We will only cancel a session due to weather if the courts are unplayable.  You will be notified a minimum of 30 minutes before a session starts.

Players will be issued a credit if a session is cancelled by MetroTennis.  This credit will be valid for a maximum of 1 month from the date of issue.

Credits will not be issued if a client is unable to attend a session.

If any session runs for more than 50% of the allotted time, the session is deemed to have taken place.

Coaches will manage sessions carefully in slippery conditions, utilising controlled activities such as basket feeding and drills to mitigate the risk of injuries

It is requested that all players bring a waterproof jacket to sessions as if there is light rain the session will continue.

If junior sessions are cut short by rain, coaches will ensure juniors remain safe and supervised until parents / carers arrive.

MetroTennis reserves the right to cancel any course before it is due to commence for any reason. If cancellation is due to low group numbers, the participant will be offered alternative course dates or a full refund.

We will only cancel a session due to weather if the courts are unplayable. You will be notified a minimum of 30 minutes before the session starts. 

Juniors will be issued a credit if a session is cancelled by MetroTennis. Credits will be valid for a maximum of 1 months from the date of issue.

Credits will not be issued if a junior cannot attend a session.

If any session runs for more than 50% of the allotted time, the session is deemed to have taken place. 

Please make sure all players have a waterproof as if there is light rain the session will still take place.

Appropriate footwear, i.e. tennis trainers, must be worn to all sessions to avoid any injury.      

MetroTennis reserves the right to exclude any participant from a session and future sessions. 

Coach / Player Ratios This will vary depending on a number of factors including the age of players, facilities available, the type of activity, the experience of the coach, and the presence of an assistant coach.  However, the following is a good indication of optimum levels:

Tots = Ratio of 1:12 [assuming parents present, otherwise 1:4]
U10s = Ratio of 1:10
11-17yrs = Ratio of 1:8 [across 2 courts]

MetroTennis reserves the right to cancel any course before it is due to commence for any reason. If cancellation is due to low group numbers, the participant will be offered alternative course dates or a full refund.

Credits or refunds will only be offered for missed sessions if at least 24 notice is given by the client. 

We will only cancel a session due to weather if the courts are unplayable. You will be notified a minimum of 30 mins before the session starts if it is to be cancelled.  

We will try to rearrange any cancelled session but if this is not possible your account will be credited for that session. Credits will be valid for 1 month from date of issue.

If any session runs for more than 50% of the allotted time, the session is deemed to have taken place.

Appropriate footwear, i.e. tennis trainers, must be worn to all sessions to avoid any injury. 

MetroTennis reserves the right to exclude any participant from a session and future sessions. 

Coach / Player Ratios

This will vary depending on a number of factors including the facilities available, the type of activity and the experience of the coach.  However, a ratio of 1:8 across two courts is a good guideline.

MetroTennis Ltd acknowledges the duty of care to always safeguard and promote the welfare of children and adults at risk in all lessons, sessions and events we run.  This policy strives to minimise risk, deliver a positive tennis experience for everyone and respond appropriately to all safeguarding concerns/disclosures.

This policy is applicable to all coaches, volunteers and clients and is in line with national legislation.

MetroTennis recognises that the welfare and interests of children and adults at risk are paramount in all circumstances. It aims to ensure that regardless of age, ability or disability, gender reassignment, race, religion or belief, sex or sexual orientation, socio-economic background, all:

• have a positive and enjoyable experience of tennis at Southfields Lawn Tennis Club, The Gardens, West Norwood , Southfields Academy and any other venues in a safe and inclusive environment
• are protected from abuse whilst participating in tennis.

Metro Tennis Ltd acknowledges that some children, including disabled children and young people or those from ethnic minority communities, can be particularly vulnerable to abuse and we accept the responsibility to take reasonable and appropriate steps to ensure their welfare.

