| Email to members From: Executive Board Subject: Phase 3 Reopening As everyone knows, the novel coronavirus has been evolving and we are constantly learning some new aspect. The reopening phases of the Province of Ontario have been slowly returning to parts of the old “normal” but we suspect that it may be quite some time before the old normal returns, if ever. The same applies to the reopening of our favourite sport, tennis. First we had singles, then doubles and now that we have Phase 3 of the reopening, we will continue to broaden the scope of tennis at the club. The online booking system was introduced this year because of the pandemic. This decision was made to ensure the safety of members, to follow guidelines of the City of Mississauga and most important, to have records of members playing in the event that someone contracts Covid-19. As you are aware, a spike in cases could occur at any time and where it has happened, restrictions were again enforced and privileges were suspended. Most important, with names, you could be contacted and advised to take precautions, should someone contract the virus. We’re certain you realize the importance of using the online booking system PROPERLY to reserve a court. With the Phase 3 Reopening, we have good news and bad news to report. On the whole, tennis protocols have been followed at the club. However… Bad news: As indicated in last week’s newsletter, the club has found that members book courts and don’t show. For example, one evening last week, 3 hours of play were not used during prime time due to “NO SHOWS”. These courts should have been cancelled: 1- Online through the member’s account up to 30 minutes before the reservation, or 2- by phoning the club at 905 855-0900 if the cancellation is less than 30 minutes before the reservation; or 3- by sending an email to the club attendant, attendant@whiteoaksparktennis.com. In consideration of your fellow members, you MUST cancel your reservation if you cannot play. If a “no show” occurs: 1- Those members will be spoken to as a first warning 2- If the ”no show” persists, a $10 penalty will be charged to the member’s account. Once payment is received, the member will be able to make bookings again. More bad news: As the covid-19 caseload declines in Ontario, we have been permitted to expand tennis protocols. However, there have been abuses of the online booking system to secure additional play time. If the online booking system continues to be abused: 1- Those members will be spoken to as a first warning 2- If the abuse persists, a $10 penalty will be charged to the member’s account. Once payment is received, the member will be able to make bookings again. Good news. For those members who have been waiting to book doubles for 1.5 hours, please be advised that it is effective immediately on a trial basis. Doubles play can now be booked for 30, 60 or 90 minutes. Singles will continue to be booked for 30 or 60 minutes. More Good News: The OTA tells us … “There have been no known transmissions of the COVID-19 virus through the sharing of a tennis balls. Balls may be shared while on the court, but players should continue to practise good hand hygiene using sanitizer before, during and after play.” Consequently, ball hoppers and ball machines are now allowed for use on courts 1, 5, 6 and 8 before 6:30 pm daily. The policy at the club has always been to permit the use of ball hoppers provided no one is playing on the adjacent court. We appreciate the fact that we have courteous members who make every attempt to keep the balls on their practice court. Other Good News: Members have been requesting a round robin. As you can appreciate, this event will not be the “old normal” but organized to ensure physical distancing and your safety. Stay tuned for an announcement about the first RR of the season, which is coming soon. Again, this is a strong reminder to cancel your court if you can’t play. Your booking confirmation email will note the cancellation policy. We look forward to further tennis developments as we enter Phase 3 of the Reopening. Enjoy your tennis! Executive Board |
