Code of Conduct for Coaches, Children and Parents/Carers

North Dulwich Lawn Tennis Club is committed to providing a safe, welcoming and enjoyable environment for everyone. All members, coaches, parents, carers and children are expected to behave in a respectful and considerate manner both on and off court.

This Code of Conduct applies to all club activities and to all areas of the club, including the courts, clubhouse, grounds, gardens, pathways and surrounding facilities.

Failure to follow this Code of Conduct may result in action being taken by the Club Committee.

Code of Conduct for Coaches

All coaches and coaching assistants agree to:

  • Act as positive role models and promote fairness, respect and good sportsmanship at all times.
  • Prioritise the wellbeing, safety and enjoyment of all children and adults at the club.
  • Treat all members, parents, visitors and staff with dignity and respect.
  • Create a safe, inclusive and welcoming environment for all participants.
  • Use appropriate language and behaviour at all times.
  • Never engage in bullying, intimidating, abusive, discriminatory or unsafe behaviour.
  • Encourage children to respect the club’s facilities, equipment, grounds and gardens.
  • Ensure coaching equipment is used safely, stored appropriately and left tidy after sessions.
  • Support children in understanding expected behaviour in the clubhouse and around the club premises.
  • Report any safeguarding, welfare or behavioural concerns to the Welfare Officer or Committee as appropriate.
  • Respect the club environment by helping to keep courts, pathways, seating areas and gardens tidy and free from litter.
  • Ensure children remain supervised appropriately during organised coaching sessions.
  • Promote respect for neighbours and the local community by minimising unnecessary noise and disruption.

Code of Conduct for Children and Junior Members

All children and junior members agree to:

  • Be friendly, respectful and supportive towards other players, coaches, parents and club members.
  • Play fairly and honestly.
  • Listen to and follow instructions from coaches and club officials.
  • Use respectful language and behaviour at all times.
  • Not bully, tease, intimidate or exclude anyone.
  • Respect all club property, including:
    • tennis courts
    • nets and posts
    • benches and seating
    • practice equipment
    • clubhouse facilities
    • changing areas
    • gardens, plants and outdoor spaces
  • Keep the clubhouse and grounds tidy by disposing of litter properly.
  • Not climb on fences, nets, furniture, gates, garden features or clubhouse structures.
  • Use tennis equipment responsibly and report damaged equipment to a coach or committee member.
  • Avoid rough play, ball games or running inside the clubhouse or around garden areas.
  • Respect other people using the club and avoid behaviour that may disturb coaching sessions, matches or social events.
  • Remain within designated club areas and follow any safety instructions given by adults.
  • Speak to a coach, parent, Welfare Officer or trusted adult if they are worried or uncomfortable about anything.

Code of Conduct for Parents, Carers and Guardians

All parents, carers and guardians agree to:

  • Encourage children to enjoy tennis in a positive and supportive environment.
  • Treat all children, coaches, volunteers, officials and members with respect.
  • Use appropriate language and behaviour at all times.
  • Support coaches and club officials in maintaining a safe and enjoyable environment.
  • Never criticise, intimidate or embarrass children during coaching or matches.
  • Ensure children arrive and are collected promptly for coaching sessions and activities.
  • Ensure children wear suitable clothing and bring appropriate equipment.
  • Make coaches aware of any relevant medical or welfare information.

Parents and carers are responsible for their children when they are not actively participating in supervised on-court coaching or organised club activities.

This includes ensuring that children:

  • behave appropriately in and around the clubhouse and grounds;
  • respect the gardens, plants, seating areas and outdoor spaces;
  • do not damage club property or equipment;
  • do not run unsupervised around the clubhouse, pathways or garden areas;
  • do not interfere with matches, coaching sessions or other members’ use of the club;
  • dispose of rubbish properly and help keep the club tidy;
  • use toilets, changing facilities and social spaces respectfully;
  • are supervised appropriately before and after coaching sessions.

Parents/carers must not leave younger children unsupervised at the club unless this has been expressly agreed as part of an organised club activity.

Parents/carers are also expected to:

  • help children understand and follow this Code of Conduct;
  • support the club in promoting respect for the facilities and wider environment;
  • report any safeguarding, safety or behavioural concerns to the Welfare Officer or Committee.

Respect for the Club Environment

North Dulwich Lawn Tennis Club is proud of its courts, clubhouse and surrounding grounds. All members and visitors share responsibility for caring for the club environment.

Everyone using the club should:

  • treat the facilities with care and respect;
  • avoid causing unnecessary damage or mess;
  • leave courts and clubhouse areas tidy after use;
  • respect planted areas, gardens and landscaping;
  • report any damage, breakages or maintenance concerns promptly;
  • help maintain a welcoming atmosphere for all members and visitors.

Breaches of the Code

Any serious or repeated breaches of this Code of Conduct may result in action being taken by the Club Committee. This may include verbal warnings, written warnings, suspension from activities or withdrawal of membership in serious cases.

Safeguarding concerns should always be referred to the Club Welfare Officer in line with the club’s safeguarding procedures.