“$20,000 Fine, Fewer Media Personnel…” – ATP Revamps Its Guidelines Amid Coronavirus Pandemic

With the ATP Tour set to resume soon for the first time since March, ATP has released an official rulebook. The rulebook contains guidelines for the players, staff, and other stakeholders to follow in the post-COVID-19 era.

The tennis body laid out strict measures to be followed by the players concerning physical distancing rules on COVID-19. Other precautionary measures applicable to each event also have to be followed.

Strict guidelines laid down by ATP

The rulebook clearly states that a breach of the rules will be considered as a violation of the ‘code of conduct’.

The specific clause states, ‘Any repetitive or blatant breach of the measures may be considered a violation of the code of conduct under this Section or the Major Offense of Conduct Contrary to the Integrity of the Game depending on the severity of the violation.’

A fine of up to $20,000 will be levied on the players who are found in breach of the COVID-19 rules.

The ATP has allowed media conferences to take place but with a minimum of 2 meters between the player and the interviewer. 

Ball kids will only handle towels

With regard to seating and spectator attendance, the rulebook states that tournaments shall have minimum seating capacities on the Center Court, except as approved by ATP.

The need for additional medical staff beyond the treatment for illness and injuries to players is included. The additional staff will be mainly for screening and testing of COVID-19.

Every event will also have a Tournament Infection Control Officer (TICO) to help control the spread of COVID-19 during tournaments.

Ball kids will be allowed, but will only handle the balls and not be allowed to handle towels of players.

Other guidelines

Some of the other guidelines as per the rulebook are as follows: 

• A court monitor will be assigned for each match court and is required to be equipped with Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) kits.
• After the match, every item in contact with the Chair Umpire must be disinfected before the next Umpire and players arrive.
• Only two additional staff members will be allowed with the players on-site, provided they carry credentials.
• The use of the locker rooms should be reduced as much as possible and limited to pre-match preparation only. 
• The number of media personnel on-site will be reduced. Every event is also required to have video conferencing facilities for virtual press conferences.
• For remaining events in 2020, draw sizes in each category will be modified at the tournaments keeping in mind the COVID-19 situation.

Source: ATP Rulebook

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