Morris Township Opens Tennis Courts for Restricted Play

MORRIS TOWNSHIP, NJ - The Morris Township Department of Parks and Recreation has opened its tennis courts for restricted play. Courts opened for tennis and pickleball Tuesday.

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The activities do not require any direct person-to-person contact; therefore players can enjoy the many physical and mental benefits that these sports offer, officials said. Thes Township’s reopening rules are adapted from U.S. Tennis Association recommendations “Playing Tennis Safely: Facility and Programming Recommendations”.

Players must practice social distancing by keeping a minimum of six feet apart from other players to ensure you and your fellow players are in a safe exercise environment, officials said.

Although there is no specific evidence that tennis and pickleball balls can spread COVID- 19, contamination by respiratory droplets from an infected person can potentially survive on hard surfaces up to three days, officials said.

Players should follow these rules of play and conduct:

PREPARING TO PLAY

• Wash your hands with a disinfectant soap and water (for 20 seconds or longer) before coming to the courts, and use a hand sanitizer before going onto the court. Reapply as necessary.
• Clean and wipe down your equipment, including racquets and water bottles. DO NOT share racquets or any other equipment such as wristbands, grips, hats and towels
• Bring a personal full bottle of water or two to ensure proper hydration.
• Use new balls, if possible. Touch balls as little as possible.
• Avoid touching court gates, fences, benches, etc. if you can

WHEN PLAYING

• SINGLES PLAY ONLY. No spectators are allowed on the courts. A maximum of four players only on two side-by-side courts.
• Stay at least a minimum of six feet apart from other players.
• PLAY IS LIMITED TO 30 MINUTES RUNNING TIME WHEN OTHERS ARE WAITING. No Extra Time allowed completing games.
• Avoid touching your face after handling a ball or other equipment.
• Avoid sharing food, drinks or towels.
• Use your racquet or foot to pick up balls and hit them to your opponent. Avoid using your hands to pick up the balls.
• Stay on your side of the court. Avoid changing ends of the court.
• Remain apart from other players when taking a break.
• If a ball from another court comes to you, send it back with a kick or with your racquet.
• Do not charge the net past the Service Line during play. Volley from the Baselines.

AFTER PLAYING

• Use a hand sanitizer after coming off the court. Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water as soon as possible.
• NO Extra-Curricular or social activity should take place. NO congregation at courts or parking areas after playing.

Officials said that players are being asked to respect the rules and that failure to follow the rules may result in the closure of courts.

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