Public Tennis Court Hogger-What shall I do

[dannyjjang]

Hello
Need an opinion on this

There is a public tennis court where I usually go to to hit at..
Well the problem is there is this one instructor who basically hogs the court 24/7
He teaches one student, than one leaves another comes..a never ending cycle
Most of the time I have to wait 40 min to hour for the other court to open up ( There are two courts )

Although it is a bit annoying I just let it go. ( I am a patient person! )

Well couple of days ago I was waiting for 2 hours for a court to open up and the instructor noticed this he seemed guilt ridden and started to converse with his students about random topics: such as Dragon Ball Z to baja fresh in one sentence...Strange :shock:...Fine I don't mind ( I am a good boy! )

Well couple minutes later the instructor was done with his lesson...
I was relieved because I could at least play 30 minutes before the light-out

As the instructor prepares to leave... couple of his friends join his court they have a few chat than he gives away the court to his buddies....
My friend was in utter shock but I remained calm but what triggered my anger was his friendly gesture towards us:
( Outside the Court )
He said "How is your brother doing?"

Um..I don't have a brother....

"Well I see you and your brother here hitting all the time"

I don't have a brother

"Do you know ( X )?"

Yea I know him ( He finally found someone that he can connect to )

"Well tell him I said hi, the other court should be opening up soon take care guys..."

It was a much longer conversation..actually it was just him talking nonsense for couple of minutes

Well his attitude towards me really pissed me off, he could have walked away but he had to do this bull**** talk with me

I know for a fact he is not affiliated with the city and what he does is totally illegal..tax evasion lol...Violating the rule
Unless you can pay the city to borrow the court 24/7?
The rule of this tennis court says "Wait time is 1 hour max", "Only allowed of city sponsored tennis lessons"

What do you guys think should I call the city to rat on this guy?
I got the number at my hand all I need to do is call and justice will be served

 

[super_forehand]

Since he is not city sponsored:

You are in fron of the line, so when the new student arrives, he has to wait for your turn to get in the court. You basically let all those people cut in front of you.

Another thing, the instructor has one hour from the time you get there. How big are you? Just walk in the court after one hour and kick them out.

 

[Swissv2]

Public tennis courts have rules. A simple complaint to the city will take care of this issue.

 

[film1]

I would ask the city the policy with out making a big deal and then try and communicate with him in a nice way with the knowledge you have obtained.

 

[dannyjjang]

Since he is not city sponsored:

You are in fron of the line, so when the new student arrives, he has to wait for your turn to get in the court. You basically let all those people cut in front of you.

Another thing, the instructor has one hour from the time you get there. How big are you? Just walk in the court after one hour and kick them out.

Old enough but I am a polite person
and most of the times the parents are there to watch their kids play

 

[super_forehand]

Old enough but I am a polite person
and most of the times the parents are there to watch their kids play

Sometimes you have to stand your ground. You are to play in the order you arrive at a maximum of 1 hour. It's pretty clear cut. When the one hour is over, walk into the court and tell them to leave. Since you are a polite individual (as am I) just say: Leave the court, please. If the parents are unhappy, point them to the rules board. If they say they know the rules, point out the fact that the instructor is teaching their brat illegally.

 

[goober]

Why should you feel guilty about kicking off a guy who is not suppose to be there in the first place? Some private instructors were monopolizing some community college courts that I play at. I called the school about it and got them booted out. The look on their faces as security escorted them off the courts was priceless. The may try to bully you since you are a younger, but just hold your ground.

 

[SFrazeur]

Unless you complain to Parks and Rec. that he is disrupting your right to use the courts--making money without them getting a share--then you'll have to make a scene when your wait time is over.

For him this is about money. For him to give the court over to you would cost him. He's not losing money for you to play; his money his more important than you.

If he has students around and you ask for the court, and potentially make a scene and demand for your right to use the court he might give in at that time not to make himself look bad. What will happen the next time however? Don't know.

But for you to tell him that you know what he is doing is against city ordinance #whatever isn't going to do anything.

My personal suggestion is to get in contact with your City's Parks and Rec. and file a complaint. Do not feel bad about this, he is the one doing something wrong. Again, most likely he will not be reasoned with as this is about money. He doesn't care what you are out as long as he isn't. You are simply letting the proper authorities handle the situation.

