My Tennis Court Sign Confusion
Last Tuesday rolled around, my usual tennis day. Grabbed my racket, threw on sneakers, hauled myself down to the local courts. Figured I’d get some practice in before lunch. Walked through the gate and bam – saw this shiny new sign staring at me. Big red letters saying “NO SOLES OTHER THAN TENNIS SHOES ALLOWED” with a picture of crossed-out running shoes. Got real confused cause my buddy Dave always wears his cross-trainers here. Thought maybe it was just decoration at first.
Decided to go ask the grumpy old dude who manages the courts. Leaned on the counter at his little shed office while he polished glasses. “Hey Bill, that new sign by gate three – that for real now?” He stopped wiping, looked up slow. “Yep. Too many idiots tearing up the surface with wrong shoes last month. Ruined court two completely.” Then he jabbed his finger toward another sign I never noticed – this small blue one near court four saying “MAX 90 MINUTES WHEN OTHERS WAITING”. Felt my face get hot cause just last week I played two straight hours when people were queueing.
What I Learned About Court Sign Rules
So I made it my mission that week to actually read every sign at three different courts in town. Turns out most places have their own crazy variations but some stuff keeps popping up:
- Footwear rules are non-negotiable everywhere. Saw multiple places banning black-soled shoes that leave marks.
- Time limits usually only kick in when people are waiting. At city courts they even got this electronic queue system now.
- Cell phone policies shocked me – three courts forbid any phone use during play after some teenager live-streamed during a tournament.
- Learned the hard way about shirt requirements when I got booted for wearing a tank top at the fancy club. Their sign said “COLLARED SHIRTS ONLY” in size 50 font.
My Big Realization
On Thursday I dragged Dave with me to test the shoe rule. Manager came charging over before we even finished warmups, pointing at Dave’s cross-trainers. “Out! Read the sign!” Dave argued but got escorted off. I played alone feeling super awkward. Later talked to a tournament referee friend who broke it down: Court signs aren’t suggestions – they’re binding rules protecting everyone. Ignoring them risks injuries, damages equipment, and honestly makes you look like a jerk. Now I scan all signs before unzipping my racket cover. Takes ten seconds but saves embarrassment and keeps courts nice for everyone.