Code of Conduct & Etiquette
The Code of Conduct should be interpreted in a spirit of integrity, transparency and common sense, with the best interests of children and adults at risk as the primary consideration.
The Globe LTC is committed to promoting a Safe and Inclusive Code of Conduct, the aims of which encourage everyone to:
• Prioritise the well-being of all children and adults at all times
• Be a positive role model. Act with integrity, even when no one is looking
• Help to create a safe and inclusive environment both on and off court and promote the Fair Play values: enjoy; respect
• Value and celebrate diversity and make all reasonable efforts to meet individual needs
• Keep clear boundaries between your professional and personal life, including on social media
• Check you have the relevant consent from parents/carers, children and adults before taking or using photos and videos
• Ensure your own roles and responsibilities, and those of everyone you are responsible for, are clearly outlined and everyone has the information, training and support to carry them out
• Where possible, do not be alone with a child or adult at risk
Do not abuse, neglect, harm or discriminate against anyone; or act in a way that may be interpreted as such*
Doing nothing is NOT an option: report all concerns and disclosures as soon as possible, following the Concern Reporting Procedure. If someone is in immediate danger, call the police (999)*It is illegal to have a relationship with someone who is under 18 years old if you are in a position of trust; it is illegal to have a sexual relationship with anyone under the age of 16 whether they give consent or not.
Observe Court Etiquette & Fair Play
We are all keen to enjoy our sport so we have just a simple Ground Rule to make the playing experience more enjoyable for all and that is ‘Keep it clean!’. The ‘it’ being:
• the courts,
• your language and
• your play.
Leave the courts free of litter and don’t let the frustrations of the game make you an unpleasant person to play with.
If floodlights are required and you are the last on court, please turn off the floodlights and shut all doors and lights – there is a penalty charge for leaving floodlights on and not locking doors.
Please do not walk behind players whilst a rally is in progress, this is to avoid distracting other members and most importantly to avoid any potential accidents on court.
If a stray ball comes onto your court don’t knock it back immediately, wait until the owners are ready and then hit it to the server’s end.
During play and particularly between games, keep the amount and volume of conversation down to a minimum necessary to play and enjoy your own games. Too much chatter can be disturbing to those playing nearby.
Line calls can be a problem and we recommend calling the lines on your side of the net with fairness. If you are not absolutely certain or didn’t see the ball clearly, the ball was IN and must be given in the opponents favour. If occasionally you have serious doubts as to your opponent’s eyesight, ask politely if they are certain as to the accuracy of their call. If they say that they are, get on with the next point. If you feel your opponents regularly have difficulties making correct calls, start looking for different opponents!
If in social friendly matches there is some doubt over a line call, offer to play the point again rather than cause undue aggravation and time wasting. Do not criticise your partner or opponent, be positive and offer encouragement instead. Overall, use your best judgement and we all want to be competitive but don’t let your emotions get on top of you!
All Club members and Club officials must show tolerance, courtesy, good manners, fairness, honesty and integrity in their dealings with Club members, officials, Club members’ guests, playing and social visitors.
All Club members will respect the rules of the sport of tennis and address disputes with dignity and appropriate language.
All Club members should endeavour to protect and further the Club’s good reputation at all times. When representing the Club, all players and officials will observe the principles in this Code of Conduct.