Guidelines for Use of the MSTA Tennis Facilities and Green Space
Beginning May 1, 2020
-----------------------
Guests/non-members are not permitted on the grounds until further notice
Should you choose to play tennis on the MSTA courts or exercise in the green space, you acknowledge and accept the potential risks involved in doing so
-----------------------
Our goal is to support our MSTA community while providing a safe environment during these unprecedented times. Every day, we’re learning new information about what practices are considered safe or not, as well as what regulations are in place or have changed. Most recently,
the U.S. Tennis Association (USTA) announced guidelines for tennis clubs and players, developed with their medical advisory council, that we have amended to use as guidelines for MSTA members.
According to the USTA:
“Because tennis does not require any direct person-to-person contact, players can enjoy the many physical and mental benefits that tennis offers so long as you
practice social distancing by keeping six feet apart from other players to ensure you are in a safe exercise environment and follow other safety recommendations included here.
“Although there is no specific evidence that tennis balls can spread COVID-19, we know that contamination by respiratory droplets from an infected person can potentially survive on hard surfaces up to three days. If you choose to play tennis, be sure to practice these safety tips and recommendations.”
Should you choose to play tennis on the MSTA courts or exercise in the MSTA green space, you acknowledge and accept the potential risks involved in doing so.
- We strongly suggest that you arrange to play tennis only with family members or others who live in your household or with individuals who are considered to be low risk with regard to COVID-19.
- Please do not play tennis if you:
- Are exhibiting any symptoms of the coronavirus: mild to severe respiratory illness with fever, cough and difficulty breathing, or other symptoms identified by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
- Have been in contact with someone with COVID-19 in the last 14 days.
- Are a vulnerable individual, which the Federal guidelines say is an elderly individual and/or an individual with serious underlying health conditions, including high blood pressure, chronic lung disease, diabetes, obesity, asthma and those whose immune system is compromised, such as by chemotherapy for cancer and other conditions requiring such therapy. (For states and regions in Phase Three, a vulnerable individual can resume public interactions, including playing tennis, but should practice physical distancing.)
- As noted above, guests/non-members are not permitted on the MSTA courts until further notice.
ENTERING/LEAVING MSTA GROUNDS
Close the gates while you are on the property, and make sure the gates are locked when you leave the club. MSTA is accessible during the off-season to members who have purchased keys. To reduce the potential transmission of the virus, we strongly encourage you to use a disinfectant wipe to clean off the lock before and after you touch it.
Key inquiries should be directed to membership@mcleanswimandtennis.org.
BEFORE ARRIVING AT MSTA
We have removed the online court reservation system effective immediately. The club is moving forward with the original first come first serve policy when it comes to using the courts. All four courts will be available for members to use.
PREPARING TO PLAY TENNIS
The USTA makes the following recommendations to protect against infection:
- Wash your hands with a disinfectant soap and water (for 20 seconds or longer), or use a hand sanitizer if soap and water are not readily available, before going to the court.
- Clean and wipe down your equipment, including racquets and water bottles. Do not share racquets or any other equipment such as wristbands, grips, hats and towels.
- Bring a full water bottle to avoid touching a tap or water fountain handle.
- Use new balls and a new grip, if possible.
- Consider taking extra precautions such as wearing gloves.
- If you need to sneeze or cough, do so into a tissue or upper sleeve.
- Arrive as close as possible to when you need to be there.
- Avoid touching court gates, fences, benches, etc. if you can.
WHEN PLAYING TENNIS
- Try to stay at least six feet apart from other players. Do not make physical contact with them (such as shaking hands or a high five).
- Unless you are with immediate family members, the USTA suggests that you consider not playing doubles, which could lead to incidental contact and unwanted proximity.
- If you do play doubles, please avoid all incidental contact and please, no whispering to each other from a close distance to strategize (per USTA).
- When possible, leave an empty court between playing courts. To reduce the potential for balls to roll onto other courts, MSTA Court #1 is designated for lessons. Courts #2 and #4 are designated for doubles.
- Avoid touching your face after handling a ball, racquet or other equipment. Wash your hands promptly if you have touched your eyes, nose or mouth.
- Avoid sharing food, drinks or towels.
- Use your racquet/foot to pick up balls and hit them to your opponent. Avoid using your hands to pick up the balls.
- Please consider staying on your side of court. Avoid changing ends of the court if possible, recognizing that this may be challenging during certain times of day.
- Remain at least six feet apart from other players when taking a break.
- If a ball from another court comes to you, send it back with a kick or with your racquet.
AFTER PLAYING TENNIS
- All players should leave the MSTA grounds as soon as possible after play is concluded.
- Use a hand sanitizer or wash your hands thoroughly after coming off the court and/or leaving the MSTA grounds.
- No extra-curricular or social activity should take place. Please no congregating after playing.
USE FOUR BALLS OR SIX BALLS PER USTA
Although unlikely, it’s possible that a tennis ball can transmit the COVID-19 virus, as virtually any hard surface can transmit the disease. Here are extra precautions to consider taking to keep safe when playing tennis:
- Open two cans of tennis balls that do not share the same number on the ball.
- Take one set of numbered balls and have your playing partner take a set of balls from the other can.
- Proceed with play, making sure to pick up your set of numbered balls only. Should a ball with the other number wind up on your side of the court, do not touch the ball with your hands. Use your racquet head or feet to advance the ball to the other side of the court.
TENNIS AND PICKLEBALL LESSONS
At MSTA, ProsToYou Tennis will be available to provide private lessons (tennis and pickleball) to individuals or families. They will use Court #1 and adhere to USTA guidelines, including:
- If a basket of balls is used for drills, then the coach will pick up the balls. Live ball drills and game-based play are recommended over using baskets.
- Players should use their racquet/foot to push balls back and/or hit them to their opponent to avoid using hands and touching the balls.
To schedule a lesson, contact Marco Impeduglia of ProsToYou Tennis at marco@prostoyou.com or 301-943-1678.
USING THE MSTA GREEN SPACE
- Playing basketball among non-family members is prohibited until further notice.
- People should stay at least six feet apart to maintain social distancing (family units excepted, of course).
- Use of the playground equipment is at your own risk; MSTA does not have a cleaning protocol in place for the equipment. Bring your own wipes if you plan to use the equipment.