As part of our safeguarding policy MetroTennis Ltd will:

• promote and prioritise the safety and well-being of children and adults at risk
• ensure everyone understands their roles and responsibilities in respect of safeguarding and is provided with appropriate learning opportunities to recognise, identify and respond to signs of abuse, neglect and other safeguarding concerns relating to children and adults at risk
• encourage and maintain a culture where people feel able to raise a genuine safeguarding concern and are confident that it will be taken seriously
• ensure appropriate action is taken in the event of incidents/concerns of abuse and support provided to the individual/s who raise or disclose the concern
• ensure that confidential, detailed and accurate records of all safeguarding concerns are maintained and securely stored
• prevent the employment/deployment of unsuitable individuals
• ensure robust safeguarding arrangements and procedures are in operation

Metro Mustafa is the Designated Safeguarding Lead at MetroTennis Ltd. He can be contacted on metro@metrotennis.co.uk .  Should the safeguarding concern relate to Metro Mustafa, then the LTA Safeguarding team (see below) should be contacted. Each club we work with also has a Safeguarding Officer who can be contacted with any concerns.  Their numbers can be found on the club websites.

Both MetroTennis Ltd and the clubs we work with will widely promote safeguarding policy and procedures and these are mandatory for everyone involved in Metro Tennis Ltd. Failure to comply with the policy and procedures will be addressed and may result in dismissal/exclusion from the club.

The LTA Safe and Inclusive Tennis Team is responsible for assessing all safeguarding concern/disclosures that are reported to them and working with MetroTennis Ltd and national Safeguarding Leads to follow up as appropriate on a case-by-case basis, prioritising the well-being of the child/ adult at risk at all times.

If we know or suspect that a vulnerable adult is being abused, we will do something about it and ensure our work is properly recorded. We will work within the boundaries of the London Multi‐Agency Safeguarding Adults Procedures (available to view at http://www.wandsworth.gov.uk).

Whistleblowing
Anyone who does not feel comfortable raising a concern with the Club Welfare Officer should contact the LTA Safeguarding Team directly on 020 8487 7000, the Local Authority Designated Officer (LADO) or the NSPCC on 0808 800 5000. Further details about whistleblowing can be found in each club’s safeguarding policy.

Monitoring
This safeguarding policy will be reviewed every two years, or sooner in the following circumstances:
– Changes in legislation and/or government guidance
– As required by the Local Safeguarding Children Board or LTA
– As a result of any other significant change or event.

Confidentiality

All concerns raised will be treated in confidence. MetroTennis Ltd will do its best to protect the identity of the whistleblower when they raise a concern and do not want their name to be disclosed. It must be appreciated that the investigation process may reveal the source of the information and a statement by the whistleblower may be required as part of the evidence. Depending on the nature of the concern raised and the subsequent action taken, where possible the whistleblower will be kept informed of the progress of the investigation and advised of the outcome.

Support

MetroTennis Ltd will not tolerate any harassment or victimisation (including informal pressures) and will take appropriate action to protect whistleblowers when they raise a concern in good faith.

Statement of Intent
Valuing diversity, reducing inequality and ensuring all people are treated with dignity and respect are fundamental to MetroTennis Ltd.  We aim to ensure that everyone attending a MetroTennis lesson or session, whether coaches or clients, are treated fairly and with respect.

MetroTennis is committed to building an environment that celebrates diversity and tackles all forms of discrimination and the commitment outlined in this policy covers all aspects of the organization.  As a result, it is expected that all employees, consultants, agency workers, parents/carers and volunteers who work on behalf of, represent or engage MetroTennis, will adhere to the principles of this policy.

The commitments outlined within this policy are underpinned by MT’s legal obligations as determined by the Equality Act 2010. MT takes all claims of inappropriate behaviour, bullying, harassment and/or discrimination, whether direct or indirect by anyone involved with MT seriously. These claims will be dealt with through the appropriate disciplinary procedures.

MetroTennis will:

• create an environment where equality and diversity is valued, dignity and respect is promoted and all forms of discrimination and inappropriate behaviour are challenged and dealt with through the appropriate disciplinary channels
• continue to lead by example in the development, treatment and consideration of its employees, volunteers and clients, and their diverse needs
• operate an open and fair recruitment and selection process and encourage applications from all groups in the community
• ensure selection for employment, promotion, training or other benefits will be on the basis of aptitude and eliminate the likelihood of bias (Volunteer recruitment will follow the same principle)
• empower our staff and ensure that the pathways into leadership positions are open to all
• require all existing and new employees and volunteers to attend regular equality and diversity training and provide additional and appropriate training and guidance to employees and volunteers in fulfilling their role and responsibilities
• provide training to all coaches to enable them to recognise and challenge unlawful practices and deal effectively with complaints of bullying and harassment
• deter discrimination by making it clear that it is unacceptable and will be treated as a serious disciplinary offence
• investigate complaints of discrimination on any grounds in line with MetroTennis’s disciplinary procedure
• regularly review policies and procedures to ensure they are in line with best practice and all legal requirements

