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Charter for Fair Play

Leeds Tennis League

Charter for Fair Play

League tennis is self-refereed and built on trust. This charter sets out the spirit we ask every player, captain and club to bring to the court — in line with the LTA Code of Conduct.

Competitive tennis is at its best when it’s hard-fought and fair. There are no umpires in league tennis — we call our own lines and keep our own score — so the enjoyment of every match rests on the honesty and good manners of the players. By taking part in the Leeds Tennis League, everyone agrees to play by the following.
1

Call the lines honestly

League tennis is self-refereed — you are the referee on your own side of the net. Make prompt, honest calls, and if you are ever in genuine doubt whether a ball was out, play it as good: the benefit of the doubt always goes to your opponent. Honesty and integrity — over line calls and the score alike — come before winning.

2

Respect opponents, partners and officials

Treat opponents, partners, hosts and any officials or co-ordinators with courtesy at all times, on and off the court. Accept and respect the decisions of officials and the League’s co-ordinators and committee, even when you disagree with them.

3

Keep your cool

No racket or ball abuse, no audible bad language, and nothing violent, threatening, intimidating, harassing or deliberately provocative. A bad call, a tough week or a tight match is never an excuse for how you treat other people.

4

Tennis is for everyone

Make everyone welcome. Treat all players, members and visitors with tolerance and fairness whatever their background, and never discriminate against or harass anyone. Tennis in Leeds is open to all.

5

Play the match on its merits

Give your best and enjoy the contest. Don’t take coaching once a match is under way (except where the rules expressly allow it), don’t resort to time-wasting or gamesmanship, and win and lose with equal grace.

6

Be a good host — and a good guest

Home teams: have the courts and balls ready and make visitors welcome. Visiting teams: arrive in good time and leave the club as you found it. Give as much notice as you can whenever a match has to be rearranged.

7

Play by the rules

Know the rules for your competition, field only eligible and correctly registered players, sign the scorecard honestly, and submit and confirm results promptly and accurately. Misreporting a score or playing an ineligible player lets the whole league down.

8

Safeguard young players and adults at risk

Everyone shares responsibility for the safety and enjoyment of juniors and adults at risk. Set a good example, follow the British Tennis Safeguarding Policy, and report any concern to your club’s Welfare Officer or the League without delay.

9

Sort out problems the right way

Disagreements happen. Resolve them calmly and courteously on the day if you can, and refer anything unresolved to your captain or a Section Co-ordinator afterwards — never with confrontation on court.

This Charter reflects the LTA Code of Conduct and the LTA’s Fair Play values, and sits alongside the British Tennis Safeguarding Policy and the LTA Diversity & Inclusion Policy. Every player, captain and club taking part in the league is expected to uphold it. Serious or repeated breaches may be dealt with under the League Rules and, where relevant, the LTA Disciplinary Code.

Play hard, play fair, and leave every opponent
glad they played you.