Club Rules

By following the court etiquette below, we believe that you will have a good time at our Club: 

1.      Respect the Court: Always maintain the court by picking up balls, keep the court tidy and avoiding damage to the court surface and nets.

2.      Be Punctual: Arrive on time for your scheduled court booking and vacate the court promptly when your time is up.

3.      Waiting Players: Be considerate of those waiting to use the court. If others are waiting, limit your play to the designated time and avoid prolonged practice sessions. Similarly, waiting players should not walk behind the court when a game is in progress and should wait to be invited across the court.

4.      Quiet Play: Keep noise levels to a minimum to avoid disturbing other players. This includes avoiding loud conversations, phone calls, and unnecessary noise, next to, or on, the courts.

5.      Proper Attire: Wear appropriate tennis attire, including appropriate and recognised tennis shoes suitable for the court surface.

6.      Fair Play and Sportsmanship: Exhibit good sportsmanship at all times. Adhere to the rules of tennis and play fairly. Honour all calls and respect your opponent’s decisions. If a challenge is made do it respectfully.

7.      Inappropriate Language: Refrain from using profanities, insulting comments or criticising other players. 

8.      Stray Balls: If a stray ball comes onto your court do not knock it back immediately; return it to the back of the court or only to a player if requested.   

Smoking/vaping is not permitted, and glass must not be taken, on any tennis courts. 

Unless playing in a sanctioned tournament, where there is an on-site referee or coach, all players acknowledge that by using the Club’s tennis courts they do so at their own risk. 

The Club is not responsible for any accidents, injuries or damages incurred during play. Please exercise caution and play responsibly.  

All courts must be booked before playing. If a court cannot be booked on the Clubspark system, it is not available for play.  

–       Hard courts are open from 8am to 10pm.

–       The air dome is open from 9am to 10pm.

–       Grass courts on Section 4 are open from 9am*

–       All other grass courts (Sections 1-3) are open from 10am*.

–       No general play is permitted on courts 1, 5 or 9 unless approved by a Staff, Committee or Board member.

–       A net down indicates the court is not available. If a court is booked where the net is down, please speak to staff in the office or bar, who will assign you another court. 

* Subject to passing the “knee test” on and towards the back of the courts. Basically, if the courts are soft or wet, do not use them. 

At Frinton-on-Sea Lawn Tennis Club, we encourage players to enjoy the game in a relaxed and welcoming environment. However, maintaining standards in attire is essential to ensure safety, uphold the integrity of the sport, and preserve our courts.  

Proper tennis clothing allows for ease of movement, prevents unnecessary injuries, and specifically to footwear, helps protect the playing surface from damage. Additionally, a consistent dress code fosters a respectful atmosphere where all players, regardless of experience or level, can take part in a professionally maintained setting.  

While we support individuality and comfort, our dress code below ensures that everyone can enjoy the sport while respecting its traditions and the needs of fellow players. 

We are committed to fostering an inclusive and welcoming environment for all players. This dress code ensures fairness, comfort, and respect for diversity while maintaining the professional standards of the sport.  

1. General Attire Guidelines

–           Players should wear appropriate recognised tennis clothing, including breathable shirts, polo tops, tennis skirts, shorts, dresses or tennis-like clothing designed for athletic performance.  

–           Non-marking tennis shoes with proper grip for asphalt or grass courts are required to protect the court surface and ensure player safety.  

–           Players may wear sportswear suited to their personal comfort, as long as it allows for ease of movement and does not pose a safety risk.  

–           Inclusive options such as tennis leggings, athletic joggers, or long-sleeved shirts are permitted.  

–           Players with disabilities may adapt their attire to accommodate their needs, ensuring comfort and accessibility on the court.  

2. Inappropriate Attire

–           Denim, tops with distracting or offensive graphics or slogans, football tops, and excessively revealing attire are prohibited.  

–           Footwear such as sandals, running shoes, heals, or any non-tennis-specific shoes are not allowed.    

3. Gender-Neutral Standards

–           No gender-specific requirements apply. Players are free to wear any tennis attire that aligns with their identity and comfort.  

–           Skirts, tops, shorts, dresses, or trousers are equally accepted for all players without restriction.   

4. Junior Players Exception

–           Juniors (under 18) may wear comfortable athletic attire suitable for movement, provided it adheres to footwear requirements.  

–           While official tennis attire is encouraged, juniors (U11) are permitted to wear any type of sportswear.  

5. Compliance & Enforcement

–           Players who fail to adhere to the dress code may be asked to leave the court until they are dressed appropriately.  

–           The Club reserves the right to enforce these rules fairly and respectfully, ensuring all players feel comfortable participating.  

–           Players are encouraged to check with Club officials regarding any questions about appropriate attire before entering the courts.  

The dress code ensures fairness, respect for individual preferences, and compliance with Equality Act 2010 standards. We are committed to fostering an inclusive environment where every player feels comfortable and respected.