Junior & Open Competition will return this Saturday 6th November
Tennis Victoria have announced competition tennis can return. The PTA committee participated in an online Q&A session last night to seek further clarification on some of the requirements and can confirm the following -
“On Court activity” for tennis can occur for any players regardless of their vaccination status. So we no longer need to check vaccination status for actual play, social hits or coaching.
However, clubrooms can only be used by double vaccinated patrons (16+), except to access the toilets. Each club is required to have a Covid Marshall checking vaccination status if you wish to use the clubrooms.
It was suggested to keep scoresheets etc outside to avoid the need to enter the clubrooms.
Junior Comp
For clubs wishing to serve morning tea it was recommended to serve any morning tea outside. Players under 16 are exempt from double vaccination requirements but to make it easier for clubs to manage kids and parents in clubrooms serving it outside eliminates the need to check Vaccination status.
Parents will also need to understand they cannot use the clubrooms for watching kids play.
Open Comp
We understand for many the social aspect of tennis is one of the most important parts of competing. Rather than expecting all clubs to monitor the vaccination status of participants using the clubrooms we suggest you contact your opponents and let them know whether your team will be offering / staying for refreshments under the requirements. This may avoid any awkward situations.
A question was raised about outdoor refreshments. The letter of the ruling would suggest that the intention is to use the facility for purposes other than sport. A commonsense approach was recommended by Tennis Victoria.
All players, parents and spectators MUST use the QR code to check in at the venue. We ask Court supervisors and team captains to remind all people of this requirement.
As clubrooms may be off limits we suggest all clubs have hand sanitiser accessible outside the clubrooms for patrons to use.
All venues / clubs are required to have up to date and accessible COVIDSafe plans.
Spectators are permitted subject to public gathering limits in the Stay Safe Directions No.28, in groups of no more than 30 (multiple groups must be spaced out).
Please forward this or notify parents and players of these requirements.