For the next 18 months we will carefully follow the guidelines below to protect the quality and preserve the lifespan of our recently laid courts. The guidelines are standard LTA procedure for macadam courts and the courts themselves were laid by experienced, LTA approved contractors.

In hot weather the asphalt may soften and be damaged by player’s footwear removing pieces of asphalt from the upper surface if play is allowed to continue. It is important to note that this damage cannot be repaired, and this can significantly reduce the quality and life of the playing surface.

Softening is a phenomenon usually confined to the first season, however throughout the first 24 months after the courts have been laid court usage will be carefully managed on the during hot weather.

Once the courts have set, they can be played on during periods of hot weather without disruption. By following these guidelines now, we will have good quality courts with a 10 - 12 year lifespan.

The guidance indicates that courts may become damaged in temperatures at 22/23 degrees and above. It should be noted that this is not an exact measure and may vary with weather conditions such as cloud cover or direct sunlight being a factor.

• The temperature and the condition of the courts will be monitored on an ongoing basis. If the temperature rises above a certain point, we will have to cancel play to protect the courts.
• Early morning or evening bookings are less likely to be affected by this temporary policy. However, extremely hot days with little to no cloud cover will greatly reduce our ability to play on the courts for the entirety of that day.
• The courts will be reopened on the day if the court conditions and temperature allow.
• Refunds or credit vouchers will be issued for all court bookings affected by hot weather just as we do for rained off bookings.

We appreciate your understanding and patience.

Finsbury Park Tennis team