Richmond Tennis Club

The people of New Zealand are adapting toward living with Covid 19 in the community - it is not going away quickly and we all need to be responsible for ourselves and those around us. The Covid 19 protection framework (Traffic Lights) reflects that reality. In many ways the new system provides more surety as to our operations at Richmond Tennis Club [RTC].

Please be assured that the club is taking every step to keep members and visitors safe as we transition through the next period. We are taking a calm and measured approach that keeps tennis available to all members and casual players. Tennis, by its very nature, is a relatively safe outdoor activity. We encourage people to play and enjoy outdoor exercise.

The RTC Committee has been tasked with the difficult decisions needed to implement a COVID-19 vaccination policy. Your Committee has discussed at length various scenarios and options and has examined in detail the Covid-19 Protection Framework. As a Committee we strive to run the Club for the benefit and welfare of all its members and appreciate that we have a range of backgrounds, beliefs, and ages. The focus of the RTC is the playing and enjoying of tennis. Our facilities are very much geared toward playing as opposed to the post-match side of things, accordingly we are not imposing any sort of vaccine pass mandate to play at the club. Our club has always aspired to a culture of diversity and inclusiveness. We are focused on providing fun, fitness, family, and friendships and believe that health is better balanced by playing tennis. We will, however, be using a range of measures that are well recognized to keep our players, visitors, and spectators as safe as possible from the virus.

Accordingly, from 8am Monday, December 6th, 2021, forward any persons visiting the Richmond Tennis Club will need to adhere to the following MANDATORY measures....

• Scan or Sign-In on arrival
• Hand Sanitize
• Social Distance
• No handshake after match - touch rackets
• Wear Face Masks whenever not on court [Non-players to always wear masks]

The RTC policy will allow general play, but the water fountain, clubrooms and bathrooms are only available to those with a vaccination pass and those children under 12. Please use the spray sanitizer in the toilets directly after use. A limit of 50 people at the Club will apply.

Those members who wish to record their vaccination status in advance, may do so by emailing membership@richmondtennisclub.co.nz confirming that they are fully vaccinated, with evidence of the same (copy of the Vaccine Pass) We do ask that all those visiting RTC cooperate and adhere to our policies above and do not put the Committee members to additional stress by attempting to access the Water fountain or Club rooms without a Vaccine Pass.

We appreciate that for some of our members, our move to implement the vaccine mandate for Clubroom and water fountain access may seem onerous. We fully accept vaccination is a personal choice, but we believe the above policy is in the best interests of most of our members. Please contact president@richmondtennisclub.co.nz if you have any concerns or queries.

Please remember that if you are not feeling well with cold or flu like symptoms to get tested and stay at home. The Committee will continue to remain abreast of requirements and updates and, if appropriate, will advise members of any changes that may take place as a result.

Richmond Tennis Club Committee