As of April 30, 2021: Observing Governor Cooper’s Executive Order No. 209, effective Friday April 30, 2021 at 5pm, USTA North Carolina will not require masking during their outdoor events and tournaments. Masks are still recommended outdoors for those who are not fully vaccinated. Social distancing, handwashing, and hand sanitizing regularly are still required. Thank you all as we see our way forward.
Since tennis is played outside and social distancing is possible, there is low risk of transmission of the virus; however, it is imperative that players and participants follow the guidelines below. Any players and participants in our leagues and programs should not attend a match or program if they have been exposed to the virus. They should follow State of North Carolina guidelines for testing/quarantining.
Participating in leagues and programs is an individual decision. We will continue to offer leagues and programs as long as we are in at least Phase 2.5.
RTA’s Guidelines for Safer Play
Facility guidelines/requirements are listed in FAQ below.
Click here for USTA’s Tips for players to play tennis safely.
Click here USTA-North Carolina’s Return to Play information.
Important support information for the tennis industry through USTA and partners:
Masks are required when you are indoors (which includes area pro shops) or if you are outdoors and cannot socially distance (6 ft apart). When you are exercising or can socially distance (in tennis you can do both) you are not required to wear a mask. Please be sure to practice all of the common sense guidelines.
FAQ
Will we continue playing league tennis?
As long as we stay in at least Phase 2.5 of the North Carolina phases of reopening, we will continue with leagues and programs. Please, please practice social distancing and the follow the guidelines.
What safety procedures are USTA-North Carolina and RTA putting in place?
We expect that everyone will evaluate their own personal risk and comfort with playing tennis. We have guidelines on social distancing, touching equipment, etc and all of our participating facilities will be asked to review a webinar on safer play. RTA’s guidelines are designed to formalize expectations, including of minimal exposure, appropriate social distancing, and acknowledgment of personal responsibility for participation. Keeping safe and healthy is our number one priority.
What requirements/procedures do our facilities have?
All facilities expect that everyone will maintain social distancing and that there will be no congregating. Players should not arrive more than 10 minutes before their scheduled match time. WITH THE NORTH CAROLINA MANDATE ON WEARING MASKS IN RETAIL ESTABLISHMENTS, REMEMBER THAT ALL OF PRO SHOPS ARE RETAIL ESTABLISHMENTS AND THEREFORE, PLEASE WEAR A MASK WHENEVER ENTERING A PRO SHOP IN THE AREA.
Millbrook Tennis Center building is closed but the bathrooms are open from the outside. https://raleighnc.gov/places/millbrook-tennis-center General COVID precautions for tennis league players:
- no ice or water will be available so please bring your own
- no porta pots available
- players are encouraged to wear a mask from their car and to proceed directly to their court before taking their mask off (age 5 and above)
- maintain six feet of separation when entering the courts, switching sides, exiting the courts and at all other times
- only 1 player preferred per bench while on court
- players are encouraged to bring their own chair to avoid having more than one player using the on-court benches
Additional Millbrook precautions:
- bathrooms are open using the external doors
- the public is not allowed in the rest of the building
- staff will be available through the sliding windows on the deck
- payments will only be taken online
- follow signs marking foot traffic flow routes
- players should not congregate around the deck, bleachers or any other area of the tennis facility
- only 1 person in the Millbrook restroom at a time is preferred
Matches at Meredith College:
Players must fill out a COVID-19 Assumption of Risk document prior to playing at Meredith. Email the completed document to Tim Wilkins (Timothy.Wilkins@raleighnc.gov). In addition, all players must download the Campus Clear app (download instructions) and show it to the security guard on duty at the gatehouse.
What about NTRP Ratings?
USTA will not publish 2020 year-end NTRP ratings
Here are the 2020 USTA NTRP Year-end Rating FAQs
What is the plan for Combo and Fall Singles Leagues ?
Fortunately, we have been given the green light by the City of Raleigh Parks & Recreation department to run Fall Leagues on city courts. Some private clubs are going to participate, but some are not. Please check with your facility before registering a team if you are unsure. For captains at clubs that are waiting until Phase 3 to allow matches, please DO NOT sign up your team on Tennislink until you are cleared by the club to do so.
Combo will start by October 1st provided we stay in at least Phase 2.5 of the Governor's plans.
Fall Singles Leagues which will start in September provided we stay in at least Phase 2.5 of the Governor’s plans.
Visit the webpages for dates and details of the league and registration.
What is the refund policy Combo and Fall Singles Leagues?
REFUND POLICY: USTA- NC AMENDED REFUND POLICY: Any player registering for the League Play for the remainder of the 2020 season is subject to a NO REFUND policy for the USTA NC head tax for COVID-19 related cancelation, suspension or stoppage of play.
RTA has adopted the same policy. Refunds WILL be given for non-COVID related suspension, cancellation or stoppage of play reasons requested in writing prior to the team’s first scheduled match.
What is the plan for Fall Junior Team Tennis?
Jr. Team Tennis will resume in the Fall, mid-October. Please contact Cheri Kohan at cheri.kohan@raleightennisnc.gov you should have any questions.
What is the status of programs like Abilities Tennis, Boys and Girls Clubs, Outreach programs, and Tennis for Life?
We are working with our partners for these programs and will provide updates as we know them.
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