POLICIES AND GUIDELINES

As more and more members join our club, it is imperative that we remind everyone why we created GSTC and how we plan to manage the club.

1. Grand Slam Tennis Club (GSTC) is a private tennis club that serves club member only, not the general public. As such, our Board of Directors is appointed rather than elected. Members who hold these positions are chosen based on the best interests of the club and its members. Appointments are permanent and will only change if an appointed member becomes unable to fill his position. We do not hold elections. Therefore, if you are hoping to be elected into position, you may wish to find another club that will better suit this desire.

2. Our mission focuses solely on playing tennis to improve/maintain our health—nothing more, nothing less. We all work very hard during the week and look forward to the weekend when we will get our exercise in while enjoying the game. We expect that our club members will hold the same goal. If your goal is to make the club famous, grow our membership numbers, or build a club for the next generation, then you may be better served by creating your own club. We will continue to focus on playing tennis for our health.

3. Annual membership fees are $350 and are due by December 31st. Current members who missed the December 31st due date will have to pay $50 per month starting in January. However, if fees still have not been paid by the end of January, their membership will be terminated until other arrangements are made. The player will need to consult with the Board of Directors, which will review the case and make a decision regarding reinstatement. **Those members joining the club for the first time after December 31st will pay $50 per month for the remaining months of the year. For example, a member joining in August will pay a membership fee of $250 for that year ($50 x 5 months = $250). Prorated membership fees are due immediately upon joining.

4. While playing with Grand Slam Tennis Club, all members are expected to be courteous to each other and to represent the club well by being courteous to any other players present during our practice time or club events. Please do not disparage your partner or criticize other members. Remember that the goal of this club is to enjoy playing tennis for our health. Creating divisions in the club by being unkind to each other or arguing with opposing teams directly affects our ability to achieve our mission. If you have other personal interests that make it impossible to abide by these requests, please consider removing yourself from this club. Members found in violation of these rules will be asked to leave the club.

5. We ask that you remain on the court until you have finished the set and that all games be played to completion. Please do not argue with the other team or with the umpire while on the court. Additionally, please do not suggest an early stop to the game due to a score you find acceptable (such as a tie).

6. Practice good sportsmanship at all times. Do not throw rackets, use profanity, yell excessively, interrupt other players during matches, or socialize with other members while engaged in a game. Always show respect to other players (this includes our members and members of any other club).

7. Please wear appropriate tennis attire to practice and come equipped with any necessary supplies (racket, bag, at least one can of balls, overgrip if required, etc.).

8. Club lunches or dinners: Please wait until all attending club members have arrived before ordering. Also, please refrain from drinking hard liquor during these events. Beer is allowed.

9. Any situations not addressed by the above policies will be reviewed by the Board of Directors, and decisions will be made on a case-by-case basis.

* 1st offense = verbal warning from the Board of Directors

** 2nd offense = current members will be terminated (and no refund of membership fees), and prospective members will not be allowed to join

FAQ

1. How do I join the Grand Slam Tennis Club?
• If you would like to become a member, you will need to try out and get approval from our Board of Directors. Once approved, you will simply need to pay the membership fee to join.

2. I am already a member of the club. My friend/relative/spouse wants to join. How can they do that?
• Please follow the same membership sign up process mentioned above.

3. I’d like to invite my friend/relative/spouse to try out. What should I do?
• If you would like to invite your friend/relative/spouse, you will need to inform the Board of Directors and get approval before you bring your friend/relative/spouse.

4. How do I pay my membership fee?
• You can pay your $350 membership fee by check or cash to the Secretary by December 31st. Current/new members who missed the December 31st due date will have to pay $50 per month starting in January. If current members miss January, their membership will be revoked until other arrangements are made with the Board of Directors.

5. What if I want to join in the middle of the year?
• You will pay a prorated fee of $50 per month for the remaining months of the year. For example, a member joining in August will pay a membership fee of $250 for that year ($50 x 5 months = $250). Prorated membership fees are due immediately upon joining.

6. If I don’t pay the membership fee by December 31st, what will happen?
• Current members who missed the December 31st due date will have to pay $50 per month starting in January. However, if fees still have not been paid by the end of January, their membership will be terminated until other arrangements are made. The player will need to consult with the Board of Directors, which will review the case and make a decision regarding reinstatement.

7. Can I pay my membership fee monthly?
• Unfortunately, no. Having all memberships due annually allows us to plan future events for our members and use the membership fees more wisely.

8. How is the membership fee used/spent?
• We ONLY use membership fees when the expense will benefit all members. Expenses include court reservations, tennis balls, competitions, and club outings that are open to all members. Events that are limited to only certain members (such as those held only for the Board of Directors) will NOT use membership fees.

9. I would like to announce a wedding or funeral to the club members. What can I do?
• If you want to announce your personal events, please contact members individually. Grand Slam Tennis Club does not sponsor personal events. Club announcements will only be made when they affect all members of the club.

10. I would like to make a request to the club to donate money for a specific cause (wedding, baby shower, funeral, etc.). What should I do?
• Grand Slam Tennis Club does not sponsor personal events. Club membership fees will only be used towards events benefitting all members. If you would like to donate, please make a personal donation.

11. I would like to invite club members to my house. What should I do?
• If you are planning to invite all club members, please contact the Board of Directors so that an announcement can be made. However, if you only plan to invite some club members, please contact them individually.

12. How often do you change out old balls for new ones?
• We use new balls every 2-3 sets.

13. I would like to come to the courts early to get in some extra practice time. May I begin using the new balls before club reservation hours?
• No. New balls are only to be used during club reservation hours, 7:00am-10:00am.

14. I also play golf and enjoy talking to other club members about golf. Is this okay to do while we are playing tennis?
• We understand that many of our members will have more than one shared interest. While it is perfectly fine to talk about any shared interests while practicing, we encourage members to interact with all members and would like to make sure that tennis remains the main focus of the majority of conversations on the tennis court so that no one is left out of conversation.

15. I want to run for a position on the Board of Directors. How can I do that?
• Board positions for GSTC are appointed, not elected. If election to the Board is important to you, please choose a different tennis club.

16. There are some guidelines I don’t agree with, especially the appointment of the Board of Directors positions. What should I do?
• Keep in mind that the main goal of this club is to play tennis, not run a political organization. If you are a current member and your interests in politics override your interests in tennis, please choose another club or consider creating your own. If you are a prospective member and foresee yourself having issues with the guidelines, we ask that you do not join.

17. I speak a language other than English. I cannot understand your policies because they are written in English. What should I do?
• We suggest using Google Translate to translate any sections of text you are unsure of.

GALLERY