Rackets - Phased Return to Play
T&RA Return to Play Guidance
Firstly, the T&RA would like to thank clubs and their members for abiding to the new safety guidelines that have been put in place for a safe return to play. While there are still restrictions in place the T&RA have formed a phased approach so that clubs and their members are all up to date on the gradual return to ‘full’ play.
The T&RA Return to Play Guidance has been developed in accordance with Government guidelines and this roadmap sets out how the return to Rackets will evolve to support players and clubs returning to play. The guidelines for returning to sport is fluid and can change at short notice. As of the 1st September 2020 we are now in Phase 2.
Phase 1
- On the 25th July indoor sports were allowed and clubs re-opened with safety measures in place
- Socially distanced practice and ‘Zones’ game play only – read more about Zones Play Here
- Only singles will be permitted; the only exception where doubles are allowed is where each pair is from the same household
- Solo practice is permitted
Phase 2
- Small ‘Rackets bubbles’ (limited to SIX players who can play full Rackets with each other) can be formed within clubs as long as you follow the guidance on group sizes
- Restricted to singles play only
- Introduction of full court play within Rackets bubbles, with enhanced hygiene protocols
- No competitive inter-club play
- Venue specific restrictions will be in place and you will be responsible for adhering to them
Phase 3
- Return to inter-club play with game modifications including social distancing measures and enhanced hygiene protocols
- Increase to number of players allowed within Rackets facilities
- Group training allowed with additional safety measures in place
- Inter-club/local matches can take place with adapted rules
Phase 4
- Small one-day competitions to resume, with a reduced number of competitors allowed and limited spectators
- Further increase to number of players allowed within Rackets facilities
- Small, local team competitions to resume with a reduced number of players per team and dispersed schedules
Phase 5
- Return to full play with no limit to number of opponents
- Full competitions and tournaments to resume - dispersed schedules and multiple venues to be used to control crowding
- Continuation of practical health and safety protocols to mitigate any additional risk of COVID-19 outbreaks.
Zones
‘Zones’ is a modified version of Rackets that allows two players from different households (outside a common support bubble) to play on court at the same time:
- Only two players permitted
- The aim is to hit a winner or force an error from your opponent as in regular Rackets
- Only one player serves / touches the ball with their hand during the match
- Both players must keep to their side of the court throughout each rally, using the full length of the court whilst maintaining safe social distancing throughout
- If a player crosses into the other side of the court, they immediately forfeit the rally
- If there is a danger of players breaching a safe social distance, they must call a let and replay the rally
- Once a rally is complete, players switch sides of the court (maintaining a safe social distance) and the server restarts play