Code of Conduct

Preface

A code of conduct is about doing the right thing — following the rules, acting honorably and treating each other with respect. Everything we do should be measured against the highest possible standards of ethical conduct. Trust and mutual respect among board members, club members and players are the foundation of our success as an organization and they are something we need to earn every time we play or meet. Each of us has a personal responsibility to encourage other players to incorporate these principles. If you have a question or think that one of your fellow players or the organization as a whole may be falling short of our commitment to these principles, don’t be silent. We want — and need — to hear from you.

Who must follow our code?

We expect all Tennis4All (T4A) members and guests to know and follow the Code. Failure to do so may result in disciplinary action: including a warning, sanction, or removal from a T4A league, activity, event, or club membership.

What if I have a code-related question or concern?

If you have a question or concern, contact any board member, or the person running the event. If you want to remain anonymous, we will respect and honor that request 100%.

What is the code?

The following principles make up the code:

  1. Integrity
    Our reputation as an organization is our most valuable asset. It is up to all of us to make certain that we continually earn that trust. All of our communications and interactions with our members and non-member players should increase their trust in us.
  2. Privacy
    Always remember that we are asking members to trust us with their personal information. Preserving that trust requires that each of us respect and protect the privacy of that information.
  3. Responsiveness
    Part of being useful is being responsive: We recognize feedback when we see it, and we do something about it. We take pride in responding to communications from our members, whether they are questions, problems or compliments. If something is broken, we will address it.
  4. Take Action
    Any time you feel a board member, club member or player is not being well-served, don’t be bashful — let someone on the board know about it. Continually improving our programs takes all of us, and we’re proud that Tennis4All champions our members and takes the initiative to step forward when their interests are at stake.
  5. Respect Each Other
    We are committed to a supportive environment, where players have the opportunity to reach their fullest potential. Each player is expected to do his or her utmost to create a respectful culture that is free of harassment, intimidation, bias and unlawful discrimination of any kind. We strictly prohibit unlawful discrimination or harassment of any kind, including discrimination or harassment on the basis of race, color, religion, veteran status, national origin, ancestry, pregnancy status, sex, gender identity or expression, age, marital status, mental or physical disability, medical condition, sexual orientation or any other characteristics protected by law. We also make all reasonable accommodations to meet our obligations under laws protecting the rights of the disabled. We are committed to a violence-free environment, and we will not tolerate any level of violence or the threat of violence. If you become aware of a violation of this policy, you should report it to a board member or person running the event immediately. Our website has links to both a grievance procedure and our non-discrimination policy.

USTA Code of conduct

To ensure the highest type of sportsmanship, the United States Tennis Association (USTA) has established a code of conduct that every player is expected to follow. Below are highlights from their code of conduct:

  • If you have any doubts as to whether a ball is out or good, you must give your opponent the benefit of the doubt and play the ball as good.
  • It is your obligation to call all balls on your side, to help your opponent make calls when the opponent requests it, and to call against yourself (with the exception of the first service) any ball that you clearly see out on your opponent’s side of the net.
  • Any “out” or “let” call must be made instantaneously otherwise the ball continues in play.
  • If you call a ball out and then realize it was good, you should correct your call.
  • To avoid controversy over the score, the server should announce the set score before starting a game and the game score prior to serving each point.
  • If players cannot agree on the score, they may go back to the last score on which there was agreement and resume play from that point, or they may spin a racket.
  • Once you have entered a tournament, honor your commitment to play. Exceptions should occur only in cases of serious illness, injury or personal emergency.
  • From the beginning of the match, play must be continuous. Attempts to stall or extend rest periods are not allowed.
  • Intentional distractions that interfere with your opponent’s concentration or efforts to play the ball are against the rules.
  • Players are expected to maintain full control over their emotions and the resulting behavior throughout the match.

Conclusion

Tennis4All aspires to be a different kind of club. Our goal is to provide a fun, safe environment in which to play social and competitive tennis. It’s impossible to spell out every possible ethical scenario we might face. Instead, we rely on each other’s good judgment to uphold a high standard of integrity for ourselves and our organization. We expect all, members and non-member players to be guided by both the letter and the spirit of this Code. Sometimes, identifying the right thing to do isn’t an easy call. If you aren’t sure, don’t be afraid to ask questions of any board member.

If you see something that you think isn’t right — speak up!
If you hear something that you think isn’t right — speak up!
If you experience something that you think isn’t right– speak up!

We want to hear from you. Our club’s website has links to each board member’s email address.

Thank you!
Board of Directors, April 2012