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 2020 RecTennis locations, please visit our Summer Locations Page.
Safety Protocols
Temperature Checks
Participants and staff must have their temperature taken before the start of each program. Anyone with a temperature exceeding 100.4 degrees fahrenheit will not be permitted to participate and asked to return home.
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” - 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.
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.
Mandatory Face Coverings
To align with all CDC, Federal, state, and local safety guidelines, we require all staff and participants to wear face coverings to participate in any RecTennis Programming.
• Staff must wear USTA PNW provided face coverings when proper physical distancing guidelines cannot be maintained.
• Participants ages 5 and above are required to wear protective face coverings when arriving, departing and when physical distancing guidelines cannot be maintained.
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.
Waiver
All participants must sign the liability waiver prior to participation. For participants registered after June 12th, your waiver was included in your registration. If you registered prior to this date, an updated waiver will be sent to you for completion.
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.
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
• use new balls and a new grip, if possible.
• 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
• 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.
• do not use the locker room or changing area. Shower at home.
• no extra-curricular or social activity should take place. No congregation after playing.
• all players should leave the facility immediately after play.
