Court Etiquette: A Player's Guide

Good court etiquette is the foundation of enjoyable sporting experiences for everyone. Whether you're playing tennis, basketball, or any other court sport, following these essential guidelines will ensure a positive environment for all players.

Arrival and Setup

Arrive on time: Be punctual for your booking to respect other players' schedules. Aim to arrive 5-10 minutes early for setup and warm-up.

Respect booking times: Start and end your session at the designated times. If you need extra time, check with venue staff and other players first.

Clean setup: Keep your belongings organized and out of playing areas. Use designated storage areas for bags and equipment.

During Play

Fair play: Make honest calls and give opponents the benefit of the doubt in close situations. Respect referee decisions without argument.

Noise levels: Keep celebrations and reactions at reasonable volumes. Avoid excessive coaching or commentary that might distract other players.

Court sharing: If sharing courts or practice areas, communicate clearly about space usage and take turns appropriately.

Equipment and Facility Care

Proper footwear: Always wear appropriate court shoes to protect surfaces and prevent damage. Non-marking soles are essential for most indoor courts.

Equipment respect: Handle all equipment carefully, whether it's your own or provided by the venue. Report any damage immediately to staff.

Cleanliness: Clean up after yourself, wipe down benches if you've been sweating, and dispose of trash properly.

Communication Guidelines

Positive language: Encourage teammates and show respect for opponents. Avoid profanity or negative comments that could affect the atmosphere.

Clear communication: Call shots clearly and loud enough for all players to hear. Use standard terminology that everyone understands.

Conflict resolution: Address disagreements calmly and respectfully. When in doubt, replay the point or ask for a neutral observer's opinion.

Safety First

Warm-up properly: Take time to stretch and warm up before intense play to prevent injuries to yourself and avoid unpredictable movements that might affect others.

Stay hydrated: Bring water and take breaks as needed. Heat exhaustion affects judgment and can lead to poor etiquette.

Know your limits: Play within your skill level in group settings and communicate honestly about your experience level when joining new groups.

Technology Etiquette

Phone policies: Keep phones on silent and avoid taking calls during play. If you must answer, step off the court and keep it brief.

Photo permissions: Always ask before taking photos or videos that include other players. Respect privacy and venue policies.

Post-Game Protocol

Gracious endings: Thank your opponents and playing partners regardless of the outcome. A simple handshake or "good game" goes a long way.

Quick cleanup: Gather your equipment promptly and leave the court ready for the next players. Return any borrowed equipment to its proper place.

Feedback culture: If asked, provide constructive feedback about the game or venue, but avoid unsolicited criticism.

Building Community

Good etiquette extends beyond individual games. Welcome new players to the community, share knowledge with less experienced athletes, and participate in venue events and tournaments when possible. The sports community thrives when everyone contributes to a positive environment.

Conclusion

Court etiquette is about respect—for the game, fellow players, facilities, and yourself. Following these guidelines ensures that everyone can enjoy their sporting experience to the fullest. Remember, good etiquette is contagious; when you model positive behavior, others tend to follow suit.

Want to practice these etiquette tips? Book your next court session through Courty and be part of a respectful sporting community!