-SF

 

[javierjavier]

are you sure he doesn't have a right to hold lessons on the court? i know some cities allow permits and then these coaches have priority over 1 or 2 courts that are reserved for private lessons. that's the case here in los angeles...

if not, then just call him on the rules posted on the public courts. if there aren't any rules you could look online or call parks and recreation in your city.

definitely stand your ground. this is a lesson that will pay dividends in other areas of life... hahaha, and love...

 

[mtommer]

Old enough but I am a polite person
and most of the times the parents are there to watch their kids play

So what. Did you go to the courts to wait or did you go there to play? You wait your turn and then you take your turn.

I can't tell you how to handle the situation. All I can tell you is how I would handle the situation. I would let the guy know after 45 minutes that I'm taking the court after his hour is up. If he wants to make an issue, simply point out the rules. Then I would tell him he has one of two choices, let me have the court for my hour or you can let the city know that he's giving lessons not approved by the city. Point out that he can keep making money on the side or not. "I don't care. What I do care about is being able to play after waiting patiently to do so. The rules are meant to stop you from doing what you're doing regarding the lessons as well as hogging the court. Make your choice."

 

[jmnk]

I was going to open thread on this very topic myself. It seems that where I live this behavior becomes more and more frequent. Just the other day I was driving around to three different parks because courts were taken by these instructors. What makes things worse is that I know them personally, not really as friends but we meet here and there so making a scene is a bit uneasy. I'm almost 100% certain they do not have any kind of agreement with park district, and the rules definitely state that for-profit lessons are not really allowed.
I do not care much if they do that while people work - but to take courts for hours during 6-10PM hours is a bit much. Plus even if the adjacent court is open it is really hard to play due to all those balls flying left and right (I mean they mostly teach kids, or almost absolute beginners).

so any ideas how to solve it nicely would be appreciated.

 

[mtommer]

so any ideas how to solve it nicely would be appreciated.

You're not going to solve it nicely. You don't think those instructors know they aren't so supposed to be teaching do you? Of course they know. They know they're hogging the courts. They know they aren't supposed to be teaching per city rules. They know. They are counting on people not saying anything because of "courtesy".

 

[jrod]

He is using a public facility to increase his income by reducing his business expenses. The guy is taking advantage of you, the city and all of the taxpayers. He is subject to the same rules as everyone else. I'd report him and let him know when his time is up.

 

[atatu]

Yes, call the city, what are you waiting for ?

 

[topspin]

The poster who mentioned that you should 'stand your ground' is correct. We also have similar rules in my area. I had a small incident where I arrived at the courts and was waiting for either the hour to be up or for someone to leave. During my wait, a couple just cut in front of me and walked on the courts and went to sit down in the back of one of the courts. Later on, when a court opened up, they were moving towards it. I walked in slowly and made my way to the court and told them that the court was mine. They tried to argue. I reminded them that they clearly saw me standing in front of the door waiting for a court when they just walked onto the courts. I also informed them that it is very rude to walk on a court and just sit in the back. So they had to leave and I got the court. I hate having to confront people over tennis courts. But it's a matter of you standing up for yourself. Anyone hogging a court is not superior to you. You have just as much right to that court based on the posted rules. So just politely take the court based on those rules. If they resist, then do not argue. Just inform them that you will call the city.

 

[burosky]

I would try to talk to him first to see if he would be reasonable enough to abide by the court rules. If not, I will go to the park and rec and inquire how to sign up for lessons being given specifically by this person. Obviously, they will not find a class being taught by him. That's when you say you thought he was a park and rec instructor because of what he does. Typically, the park and rec folks don't want business being taken away from them. Specially now when budgets are being cut left and right. I'm sure someone from park and rec will investigate this after your "innocent" inquiry.

 

[Steady Eddy]

I wouldn't confront him either. I'd go to the managers of the tennis court, (probably a parks and recreation department), and tell them exactly what you know. That he's using a public court for his private business and that he's not allowing the public to play on it, only people who pay him for lessons. They'll have to deal with it, and I'd rather not have him know who told on him. (If you confront him first, it will be pretty obvious). He doesn't deserve some kind of "warning". When he didn't let you play after he'd noticed you waiting for two hours, and still gave the court to his friends, and tried to chat w/ you 'cause he knew he was wrong, that shows he's had enough "warning". He's wrong, you're right, this has gone on long enough.

