We support the leadership of Governor Baker's COVID-19 "Stay at Home" order that has made a big difference in reducing the Coronavirus infections. Recently, the Governor opened up Golf courses and for similar reasons we think it is imperative that tennis courts be opened as well.  Massachusetts residents are eager to find ways to stay healthy, get some exercise, and enjoy recreation with their family all the while practicing safe social distancing of more than six feet. 

Tennis is one of the few game-centered sports that with limited modifications, can comply completely with the intent of the "Stay at Home" designation and six feet social distancing.  A tennis court is 78 feet long and tennis players rarely are even as close as ten-twenty feet apart.  Tennis also offers families the chance to play a fun activity/sport together and make it an event to look forward to during the day. 

Many states with Stay at Home advisories are allowing tennis to be played including our neighboring states of Connecticut, Maine, New Hampshire, and Vermont.  

As a solution, we ask the following:

*Allow public and private tennis clubs, and supervised non-club facilities to open for playing (singles only with doubles soon to follow), and teaching private and semi-private lessons.  Tennis clubs are uniquely positioned to ensure that safe policies are adopted.  

*Tennis players will be required to wear masks while entering and leaving the courts but not when they are playing. 

*Tennis players will not be permitted to congregate and socialize.  Players will be required to arrive at most 15 minutes in advance of their scheduled court time and leave immediately when the court time expires.

*Players may each bring a can of their own tennis balls and play games when they are serving with their different numbered balls.    

*Players will only be allowed inside the club house for court check-in and use of the toilet facilities. 

*All financial transactions will be done via the telephone or virtual charging.  
Strict adherence to all CDC guidelines relating to responsible social distancing will be required and monitored by club staff.

*Join with our neighboring states, and allow Massachusetts residents to play tennis!  Public and private tennis clubs can ensure compliance with the CDC requirements because they have been approved in other states successfully.  

Please sign this petition and contact your state legislators and Governor Baker asking them to let Massachusetts residents play tennis just as the Governor has allowed MA residents to golf.  The most effective way to reach the Governor and his task force is to send your Play Tennis request to https://www.mass.gov/forms/submit-comments-to-the-reopening-advisory-board .