Real tennis is currently enjoying a revival. Several new courts have been built recently, and others are planned. Cambridge, with its two excellent courts, is one of the best places in the world to play this fascinating game. Membership of the Cambridge University Real Tennis Club is open to all, not just to members of the university. There are over 200 senior members in addition to the students and juniors who play at the Club.
This page is designed to help you feel at home and enjoy your membership to the full.
Contacting the club
You can telephone on Cambridge (01223) 357106. One of the professionals will usually be available during office hours, but if they are all busy every effort will be made to respond to you as soon as possible.
Our three professionals are:
Kees Ludekens (Senior Professional)
Peter Paterson (Assistant Professional)
Scott Blaber (Trainee Professional)
You can send email to kees@curtc.net, peter@curtc.net or scott@curtc.net and access club information on the web at http://www.curtc.net or http://www.cam.ac.uk/societies/curtc/. The club Administrator is Simon Stokes (simon@curtc.net)
There are two internet sites with a great deal of information about the game and real tennis events and competitions in the UK and abroad,the Real Tennis Professionals ’ Association site at http://www.irtpa.com, and the international handicapping and information site for the Tennis & Rackets Association at http://www.realtennisonline.com.
Club facilities
Courts
We are unusually fortunate in having two courts at our club; the Green court and the recently restored and re-opened Blue court (which for the uninitiated is largely red).
Club rooms
The Blue Court dedans is downstairs, to the right of the main entrance. There is a sitting area and this room offers good viewing of play on the Blue Court. The dedans is also where the professionals have their office area and you may book your games on the computer here. Games on the Blue court can also be watched through the new glass wall in the first floor club room. This room has kitchen facilities and is used for club events and meetings .
Notice boards and website
The boards in the hall and this website (www.curtc.net) are a constant source of information about club events and tournaments and what’s on in the real tennis world. Check them regularly so you don’t miss out.
Telephones
Players and spectators are asked to be considerate to others and avoid the intrusion of mobile phones, which should be switched off unless their use is absolutely necessary.
Health and Safety
Because tennis is a fast game played with a heavy ball on a hard court, a main risk is injury to the eye, usually from a ricochet. If you wear spectacles with glass lenses there is a risk of shattering due to impact or a fall. If you wear glasses, you should ask advice from your optician, and/or consider using contact lenses. Non-prescription safety goggles can be obtained, as well as goggles or special safety sports glasses which incorporate a prescription lens.
Another generic risk of injury is from slipping. A good grip is essential for all footwear,which should be clean and dry. In certain weather conditions, courts are liable to ‘sweat’ which is when condensation appears on the floor and/or walls. When a professional is present, play may be suspended for this reason, but all players need to take responsibility for their own safety and should stop playing if the court becomes slippery. Loose balls should always be removed from the court surface before play, including during a knock-up.
A tennis ball can leave a racquet at speeds of up to 100 mph. The netting in the dedans and the side galleries protects spectators. Spectators, players and markers need to keep a safe distance from the netting, to avoid contact.
There are First Aid boxes on each court, and all the professionals have First Aid training. There is ice in the fridge at the back of the Green Court. If there is an accident, please fill in a report form, and notify one of the professionals. The three professionals have been trained in the use of the defibrilator which is positioned by the notice boards
Please familiarise yourselves with the position of the fire exit doors, which are clearly signed.
No smoking anywhere in the club please.
Cambridge University Real Tennis Club 