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Frequently Asked Questions

Below is a list of some of our most common queries. If you have a question that isn’t listed below give us a call and we’ll fill you in.

General Details

Enrolment

All participants are required to fill out an enrolment form and return to the office before the start of their first lesson. This is done for safety and insurance purposes – if we have not received a signed enrolment form then you are not permitted to take part in lessons.

Trial Lessons

We do not offer free trial lessons for our coaching program unless specified. If you would like to try a lesson out before going onto our fortnightly payment system then you are welcome to contact our staff and make a booking. You will be charged our casual lesson rate for this lesson and we still require an enrolment form to be filled in before taking part in the lessons. If you do not wish to continue tennis coaching then this form will be destroyed or handed back.

Programs

We provide a wide range of coaching programs.  Our coaches are fully qualified tennis coaching professionals trained to the highest level.  All of our coaches are required to attend regular staff training and professional development sessions and we are one of the few coaching businesses that make it an absolute requirement for our coaches to be under the supervision of a Tennis Australia qualified coach at all times.

What should I bring along?

Comfortable enclosed sports shoes, a hat, water bottle, and racquet.

How are groups determined?

After initially being enrolled in a class suitable for their age and skill level, students will be assessed by their coach and may be moved to a group that is more appropriate to their standard. We also use our Rally Awards system to help organise classes according to ability and experience.

What is the class size ratio?

Class sizes vary depending on the program. We believe it is important to have a similar skill level across players within a group.  Class size ratios are listed below:

Program

Average Class Size

Hot Shots Fundamentals (30min)

4

Hot Shots (45min class)

6

Squad (60 or 90min class)

6

Adult (60min class)

8

Private Lessons

Max 2

 Program Length

Our coaching programs run for 40 weeks per year. We do not coach on public holidays or State School holidays. We do coach on student-free days at our centres, but not at schools. Please remember, your enrolment and payment authority remains in place until you notify us of your intention to cease. Put simply, if you want to stop lessons we need 14 days notice. This notice is to be given in writing via our online Coaching Cancellation Form. 

 Are the students assessed?

Yes, students are assessed against broad criteria set down by Tennis Australia every six months.  We try to communicate with parents regularly regarding their kids progress. Students are progressed using the Tennis Australia endorsed Hot Shots system.

 Can parents watch?

Yes, parents are encouraged to watch, however we ask that parents do not enter the court unless requested by the coach.

Payment?

Payments for lessons are charged fortnightly in advance from your nominated credit card or bank account. You are free to stop lessons at any time by providing 14 days notice via our online Coaching Cancellation Form. We do not charge by the term, issue accounts, or accept ad-hoc payments over the counter. All regular coaching and Gameplay programs are charged by Direct Debit and your commitment to the program you enrol in is limited to 14 days.

Is there a joining fee?

Yes, we require all regular coaching and Hot Shots League students to pay an ongoing yearly membership fee of $15. This fee covers your insurance and affiliation with Tennis South Australia plus other benefits including discounts and membership to the Grove Tennis Club.

When should I start?

Our programs are designed to allow students to commence learning from any point within the program. Our focus is to ensure each student is grouped with players of a similar age and skill level.  We use the Tennis Australia endorsed Hotshots program to teach and grade students.

What age?

Players can commence lessons from aged 3 or 4. We hold special 30 minute classes “Hot Shots Fundamentals” for players aged between 3 & 4 years.

What are Hotshots Leagues?

Are a specific coach supervised activity that introduces students to match play in a fun, controlled environment and allows them to practice what they have learned in their lesson.  We highly recommend these programs for any students attending Hot Shots lessons looking to rapidly improve their game.

 

Wet Weather

What happens if it rains?

We will do everything possible to run our programs as scheduled, however on occasion weather may force us to cancel.  Decisions to cancel lessons will generally not be made until immediately prior to the scheduled lesson commencement time.

Who do I call?

You can contact our centre immediately prior to the lesson scheduled commencement time.

When is the make-up for the wet weather lesson?

Wet weather make-up lessons are scheduled each term on our coaching Calendar  They occur on the Sunday of Week 5 and the first Saturday of every State School Holiday break. To book into the make-up class, simply visit the office and list your child’s name in the appropriate class. Booking for these classes is essential.

Other Make-ups

Due to our strict class size requirements, we do not offer make-up classes for casual absence or sickness.   However if you are absent from class for an extended period of time i.e. more than 2 weeks, please contact us to make alternate arrangements.

School Lessons

Again we do everything in our power to ensure the lesson is held on the scheduled day. At most schools we have an undercover area that we can utilize if the courts are unplayable. Check with you coach to find out the procedure for your school. Lessons lost due to wet weather can be made on the wet weather makeup day at any of our centre. Remember to book your place in these classes. See our yearly calendar at the end of this form for dates.

Lesson Fees

How are fees charged?

We offer a convenient payment that provides payment of tennis tuition fees fortnightly from your nominated credit card or bank account. You can start your lessons at any time throughout the year and finish at any time; our only requirement is that you provide 14 days notice of your intention to do so.

Any transaction fees?

No. Tennis Gear absorbs the transaction fees for you.   Our program fees listed in the table on page 4 includes all transaction processing fees.

How do I cancel my enrolment?

You can cancel your enrolment and payment authority at any time by providing 14 days written notice. This notice needs to be given via our online cancellation form, it is not sufficient to tell your coach, call our counter staff or leave a message. The cancellation form is available via our website.

When are payments made?

Payments are charged to your nominated bank account or credit card fortnightly.  Further information can be found on the DDR Payment Authority.

Who is Ezidebit?

We have engaged Ezidebit to process the credit card and bank account transactions on our behalf. The name Ezidebit Health & Fitness Newstead will appear on your bank statement or credit card statement as the billing agent for your tennis tuition fees.

What about public holidays?

We do not run tennis coaching on public holidays.  If you are enrolled in a class that falls on a public holiday, you will be not be charged for that lesson.

Joining Fee and MTC Membership

It is compulsory that all regular players and students at our centres become members of the Playford Tennis Centre for insurance purposes.  Our $15 joining fee includes annual Grove Club membership and Tennis SA membership. Membership with Tennis SA provides players with personal accident insurance as well as a host of other benefits. Please visit www.tennis.com.au/sa for more information.

What are the benefits?

The offers and benefits vary from time to time and are published on our website at www.tennisgear.com.au. They include accident and injury insurance cover, membership with Tennis Queensland, access to our club championships, discounts and benefits such as priority tickets to the Brisbane International.

Why do I have to pay this?

Our centres are affiliated with Tennis Australia. Tennis South Australia is the governing body of our sport and they charge a fee to their affiliates for membership to cover their costs in providing insurance cover, support and administration of our state tennis programs.  This cost is passed on to affiliated clubs such as ours and then shared equally across our players.

How do I claim on the insurance policy?

As a member of our Club you are covered for accident and injuries sustained while you are involved in tennis related activities. If you sustain an injury that you wish to obtain compensation for please go to the websites listed below for additional information regarding a claim.

Where can I get more information?

For more information about the policy and inclusions please see http://australia.marsh.com/Programs/Tennis/Home

 

MORE QUESTIONS?

You can speak with your coach at the conclusion of the lesson, speak with the office counter staff or you can visit our website at www.tennisgear.com.au