BTW, if later he sees you and whines about getting kicked off the courts, say flatly, "Oh that's a shame." Don't think you owe him something. If he wants to run a tennis camp he can arrange for his own facilities. Some posters seem to feel that you should talk to him first. I think that's a mistake. Really, he never should have put anyone in this position.

 

[hollywood9826]

Yep I would call whoever is in charge of the facility and verify that he indeed is not associated with them. Then let them know the guy is always there the county, city, or whoever will then take care of it.

Around my way theres a rule that doesnt even allow ball hoppers on the courts. But we got more courts than tennis players so nothing gets enforced.

 

[meowmix]

It's interesting because I was kicked off the courts by an instructor. Except the instructor is a good friend of mine, and has permission to teacher group lessons on the courts

In my area, anybody can use the courts for any amount of time. Instructors, players, etc. Then again, there are plenty of courts (10 at one hs, 9 at another, 4 courts at another place, and even more within 10 minutes drive). There are signup sheets at some of the courts, and anybody that's signed up has priority to be there (rarely used given how many courts there are). However, if all courts are taken (rare), it is a given that you stay for at most 2 hours, and then if there is somebody waiting for a court, you leave. Luckily for us, there's almost never a wait, and this is very rarely a problem.

 

[Gimmick]

Hire him to teach one of your "friends" and then have that friend be the parks and rec personel. Take a picture when he asks the parks and rec personel for his fee.

 

[movdqa]

Bring a video camera and take videos of him teaching and receiving payment and showing that he's using the court for long periods of time. He might get nervous knowing that he's being recorded. If you have a cell phone, you could call the police over but that might be overkill.

 

[TonyB]

Not to sound mean or anything, but a large part of the problem is YOU. Seriously. Maybe the instructor thinks you just like to go and watch him teach? Have you ever ASKED him to leave the court because you're waiting? Have you ever TOLD his students when they show up that you've got the next court?

Sure, the guy is a jerk and has no manners whatsoever, but if you're not going to speak up for yourself, I don't blame him one bit for staying on the court.

If I wanted to be a jerk about it and play all day and people just showed up, watched me for an hour, then left, I wouldn't leave either.

You need to speak up, man. Tell the guy that you're next on the court. Period. If you don't, then expect to be walked all over. That's life.

 

[raiden031]

This is just another example of how nice guys finish last. Politeness doesn't get the job done. You gotta be confrontational.

Anyways there are plenty of A-holes just like this in my town. One guy actually has a website advertising his lessons. He sets up a ball cart by placing it at the center of the net of a court at a public high school either the night before, or early morning on the day of a lesson. I've driven by these courts numerous times at 7am on a sat/sun to see his ball cart at the net and his car wasn't even there! That way he guarantees no one will show up and take his court (at least a polite person wouldn't do it). Sometimes I wish I was a Type A person and I would just roll his cart off to the side and take over his court while he's not there.

 

[mwahsun]

kick the guy out!

 

[M_k 87]

Just curious, what can the city or parks & rec department actually do if you report an instructor like this?

Not doubting that it should be done, but would like to hear from your experiences... Were things resolved?

 

[movdqa]

Just curious, what can the city or parks & rec department actually do if you report an instructor like this?

Not doubting that it should be done, but would like to hear from your experiences... Were things resolved?

There are so few tennis players in my area using public courts that it wouldn't be a problem. It can be a problem at our private courts but I wouldn't report an instructor as the private instructors are always better than the club instructors.

 

[Deleted member 23235]

happens at a public park(s) i play at all the time.
problem is that there is no attendant... and clearly the city/school thinks it's a waste of funds to pay for an attendant (not enough pass revenues generated)
if you really want to do something about it, call the city/school, who may or may not care to help.
personally it's not worth the trouble to complain... much easier to find another court there, or somewhere else... or better yet, befriend the guy, maybe next time you can be the "buddy" he gives his court up to.

you said you waited 2h?! (i'd never wait that long, not even an hour!!),... so everyone else was holding onto their courts? why target the instructor? why not ask anyone else to leave?
personally i'd have gone around asking (all) folks politely, "hi, i'm going around asking everyone... i'm trying to figure out if it's worth waiting, do you know how long you'll be?" (ie. i'm not trying to strong arm you...). i've found that approach way more successful than the "you've been on the court for 1h - get off" approach (some folks will stay on longer just to spite you).
most folks are too lazy, or confrontation averse to do that though.

instructor is somewhat savvy in politicking (he clearly knew you were pissed)... if i were him, i probably would have hit with my buddies for 15m, then "have to leave", which makes the court transition less obvious.

