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Questions and Answers
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Question 1: How do I choose the correct racquet size
for my child?
Have him
hold a racquet with the end of the handle flush to his wrist.
While
standing up straight, let both of his arms fall to either side of his body.
The
racquet head should come down to his ankle give or take 1 inch.
If you
don’t have a racquet, while he is standing up straight with his arms
hanging down on either side of his body, measure the distance between his
wrist and his ankle.
Children’s
racquet sizes are: 17 in.(43cm),
19in.(48cm), 21 in.(53.5cm), 23 in.(58cm), 25 in.(63.5cm), 26 in.(66cm), (27 in.[68.5cm] being the standard adult size).
Go with
a length measurement a little bit longer than the wrist to ankle
measurement, if you fall between the standard racquet lengths. Make sure however, that the
racquet is not touching the ground.
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Question 2: Do you have a day camp program
or provide child care?
No, we
do not have the resources to provide this service.
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Question 3: Can a non-member take private
lessons?
No,
insurance obligations restrict club sponsored instruction to members only.
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Question 4: What’s the procedure for
drying the courts after it rains?
To help dry the courts you can gently wipe the
surface with the rollers. They act like a blotter, but they can only absorb
the surplus water on the surface. There is always a little bit of water
left in the granular surface, which makes it very slippery. Only dry heat,
sun and wind will dry the courts completely. With these conditions the courts can
dry 15 to 20 minutes after using the rollers. Without these conditions, it
can take hours for the courts to dry.
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Question 5: Do you offer makeup classes
for cancellations due to rain?
No.
After having tried several formulas, we have decided not to compensate our instructors
for the time they invest in course preparation. Otherwise, we would have to
charge a little more for classes in order to include the cost of
preparation, or to allow for possible makeup times. In this way, with
an average of two courses cancelled because of rain, it evens out. If it does not rain all summer,
it is the instructors, who are donating their time.
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Question 6: Why all the different types of balls?
We use
four different types of tennis balls for teaching: foam balls, red balls
(the two are similar except that foam is used inside and red is used
outside), de-pressurized balls (red and yellow), intermediate balls
(with green dot) and regular balls. The difference between the balls is
their bounce speed. The foam and red balls are the slowest, giving players
(young and adult) more time to move into position, set up and swing through
their shots. Once the brain has learned the correct movement, the
instructor introduces a faster ball to the player. When you are playing
tennis outside of class, you should choose the same type of ball your instructor
has been using with you in order to help you master the technique learned
in class. In addition, it’s normal practice to have young players using
slower balls for longer because their height gives them less time to set up
for and react to the ball.
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Question 7: If I don’t have a partner, can
the Club help me find players at my level?
Yes.
Membership provides plenty of opportunities and venues for meeting players
of all levels. In addition, the court attendants are always available to
practice with members, play matches with members, and partner with them in
doubles. All club
activities are inclusive and organized so that members can play singles and
doubles without having designated partners.
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Question 8: Can a member invite a
non-member to play at Wychwood?
Yes. A person who is not a member can
play as a temporary member. See rules.
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Question 9: Outside of the courses and
activities, what is the maximum amount of time a member can play?
During
the hours designated for free tennis (i.e. outside periods designated
for organized activities) all members have the right to play for one hour,
after which they must give the court to members waiting their turn to play.
See rules.
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Question 10: Why are Wychwood courts
managed differently?
In 1969
the Wychwood tennis club donated the courts to the city of Aylmer. An act
of donation between the club and the city of Aylmer was signed in front of
a notary. Not wishing to become involved in organizing the tennis program,
the city of Aylmer included conditions. The principal condition stipulated that the
executive of the club have complete control of the management of the tennis
program and the courts, as long as the club was active. The club is now a non-profit organization, operated by
volunteers independent of the town.
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Question 11: Does my Gatineau Access card
allow me to use the Wychwood courts?
No. The
Wychwood Tennis Club manages activities on Wychwood tennis courts (see
question 10). The club receives no funding from the city of Gatineau;
all expenses are thus assumed by its members. In order to participate in club
activities, you absolutely must be a member. You may join at any point in
the season. See rules.
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Question 12: Why are there more courses for
Juniors at Broad?
It is
impossible for us to accommodate all the requirements of juniors and adults
for the entire community of Aylmer with only our three Wychwood courts.
Since
there are no tariffs for junior members who use the Broad St courts, the
Club uses Broad for junior classes and activities. In addition, by holding
the majority of classes in one place, we don’t have to double up on all
materials we use for tennis instruction.
Moreover,
because the Broad St courts do not conform to standard measurement (they
are too close to the fence and to each other) they are better suited for
junior activities and classes, which are less affected by this feature.
This
arrangement is also more practical because it frees up the Wychwood courts
for adult leagues and matches.
All classes
and activities for adults take place at the Wychwood courts in order to
avoid municipal fees.
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Question 13: Why don’t you offer a rebate
or reduced membership fees to members who only join to enroll in tennis
courses?
We
explored this possibility but we concluded that in terms of both management
and finances it would be less complicated and more inclusive to have only
one category of membership.
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