1. Introduction 

Eltham Tennis Club (ETC) is an inclusive tennis community dedicated to fostering the game of tennis to create enjoyment, develop social connections, and promote physical and mental wellbeing. This Code of Conduct outlines the standards of behaviour expected of all members, guests, and visitors to maintain the integrity and good spirit of our club. By entering the facility or renewing membership, all individuals agree to abide by this Code. This Code aligns with Tennis Australia’s Code of Behaviour for Competitve Play. 

2. General Principles 

Everyone attending Eltham Tennis Club is expected to: 

• Respect Others: Respect the rights, dignity, and worth of every person, regardless of their age, gender, ability, sexual orientation, cultural background, or religion. 
• Contribute to a safe environment: Refrain from any form of harassment, discrimination, physical or verbal abuse, or intimidating behaviour towards others. 
• Be Honest: Act with integrity and honesty in all dealings with the club and other members. 
• Be a Role Model: Demonstrate high standards of behaviour, especially when in the presence of members under 18 years of age. 
• Ensure the Safety of Children: ETC has zero tolerance to the harm, abuse and/or neglect of children in any form. Safeguarding children is a shared responsibility between all club members and guests. The club aligns with Tennis Australia’s Safeguarding Children Code of Conduct. 

3. Player Conduct 

Whether playing socially or in competition, players must adhere to the rules of tennis and the spirit of fair play. 

• Fair Play: Compete to the best of your ability but always promote fair play over "winning at all costs." If playing without an umpire, call lines honestly and fairly. 
• Respect Officials: Abide by the rules and respect the decisions of umpires and club officials. 
• Control: Refrain from audible obscenities, verbal abuse, or the abuse of racquets, balls, and court fixtures. 
• Court Etiquette: Offer to replay points if interrupted by balls from other courts. Do not walk onto another court during play and avoid walking behind or beside courts while a point is in progress.  Use the tennis courts for tennis only. Close the court gate behind you. 

4. Parents and Spectators 

We encourage family involvement, but it must be positive and supportive. 

• Support, Don’t Coach: Encouraging comments are welcome, but please refrain from providing instructional advice during matches. 
• Focus on Enjoyment: Remember that children play tennis for their enjoyment, not yours. Emphasise effort and sportsmanship over the result. 
• Respect the Opposition: Treat opponents and their families with the same respect you show your own child. 
• Teach the Rules: Encourage children to understand and respect the rules of tennis and this code of conduct. 

5. Care of Facilities 

To ensure the club remains a high-quality venue for all members, everyone must care for the grounds as follows: 

• Court Maintenance: Players are responsible for watering en tout cas courts before and after each set. All courts (other than the blue hard courts) must be swept at the end of play. 
• Footwear: Players must wear appropriate tennis footwear with flat, non marking and non lugged soles while on court.  
• Cleanliness: Ensure the clubrooms are left clean and tidy and that all rubbish is removed from the court area upon departure. 

6. Dogs 

Dogs are allowed within the club grounds under the following rules: 

• Dogs are prohibited in the clubhouse or on the court (assistance dogs excepted). 
• Dogs must be kept on a short leash (less than 3 metres). 
• Dogs must not be tethered to fences or other objects. 
• Dogs must not bark or show aggression. 
• Owners must be in control of their dogs at all times. 
• Owners must pick up their dog's faeces. 

7. Updating the Code of Conduct  

The committee has the right to update these by laws at a general committee meeting in accordance with Part 5, Division 1, Rule 41(3)(c) of the Club Constitution. 

8. Reporting Breaches and Grievance Procedure 

Eltham Tennis Club handles breaches of this Code and disputes between members in accordance with Part 3 of the Club Constitution. To report a potential breach please contact the Club Secretary by emailing [email protected]. 

You can download a copy of the Code here.