Social Tennis

Social Tennis – System & Rules

Social tennis at Linkside is about playing competitive tennis in a friendly and inclusive atmosphere, underpinned by a fair set of rules that all members follow. All social tennis is played in the spirit of fairness, inclusivity, and respect for fellow members.”

1. Eligibility & Beginner Integration

• To join General social play, members must be able to reliably serve, return serve, and rally.

2. The Social Board (How Games Are Organised)

• All players wishing to play during social hours must add their own name to the Social Board, underneath those already waiting.

• The Social Board is always used during social tennis hours.

• The player at the top of the list selects a balanced foursome from the next five players, avoiding repeat pairings where possible.

• Players should aim to mix with different partners in the true spirit of social tennis.

• If a player is not selected in the first, they will be prioritised for the next game.

• No player may add names to the board on behalf of others (other than under points 3 and 7).

3. Match Format

• Social tennis is always one set, and is doubles during scheduled social doubles

• No tie-break is played at 6–6.

• Players must leave the court at the end of the set to allow the next foursome to play if there is nobody waiting.

• If there is nobody waiting, players may continue or start a new set according to Social play rules. In this case one player must leave the court to check there is nobody waiting, entering the names of those from his court on the Social Board.

• Players may re-enter their name at the bottom of the Social Board if they wish to continue.

4. Sitting Out

• If you choose to take a break, remove your name from the board.

• When ready to play again, re-enter your name at the bottom.

• Declining a game when selected means your name moves to the bottom of the list.

5. Busy Times

• During busy times when all courts are being used it may be necessary to restrict games to eight games with short deuces

6. Singles Play During Social Tennis

• Singles is not permitted on designated Social play courts during doubles social sessions, except:

  • When waiting to form a foursome

  • During scheduled Singles Social play

• Players knocking up must have their names on the Social Board.

• Once a foursome is available, doubles takes priority on designated courts.

• Non-designated courts may be used for singles or doubles and can be booked as normal.

7. Court Bookings Before Social Tennis

• Players who have booked Social play courts must vacate them when social tennis starts if there are other players waiting and join the Social Board.

• If there is nobody waiting, players may continue or start a new set according to Social play rules. In this case one player must leave the court to check there is nobody waiting, entering the names of those from their court on the Social Board.

• If Social play courts are free and un-booked before social tennis begins, players may start a set, which can be completed under social play rules.

8. Playing on Non-Designated Courts

• Players starting a match on a non-designated court must complete it on that court.

• They may not move onto a designated Social play court unless no one is waiting.

• Be aware that non-designated courts may have scheduled bookings.

9. Compliance

• These rules apply to all members.

• Committee members may issue verbal reminders where needed.

• Persistent non-compliance may result in:

  • Suspension from social play (up to two weeks)

  • Use of the club’s formal disciplinary procedures if required

The full linkside Bye Laws, including social play, can be downloaded HERE.