Playing Tennis Safely

RecTennis brings affordable, accessible, and fun tennis programs to Pacific Northwest communities. Our greatest priority is the safety and well-being of our participants, families, staff, volunteers, schools, and the tennis community. We are committed to ensuring a safe return to the game we all love.

To view a current list of Summer 2021 RecTennis locations, please visit our Summer Locations Page.

Safety Protocols

COVID-19 Health Declaration

If you can answer yes to any of the following 3 questions, you will NOT be permitted
to participate in any programs or activities…

In the last 14 days, have you experienced COVID-19 symptoms?
Cough, shortness of breath or difficulty breathing, or at least two of these symptoms: (a) fever of 100.4 or over; (b) chills: (c) repeated shaking with chills; (d) muscle pain; (e) headaches; (f) sore throat; and (g) new loss of taste or smell?
In the last 14 days, have you tested positive for COVID-19?
If you’ve tested positive, but subsequently tested negative for COVID-19 twice in a row, 24 hours apart, have been fever-free for 24 hours without the use of fever-reducing medication, and other symptoms have resolved, then you can answer “no”
In the last 14 days, have you been exposed to any individual who has symptoms of or has tested positive for COVID-19 and/or traveled to any known hot- spots for COVID-19?
Exposure means a household member, intimate partner, or other individuals in prolonged close contact (within 6 feet for more than 10 consecutive minutes).

Racquets

Participants are encouraged to bring their own equipment this year, including tennis racquets to the program if possible. Participants that would like to borrow a RecTennis racquet will be allowed to take home their racquet for the duration of the week. Racquets will be returned on Friday at the end of the program.

Hand Sanitation

RecTennis participants will be asked to disinfect their hands with hand sanitizer upon arrival receive hand sanitizer upon arrival and departure, as well as after using the restroom. Staff will also wash hands (if available) and use hand sanitizer at the start and finish of each program, after using the restroom and frequently throughout the day.

Registration

No cash, checks can be accepted for registration on-site. Online registration must be completed prior to arrival at the program. On-site registration will not be available unless it can be done online using your phone or tablet prior to the start of the program. Registration is available at RecTennis.com by selecting ‘find a program’, choosing your preferred state and city, then selecting an available location.

Waiver

All participants must sign the liability waiver prior to participation.

What to Bring

Participants are asked to bring face coverings, hand sanitizer, a water bottle, and a racquet if they have one at home. Participants will be given a section off-court to place their belongings, at least 6 feet away from other participants.

Check In and Check Out

Chalk lines or tape will be placed near courts, 6 feet apart, to allow for physical distancing during check-in and check-out. Once the participant has been checked in, they will be assigned to a staff person and given directions to their designated play area.

Facial Coverings

Effective beginning Friday, August 24th:
– Participant, employees, and guests who are fully vaccinated* may choose to remove facial coverings at RecTennis Summer Programs as listed below. Wearing a facial covering does not necessarily indicate vaccination status.
*CDC defines fully vaccinated as (a) 2 weeks after second dose in a 2-dose series for Pfizer or Moderna vaccines, or (b) 2 weeks after single-dose vaccine, Johnson & Johnson’s Janssen vaccine.

Facial Coverings are NOT required:
Outdoors: In Washington, Alaska, and Idaho, participants, employees, and guests may remove facial coverings when outdoors, regardless of age.

Facial Coverings are Required (continue to wear)
Outdoors: In Oregon, face coverings must be worn at all times, except when actively playing, eating or drinking for all staff and participants ages 5 and up.

Indoors (In case of rain-out/moving to indoor spaces): In Alaska, Idaho, Oregon, and Washington, participants, employees, and guests, must wear facial coverings indoors at all times, regardless of vaccination status, in case of rain-out/moving to indoor areas.

Safety Guidelines, Temperature Checks, and Daily Safety Protocols
Employees, participants, and guests will continue to align with safety guidelines, cleaning and safety protocols

Equipment Sanitation

All program equipment (targets, cones, etc.) will be sanitized after each program. Staff will be given supplies and allotted times each day to complete this process.

Physical Distancing

Participants will be asked to only touch their own equipment, including tennis balls, whenever possible. The curriculum has been modified to remove games and activities requiring equipment swaps, and those activities requiring close proximity with other participants.

getting back on the courts

preparing to play tennis

• wash hands with disinfectant soap & water (for 20 seconds or longer)
• clean and wipe down equipment (racquets & water bottles)
• bring a full water bottle
• consider extra precautions such as wearing gloves.
• sneeze or cough into a tissue or upper sleeve.
• arrive on time.
• avoid touching court gates, fences, benches, etc. if you can.

when playing

• try to stay at least six feet apart from other players (no handshakes/high fives)
• avoid touching your face after handling a ball, racquet, or other equipment.
• avoid sharing food, drinks, or towels.
• avoid using your hands to pick up the balls.
• avoid changing ends of the court
• remain apart from other players when taking a break.
• if a ball comes to you, send it back with a kick or with your racquet.

after playing

• leave the court as soon as reasonably possible.
• wash your hands thoroughly or use a hand sanitizer after coming off the court.
• no extra-curricular or social activity should take place. No congregation after playing.
• all players should leave the area immediately after play.

coronavirus faqs

What is Coronavirus? COVID-19 is a type of virus that affects the respiratory tract. This group of viruses is associated with the common cold, pneumonia and severe acute respiratory syndrome. To date, it is known to spread through human contact in a manner similar to the influenza virus.

What are Common Coronavirus Symptoms? Common symptoms include fever, cough, shortness of breath, headaches and sore throat. Symptoms of the virus typically develop up to 14 days after exposure.

How is Coronavirus Prevented? The best way to prevent illness is to avoid being exposed to this virus. We encourage you to use safety practices similar to protecting yourselves and others from a cold and flu.

What are common safety practices? Wash your hands with soap and water frequently or use hand sanitizer; Sneeze or cough into a tissue (If unavailable, sneeze or sough into your elbow/upper sleeve; Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth with unwashed hands; Limit close contact (hand-shaking, hugging, kissing) and avoid sharing food, drinks or towels with people; Clean and disinfect objects and surfaces.

What if a participant is showing symptoms? Participants experiencing any cold/flu symptoms, or symptoms associated with COVID-19 are asked to stay home and not attend programming. Participants that begin to feel symptoms during a program are asked to let their Site Director know as soon as possible. These individuals will be asked to distance themselves from others and their parent/guardian will be contacted so they can go home as soon as possible.

Will face masks be required? All RecTennis sStaff will be required to wear face coveringsmasks during check-in and check-out times and are encouraged to wear them throughout the program duration. Participants can wear a face covering, but it is not required.