Court Etiquette, Equipment & Club Guidelines

Court Etiquette, Equipment & Club Guidelines

A welcoming club experience for everyone

At Oxford Falls Racquet Club, we want every visit to feel relaxed, enjoyable and easy for players, families and guests. These simple guidelines help us keep the courts safe, the equipment in great condition, and the club atmosphere enjoyable for everyone.

Whether you’re here for a casual hit, coaching session, social pickleball game, beach tennis, competition match or family visit, these guidelines are here to help everyone enjoy the club.

Before you step on court

To make the most of your session, we recommend arriving a few minutes early so you have time to settle in, grab your equipment and be ready to start within your booked court time.

Please come prepared with everything you need for your session, including:

• racquet or paddle
• tennis balls or pickleballs
• water bottle
• towel
• hat and sunscreen on warmer days

If this is your first visit, we’re always happy to help with equipment hire or point you in the right direction.

Suitable footwear and attire

For the comfort and safety of all players, we kindly ask that suitable non-marking tennis or sports shoes are worn on court. This helps protect our court surfaces and keeps everyone safe while moving around.

Comfortable sportswear suitable for movement is recommended for tennis, pickleball and beach tennis sessions.

Respecting bookings and court time

We kindly ask that all players arrive on time and be ready to begin within their allocated booking period.

At the end of your session, please allow enough time to collect your belongings and leave the court ready for the next players to enjoy.

If players are already on court, we kindly ask that their session is respected until their booking time has finished.

If you’d like to extend your game, simply speak with the club team and we’ll always do our best to help where availability allows.

Moving between courts

When moving around the club, please wait for a natural break in play before crossing behind a court.

A quick pause and a little courtesy helps everyone stay focused and safe while playing.

If you need to cross behind another court, please do so promptly once the point has finished.

Returning and retrieving balls

If a ball rolls onto another court, please wait for a break in play before retrieving it.

If the ball may interfere with another game, simply call out ball please so players are aware.

Likewise, if a ball comes onto your court from another game, please return it once the point has finished.

Where possible, please help retrieve balls for your partner and nearby players between points.

Calling lines and fair play

For social and match play, players are asked to call their own side of the court clearly and fairly.

If the ball is in, simply continue the point.

If there is any uncertainty, it’s always best to give the benefit of the doubt and replay the point.

Respecting each other’s calls helps keep the game enjoyable and in the friendly spirit OFRC is known for.

Supporting your partner and fellow players

Whether you’re playing doubles, social tennis or pickleball, a little encouragement always goes a long way.

We encourage players to keep the atmosphere positive and enjoyable by supporting partners and fellow players throughout the game.

Keep personal items clear

When you’re ready to play, please place racquet covers, bags, jackets, ball cans and other personal items safely to the side of the court and out of the playing area.

This helps keep the courts safe and comfortable for everyone.

Borrowed equipment

If you are borrowing racquets, paddles, balls or other club equipment, we kindly ask that everything is treated with care and returned after use so the next players can enjoy them too.

This is especially helpful for beginners and casual visitors trying the sport for the first time.

Pickleball and beach tennis equipment

If you’re using pickleball or beach tennis equipment, we kindly ask that all nets, paddles and borrowed items are returned neatly after use so everything is ready for the next session.

Looking after our courts

We’re proud of our beautiful club and facilities, and we appreciate everyone helping us keep them in great condition.

Please avoid bringing the following onto the court surfaces:

• scooters
• bikes
• chairs
• prams
• non-sporting equipment

This helps protect the courts and ensures a safe playing environment.

Food, drinks and smoking

Water bottles are absolutely welcome on court.

To help maintain a safe and clean playing surface, we kindly ask that food and glass items are kept off the courts.

For the comfort of all players and families, smoking and vaping are limited to designated areas only.

Club atmosphere and respect

One of the things people love most about OFRC is the relaxed and welcoming feel of the club.

Whether you’re here for a social game, lesson, competition or event, helping create a positive atmosphere makes the experience even better for everyone.

We kindly ask that all players, coaches, staff, families and guests are treated with respect and consideration.

Families, children and guests

Families are always welcome at OFRC.

We kindly ask that children are accompanied by a parent or responsible adult unless they are taking part in a supervised lesson, clinic or organised program.

Guests and spectators are welcome to enjoy the club atmosphere while helping keep pathways and court access areas clear.

Weather and safety

Player safety always comes first.

In the event of wet weather, lightning or extreme heat, please follow the guidance of our coaches and club team.

Sessions may be paused, rescheduled or adjusted depending on conditions.

We will always do our best to communicate updates as early as possible.