Metro Tennis Ltd reserves the right to withdraw their services if anyone they are working with (including but not limited to, partner, school, NGB) participates in discriminatory behaviour. This decision will only be taken after a full investigation in the circumstances.  We will fully support employees who speak out about discriminatory behaviour they have witnessed or experienced through reporting.

Any MetroTennis courts, camps or coaching sessions require 24 hours’ notice of cancellation in order for a credit note for the session to be issued or for the session to be rearranged at no extra cost.  

MetroTennis Ltd cannot accept a request for cancellation in retrospect.

If any session runs for more than 50% of the allotted time, the session is deemed to have taken place.

If MetroTennis has to cancel a coaching session due to wet weather, players will be issued a credit which will be valid for a maximum of 1 month from the date of issue. (See Wet Weather Policy for further details)

If MetroTennis has to cancel a coaching session or programme you have booked because it is under-subscribed or a coach becomes unavailable, we will suggest alternative arrangements and/or offer you a full credit against future court bookings or coaching sessions. If neither of those is suitable, we will offer a full refund.

For Adult Intensive Camps and Junior Holiday Camps, please note that when purchasing you are committing to the entire course, individual sessions missed will not be credited. However, providing 24-hours notice is given prior to the first session taking place, the entire course can be cancelled where you cannot attend due to illness or injury.  In this case a credit will be issued which will be valid for a maximum of 6 months from the date of issue.

MetroTennis is committed to providing a safe and healthy environment for all our coaches, players, and visitors. This policy outlines our approach to managing health and safety risks associated with tennis coaching activities.

Each venue will provide Metro Tennis with their own Health & Safety Policy so that Metro Tennis can follow this when on site.

Metro Tennis will advise their staff on any Health & Safety matters and will ensure that they have a copy of their venue’s Health & Safety Policy and that it is implemented efficiently.

All Metro Tennis coaches have a responsibility for Health & Safety whilst at the venue premises and whilst undertaking any duties on behalf of Metro Tennis

General Statement of Intent

MetroTennis pledges to:

• Ensure the health, safety, and welfare of all individuals involved in our coaching sessions
• Comply with all relevant UK health and safety legislation
• Continuously improve our safety practices

Responsibilities

Director of Coaching (Metro Mustafa):

• Overall responsibility for health and safety
• Ensure regular risk assessments are conducted
• Provide necessary resources for safety measures

Coaches:

• Implement safety procedures during sessions
• Report any hazards or incidents promptly
• Maintain current first aid certifications

Players:

• Follow safety instructions given by coaches
• Use equipment properly and safely
• Report any concerns to coaches immediately

Risk Assessment

• Thorough risk assessments of all coaching venues will be conducted annually
• Risk assessments will be reviewed after any incident or significant change
• Control measures will be implemented to mitigate identified risks

Equipment and Facility Safety

• Courts, nets, and equipment examined before each session
• A log of equipment checks and maintenance must be maintained
• Faulty equipment will be removed from use immediately

First Aid and Emergency Procedures

• A fully stocked first aid kit must be available at all coaching locations
• At least one coach with current first aid certification present at all sessions
• Clear emergency action plans for each venue, reviewed annually

Weather and Environmental Considerations

• Guidelines for coaching in extreme weather conditions (heat, rain, wind) provided
• Procedures for assessing court conditions (e.g., slippery surfaces) strictly followed

Training and Competence

• All coaches to hold appropriate LTA qualifications
• Annual refresher training on health and safety procedures
• Regular coach meetings to discuss safety concerns and best practices

Implementation and Review

• This policy will be reviewed annually by the Director of Coaching
• All staff and players will be informed of any changes to the policy
• Incident reports will be used to inform policy updates

MetroTennis is dedicated to creating a safe environment where players can enjoy and excel in tennis. By adhering to this policy, we aim to minimize risks and ensure the well-being of everyone involved in our programs.