Club Management – Roles and Responsibilities 

 When considering what is needed to manage a real tennis club it is easy to emphasise what makes us unique.  We have very specific skills required for lessons and ball making and very particular issues caused by the requirements of the large and often very old buildings we play in.  However, it must be kept in mind how much running a club has in common with so many other sports clubs.  We have members, facilities and a host of administrative duties to keep the club active and thriving.  Laid out below is a guide to the many areas which need to be managed to make a club function. 

 How each club allocates and manages these roles and responsibilities varies enormously because every club is different.  For example, Queen’s has Real Tennis professionals but also many other paid staff including an established bar and catering service, a dedicated membership office, reception, security and a grounds and maintenance team.  Other clubs such as Hardwick House may commonly have no one on site.  In some clubs there is an owner such as a school or the National Trust who will be involved in matters such as building repairs and maintenance.  In some clubs such as Petworth there is an active committee who will take many of the roles below.   

These differences generally exist for good reason and one way is not necessarily better than the other.  What it does mean is that the role of the professional varies enormously across clubs and that anyone involved in the management of the club needs to be aware of their particular set-up and requirements. 

Areas of Responsibility 

Tennis (duties which are required for play at a club to thrive) 

Premises  

Club Rules & Policies 

Communications   

Club Administration