Lakeshore Racquets Centre boasts a vibrant and active tennis community with something for every level of player. From league and interclub play to lessons, drop-ins, and high-energy Live Ball sessions, there are endless opportunities to get on the court, improve your game, and connect with fellow tennis enthusiasts.

All Members are welcome to use the ball machine but please read the operating and safety instructions carefully before using.  If you'd like a demo, please let us know and we can go over the basics with you.
 

TENNIS ETIQUETTE:

COURT RULES EVERY CLUB PLAYER SHOULD KNOW

Tennis has a rich tradition of sportsmanship and respect that extends well beyond a rulebook.  Understanding court etiquette makes you a better partner, opponent, and spectator.

WHY TENNIS ETIQUETTE MATTERS

Tennis is one of the few sports where players officiate their own matches at the recreational and club level.  Without umpires on the court, the game relies on a shared code of conduct that every player is expected to follow.  Good etiquette keeps matches fair, prevents conflicts, and ensures that everyone enjoys their time on court.

For club players, etiquette is about more than sportsmanship.  It reflects the culture of your club and influences whether new members fell welcome.

THE LINE CALLING CODE OF HONOR

Each player is responsible for making calls on their own side of the net.  The fundamental principle is simple:  If you are not completely sure whether a ball was out, then IT IS IN.  Any ball that you cannot clearly see landing beyond the line should be played as good.  Balls that hit any part of the line are called IN.

Call out balls promptly and loudly, so your opponent can hear the call.  If you realize you made an incorrect call, correct I immediately and award the point to your opponent.  Never question an opponent’s call unless asked for your opinion.   

WARM UP PROTOCOL

The warmup is not practicing time.  It is a courtesy period for both players to “get loose” before playing.  During warm up, hit the ball directly to your opponent rather than trying to make winners.  The goal is mutual preparation.

ON COURT BEHAVIOR DURING PLAY

How you conduct yourself between points and during changeovers speaks volumes about your character as a competitor.   Tennis tradition expects players to maintain composure regardless of the score or the quality of play.

Racquet abuse, audible profanity, and ball striking in anger are violations of the code of conduct.

Score cards can be flipped after each game or on the changeover (game score is odd). Whichever is mutually agreed upon.  Players should assign a player to do this.    Scores during a game are to be called out clearly by the server before serving (40-30).  Game scores are called out clearly at the beginning of each game. (4-2)

RESPECTING ADJACENT COURTS

LRC courts are close together, so noise and activity—including excessive talking—can easily disrupt play on adjacent courts. Be mindful of nearby matches and avoid talking across or near courts when it may interfere with others’ play.

If a ball from your court rolls onto an adjacent court, DONOT go to retrieve it.   Patiently wait until their point ends or the coaching stops, to politely ask for your ball.

If a stray ball rolls onto your court during a point, stop play IMMEDIATELY, and replay the point rather than continuing with a potential hazard in the playing area.  It is reasonable for players to want all stray balls to be in players pockets and not having a potential to move around on the courts and create a hazard.

KNOW THE CODE

“The Code: Guidelines for Unofficiated Matches” included in:  Rules of the Court (Tennis Canada)