds.
- Be mindful of noise levels, particularly during evening hours.
- Ensure that floodlights are not used after 10:00 pm in consideration of neighbouring residents.
4. Access to Courts
Tennis courts are for members only.
Each member receives a court access code, which must not be shared with non-members.
Members are responsible for ensuring that gates are locked and key box codes are scrambled after use.
5. Court Booking and Fair Use
To ensure fair access to facilities:
- All courts must be booked through the club’s online booking system before play.
- Members should only book courts when they have confirmed a playing partner.
- Players must leave the court promptly when their booking time ends, particularly when another member is waiting to play.
6. Guests and Visitors
Members may introduce guests under the following conditions:
- A member may bring a non-member guest on one occasion free of charge, provided a member of the committee is informed in advance.
- If the same guest wishes to play again without joining the club, a €10 guest fee applies.
- Guests must follow the same rules and standards as members.
7. Care of Courts and Facilities
Members must help maintain the club facilities.
Members must:
- Keep the courts free from litter.
- Ensure all equipment and storage areas are left tidy.
- Report any damage or maintenance issues to the committee.
Food and drink guidelines:
- Only water may be consumed on the courts.
- Food and other drinks should be consumed outside the playing area.
8. Clothing and Footwear
Players must wear appropriate tennis footwear when using the courts.
Proper trainers help protect the playing surface and reduce the risk of injury to players.
9. Safety and Incident Reporting
If members experience unsocial or inappropriate behaviour from non-members or others on the premises:
- They should inform a member of the committee immediately.
- Members should not confront or engage directly with individuals behaving inappropriately.
10. Junior Members
Ballinasloe & District Tennis Club encourages junior participation and development in tennis.
All adults interacting with junior members must do so in a respectful and appropriate manner and in accordance with the club’s Child Safeguarding Policy and Tennis Ireland safeguarding guidelines.
Parents or guardians remain responsible for junior members when they are not participating in organised club activities.
11. Breach of Code
Failure to comply with this Code of Conduct may result in action by the club committee, which may include warnings, suspension or termination of membership in accordance with the club constitution.
12. Acceptance
By becoming a member of Ballinasloe & District Tennis Club, members agree to abide by this Code of Conduct and support the positive reputation and community spirit of the club.