Victoria Tennis Club Code of Conduct

Adopted by the Membership at the 2022 Annual General Meeting. 

Members and guests of the Victoria Tennis Club (VTC) have a duty and obligation to conduct themselves in a sportsmanlike manner consistent with good taste, good manners and established conduct of tennis play.  Further, in signing up to participate in an event(s), each member has a responsibility to other members to fulfill their commitment to participate in such event.

A member of the VTC agrees to the following:

As a participant in any game(s), tournament(s), or event(s) I agree to conduct myself in a courteous and respectful manner, both on and off the court.  I agree that I will:

Article 1: Neither taunt nor degrade my opponents or partner.

Article 2: Avoid bodily contact that may cause injury to others or myself.

Article 3: Never direct abusive or profane language at my opponents or partner.

Article 4: Not commit any act or make any comment that could be considered as unsportsmanlike conduct.

Article 5: Not incite or try to incite any opponents, partners or spectators by words, actions, or physical confrontation.

Article 6: Not use language that will, in any manner, refer to or reflect on opponents, partners or spectators.  Racist, sexist, or hateful comments will not be tolerated.  

Article 7: Arrive at the courts at least five minutes in advance of the scheduled starting time for warm-up /play to begin.

Article 8:  Commit to playing for the duration of the event(s) for which I have signed up, notwithstanding injuries or the stoppage of play by the organizer as may be deemed necessary for the safety and/or well-being of members.

Article 9:  With the exception of emergencies and injuries, provide a minimum of 48 hours notice if I am unable to participate in an event for which I have signed up.

Article 10: Make every attempt to get a substitute player should I not be able to provide at least 48 hours notice of not being able to participate in an event for which I have signed up.

Any violation of the Code of Conduct may be referred to the VTC Board for consideration of disciplinary action. The Board has the authority to suspend or expel any member whose conduct, inclusive of “no-shows” and late cancellations, shall have been determined by the Directors to be improper, unbecoming, or likely to endanger the interest or reputation of the Club.

No member shall be expelled without being notified of the charge or complaint and without first being given an opportunity to be heard by the Directors at a meeting called for that purpose.

Should this occur, the player or players will be invited to discuss the incident before any discipline is imposed.  If witnesses are available, they may be interviewed and if documents are available, they may be reviewed.  A warning may be issued, a limited or full suspension may be imposed, or the Board may expel a member from the VTC.

A decision of the VTC Board is final.  No refund of the annual membership fee, or portion thereof, will be given to a suspended or expelled member.