Health and safety policy

One of our primary responsibilities as a facilities hire and tennis coaching company is the safety of the players, to ensure that the environment is as safe as possible. 

A full risk assessment should be carried out on new venues and discussed with the host venue. A copy of their health and safety guidelines should be obtained and adhered to.

The following document highlights key health and safety procedures, split into the following areas:

Players

Coaching Ratios/participants

The number of players on a court, or courts, should be safe in terms of proximity and amount of space available for each player, and controllable by the number of coaches and assistants involved. Courtside Hubs CIC sets the coaching ratios according to LTA guidelines, however on occasions, coaches may be approached by players wanting to join sessions which may put them above the guidelines. If this is the case, the coach must refuse the extra players politely and advise that places can be booked online in advance of the session. In the event of regular latent demand, please discuss with the office and we will endeavour to add an extra coach and increase the space allocated.

Coaches should advise players regarding extra care needing to be taken on certain drills to ensure that they are aware of any dangers.

Emergency exit routes should be noted to all players during sessions.

When not participating in coaching sessions, the maximum occupancy rates of the facility as set out by Sport England should be adhered to at all times.

Clothing

Whilst a park environment is different to that of a club environment, any player deemed to be wearing clothing that is unsuitable for tennis (in that it would be dangerous for a player to participate wearing such clothing), should not be allowed to participate in coaching or on the courts). Certain types of footwear could cause a danger to both the player and damage the courts and so trainers must be worn on court. Players should only wear plastic lens glasses on court.

Medical conditions

Medical conditions are requested to be highlighted at the time of booking and are listed on the Coach Assist app. If coaches have any specific queries, they are requested to discuss this further with the player/parent. If any specific requirements are flagged to the office, they will be noted in the Coach Assist app and also (if deemed necessary), discussed in more depth over the phone with the coach.

Minimising risk of illness/injury

Players should be shown an appropriate warm up and cool down during coaching sessions and this should also be practiced whilst playing outside of coaching sessions. Players should only participate for a reasonable length of time – if a coach is concerned about the length of time a player has been participating, they should flag this to the player.

Players with disabilities

Extra care should be taken whilst coaching players with disabilities. Players with learning disabilities should be treated in accordance with their player notes (as listed on the Coach Assist app). Players with visual impairment may need to be directed to the court and emergency exits. 

Equipment

Rackets and balls should be appropriate to the age/ability/height of the player and should be inspected regularly for signs of damage. Nets should not contain holes in which the players could get caught in and the nets should not encroach on the court. Net posts and winders should not protrude as these can cause injury. Coaches should be aware of equipment around the court and keep this to a minimum to reduce the risk of players tripping.

Court surfaces and environment

Court size and height should be appropriate to the age and height of the player. Playing surfaces must be free of debris (including litter, leaves) and be cleared regularly of moss to avoid the risk of slipping. If, during coaching sessions the playing surface is deemed to be dangerous, the session must stop immediately. Outside of playing sessions, participating during poor weather conditions is entirely at the own risk of the players, Courtside Hubs CIC offers refunds for those not wanting to play in such conditions. Surrounding netting should be regularly inspected as this may cause injury to players if damaged.

Coaches 

All coached sessions must have present a coach with the following:

Additional assistants must have a valid DBS. 

All coaches/assistants must be familiar with the drills and be able to confidently coach the players on the court. They must also be able to show players how to use the equipment appropriately and be able to stop the session immediately in case of an emergency. Sessions should consist of an appropriate warm up and cool down to minimise the risk of injury. Before the session, they should make themselves aware of any medical conditions and discuss further with the player/parent if required. They should be aware of where the nearest phone is located and the full address of the venue in case of emergency. 

The lead coach on the session should have the following:

Any accidents should be reported to the office immediately after the accident has taken place. Accidents will then be escalated as appropriate. 

Coaches should at all times observe the LTA’s guidelines on safeguarding and health and safety. Any concerns regarding this should be flagged to Courtside Hubs CIC office by emailing hello@courtside.uk.

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Registered in England & Wales № 9833819. VAT № 245014539. Registered office: Unit 20, Wheatley Business Park, Old London Rd, Oxford, OX33 1XW.