It’s not over yet!

As we got closer to reopening, the demand for both junior and adult programs (as well as our pool) increased daily. Everyone had been living in quarantine for 8 to 10 weeks, and they were aching to get back to some type of activity and sense of normalcy. I ultimately decided to offer a few camp options and sell a limited number of pool memberships.

We knew that when people came back, many would be nervous and their emotions raw. I told our pros that, for the first few weeks, teaching tennis was their third priority. First was to make their players feel safe, and second was to do our best to ease their tension. I also made sure they knew that there was to be no political commentary. November is the time for that.

Our doors reopened in May, and people came storming back. After two months away, it was great to see everyone, and they were happy to see us. Our programs are thriving. Our safety guidelines were (and remain) intense, and everyone has been more than willing to follow them.

But that was then.

Though the majority of players at my club are still following our safe practices, I’ve recently seen others travel a different path. On more than one occasion, a polite request to put on a mask has been met with a belligerent response. In fact, one person simply said, “No.” Another’s behavior caused them to receive a two-week suspension from the club, and yet another has been permanently banned. I’ve heard similar stories from my colleagues at other clubs.

We all need to remember (and remind others) that this pandemic is not over. Not even close. In fact, in many areas, it’s getting worse. We cannot let our guard down and must not allow our players to relax with safe practices. Is it a pain to wear a mask? Can it be awkward to remind others to put theirs on? Is it annoying (or even necessary) to color-code our ball hoppers and sanitize our players’ hands at the end of every lesson so they feel safe? Of course, it is. But it doesn’t matter. We must continue to do it—every day!

To the players who are continuing to strictly follow their club’s safety guidelines, all of us in the industry thank you. To those who are resisting (for whatever reason), I say that the guidelines your facility has put in place are not requests, they are requirements. They are for your safety and for the safety of others—and they are not optional.

To my fellow tennis pros and club owners who may be feeling the worst is past and they can begin to let things slide, I simply say, “Sit back, close your eyes and remember when your club was closed the last time.” 

Do you really want to go there again?  

-----

Greg Moran is the Owner/Director of Tennis at Four Seasons Racquet Club in Wilton, Conn.