The Rep of Ireland will re-open tennis courts 18 May. Obviously, the UK is different, but it is reasonable to suppose that the UK government will follow a similar course in the near future, maybe with different dates. There could be an announcement as early as this week.

The good news: courts are likely to re-open soon. Bad news: no team/group activities until July and not back to 'normal', with social distancing intact, until August.

PHASE ONE: 18 May. Open outdoor public sports amenities (e.g. pitches, tennis courts, golf courses etc) where social distancing can be maintained Permit people to engage in outdoor sporting and fitness activities, either individually or in very small groups (maximum 4 people), where social distancing can be maintained and where there is no contact

PHASE TWO: 8 June. Permit people to engage in outdoor sporting and fitness activities, involving small group team sports training (but not matches) where social distancing can be maintained and where there is no contact

PHASE THREE: 29 June. Permit people to engage in outdoor sporting and fitness activities, involving small group team sports training (but not matches) where social distancing can be maintained and where there is no contact

PHASE FOUR: 20 July. Permit sports team leagues (e.g. soccer and GAA) but only where limitations are placed on the numbers of spectators and where social distancing can be maintained.

PHASE FIVE: 10 August. Permit close physical contact sports (rugby, boxing, wrestling) Open gyms, exercise, dance studios and sports clubs, only where regular and effective cleaning can be carried out and social distancing can be maintained Permit sports spectatorship which involve mass gatherings only in accordance with both indoor and outdoor numbers restrictions and where social distancing can be complied with.

As I understand this, our clubhouse would remain closed until Phase 5, or even later.

This would appear to nix the 2020 Parks League which is sad but not surprising. Mick Cox is happy for friendly fixtures but not any official competition if all fixtures cannot be completed. There is definitely space, however, for a bumper End Of Season tournament in September, which would take place over two weekends? BHPLTA would welcome any input from team captains about the best format for this, given that demand is likely to be very high. Sixteen teams would be too much for one day, hence the two weekend possibility. ... See more