As we are into tournament time, we found these Ten Commandments a good reminder for us all

Ten Commandments for Tennis Parents

One

You shall watch your child’s match from wherever she/he feels most comfortable having you – near the court, from the Clubhouse or ten miles away.

Two

You shall not speak or signal to your child during the match. Quite simply it is against the rules.

Three

You shall remain calm during play, whether ‘your side’ is 5-0 up, or 0-5 down.

Four

You shall not rush to your son at the end of the match to give him your in-depth analysis. Win or lose, most players need time to themselves after competing.

Five

You shall judge a match based on your child’s performance, effort and sportsmanship- not on whether she won or lost.

Six

You Shall not make your child practice when he really does not want to – unless your aim is to turn him off tennis.

Seven

You shall encourage your daughter to be as independent as possible in organising her tennis schedule. Success of tennis requires independent thought and action.

Eight

You shall not go to every practice session, lesson or match. He needs to get used to playing without you around.

Nine

You shall allow your child and his coach to decide what to do during lessons. Your influence in his specialist area should be minimal.

Ten

You shall be a loved, respected, and a welcomed tennis parent, should you obey the first nine commandments.