Is It Safe To Play Tennis During COVID-19?
For most of 2020, all of our normal routines have been disrupted to keep ourselves and our loved ones safe. But what about playing tennis? Is there a way to play tennis or other court sports safely during the coronavirus pandemic? Good news! The answer is yes! All you have to do is follow a few safety rules.
Many tennis organizations such as USTA, through its Medical Advisory Group, have released guidance on how to continue to play tennis safely during these trying times. Tennis Court Supply is here to help by answering questions and offering tips on how to safely play tennis and other court sports such as pickleball, volleyball, and basketball during COVID.
But First, How Is Coronavirus Spread Through Sports?
The main mode of transmission for the coronavirus is through respiratory droplets. While most of them are transmitted by breathing the same air, they may also be able to live on surfaces and spread when others touch an infected surface like tennis balls or racquets. Although research is still being done, the virus may be able to live on hard surfaces for several days. Thus, the two main concerns with playing sports are people being in close proximity to each other and people touching the same surfaces as an infected person. However, there are lots of ways that tennis facilities and players can reduce transmission and keep players safe.
Even though physical exercise looks very different right now, it is still extremely important to our overall health. Tennis is a great outdoor sport that can still be played safely as long as the proper precautions are taken.
Tennis Safety Tips For Players During Coronavirus
There is not a one-size-fits-all solution for every tennis facility, but there are a few tips that everyone can abide by. Follow these safety tips to keep yourself and others safe while you play:
Wear a mask at all times except when actively playing on the court. Your mask should meet CDC health guidelines for the most protection.
Do not play if you are experiencing any symptoms related to COVID-19. These symptoms include coughing, shortness of breath, and fever.
Do not play at a public facility or with others if you come in contact with someone diagnosed with COVID-19 in the last 14 days. If you are feeling well, you can still play at your own personal court.
Bring your own full water bottle, towels, tissues, and any other items you may need.
Avoid touching surfaces such as gates, fences, benches, etc. Wash your hands before and after playing. Use hand sanitizer as often as possible.
Use your own equipment such as racquets and tennis balls if possible. If you must share tennis equipment, make sure it is properly sanitized between each use.
Maintain a social distance of at 6-feet as much as possible. Avoid physical contact with other players, coaches, and spectators.
Always abide by your federal, state, and local safety guidelines. These guidelines change frequently, so check news and government resources for the latest updates.
Wear a mask at all times except when actively playing on the court. Your mask should meet CDC health guidelines for the most protection.
Do not play if you are experiencing any symptoms related to COVID-19. These symptoms include coughing, shortness of breath, and fever.
Do not play at a public facility or with others if you come in contact with someone diagnosed with COVID-19 in the last 14 days. If you are feeling well, you can still play at your own personal court.
Bring your own full water bottle, towels, tissues, and any other items you may need.
Avoid touching surfaces such as gates, fences, benches, etc. Wash your hands before and after playing. Use hand sanitizer as often as possible.
Use your own equipment such as racquets and tennis balls if possible. If you must share tennis equipment, make sure it is properly sanitized between each use.
Maintain a social distance of at 6-feet as much as possible. Avoid physical contact with other players, coaches, and spectators.
Always abide by your federal, state, and local safety guidelines. These guidelines change frequently, so check news and government resources for the latest updates.
Safety Tips For Tennis Facilities During Covid
If you are a facility owner, make sure to talk with your staff and set facility rules to keep employees and players safe. Some of these rules should include:
Encourage players to use their own equipment. If you are unable to do so, assign the same equipment back to the same player, and keep it separated from other shared equipment. Sanitize between each use if it must be rotated between players.
Prevent players from mingling before and after games to limit exposure. Require social distancing when not actively playing.
Place signs in obvious places that state the safety rules of your facility during coronavirus.
Make hand sanitizer and handwashing stations available for players.
Wipe down hard surfaces as often as possible. This includes any part of a fence or net that is commonly touched, benches, scorekeepers, ball carts, tennis ball machines, and any other shared equipment.
Encourage players to bring their own full water bottles to avoid use of the shared fountains or bottle fillers.
Keep up to date and follow all local, state, and government guidelines that affect your facility.
By implementing safety measures and diligently cleaning surfaces, your facility can still bring people together and provide a healthy workout to your clients.
Encourage players to use their own equipment. If you are unable to do so, assign the same equipment back to the same player, and keep it separated from other shared equipment. Sanitize between each use if it must be rotated between players.
Prevent players from mingling before and after games to limit exposure. Require social distancing when not actively playing.
Place signs in obvious places that state the safety rules of your facility during coronavirus.
Make hand sanitizer and handwashing stations available for players.
Wipe down hard surfaces as often as possible. This includes any part of a fence or net that is commonly touched, benches, scorekeepers, ball carts, tennis ball machines, and any other shared equipment.
Encourage players to bring their own full water bottles to avoid use of the shared fountains or bottle fillers.
Keep up to date and follow all local, state, and government guidelines that affect your facility.