 

[movdqa]

happens at a public park(s) i play at all the time.
problem is that there is no attendant... and clearly the city/school thinks it's a waste of funds to pay for an attendant (not enough pass revenues generated)
if you really want to do something about it, call the city/school, who may or may not care to help.
personally it's not worth the trouble to complain... much easier to find another court there, or somewhere else... or better yet, befriend the guy, maybe next time you can be the "buddy" he gives his court up to.

you said you waited 2h?! (i'd never wait that long, not even an hour!!),... so everyone else was holding onto their courts? why target the instructor? why not ask anyone else to leave?
personally i'd have gone around asking (all) folks politely, "hi, i'm going around asking everyone... i'm trying to figure out if it's worth waiting, do you know how long you'll be?" (ie. i'm not trying to strong arm you...). i've found that approach way more successful than the "you've been on the court for 1h - get off" approach (some folks will stay on longer just to spite you).
most folks are too lazy, or confrontation averse to do that though.

instructor is somewhat savvy in politicking (he clearly knew you were pissed)... if i were him, i probably would have hit with my buddies for 15m, then "have to leave", which makes the court transition less obvious.

We started having this problem when I was growing up (70s tennis boom). I guess that the city listened to the complaints. They built a new park in my area with a couple of tennis courts. They were so nice, though, that they attracted players from other cities.

 

[ollinger]

heard this one on a recent news story: tell him that's a very nice daughter he has, it would be a shame if anything happened to her.

 

[Deleted member 23235]

We started having this problem when I was growing up (70s tennis boom). I guess that the city listened to the complaints. They built a new park in my area with a couple of tennis courts. They were so nice, though, that they attracted players from other cities.

yeah, that's common.
i used to be a tennis attendant as a kid. i miss the days of rows of people waiting for a court.
and all tennis players eventually find out about the "nice courts" - eg recently resurfaced, proper crack free, with the right amount of grit...

 

[millicurie999]

 

[fireandwind]

If you call the city, I don't think there is not much they can do. The pic above is on the spot.

I would just let it go and go to other courts. I am sure there are other courts in your city.

 

[M_k 87]

Thank you all for your responses. I guess my expectations should be set low for this. While there are many other courts in the area, this part of town is known for being very full, especially during evenings. Adding to the issue is that less than half the courts have lights, so when the sun starts setting, there are so few options.

@nytennisaddict I'm not the OP, and haven't had to wait for 2 hours unfortunately. What I'm getting at is what could've been an issue with this instructor, as she's booking back-to-back lessons. We were waiting for her court, and thankfully, another court opened up nearby so we took it.

A few minutes after we took that open court, other groups came to wait for the adjacent courts. Meaning if we'd actually waited for the instructor, we would've been screwed... We'd either need to start a new 1 hour wait period at a different court or find a way to get her and the new student off. Please let me know how you'd handle such a scenario.

 

[M_k 87]

@fireandwind Thank you. I understand there are other courts, but they are likely to be full as well. To make it clear, it's not like there are open courts a mile away and I'm trying to pick a beef with one person just to be silly. A couple times we would drive around to each of the 5 or 6 different public park courts to see if one would be open. We realized it was futile to keep driving, and that our time would just be better spent waiting for someone to finish.

The question is who do we wait for? Or in another way, why should we avoid waiting for someone who is breaking the rules?

I'll try call parks & rec today and see what they say. My ideal scenario would be for the city to just build an additional 6-10 courts in the area for everyone to use Then we'd all be happy playing the sport we enjoy so much.

 

[fireandwind]

@fireandwind Thank you. I understand there are other courts, but they are likely to be full as well. To make it clear, it's not like there are open courts a mile away and I'm trying to pick a beef with one person just to be silly. A couple times we would drive around to each of the 5 or 6 different public park courts to see if one would be open. We realized it was futile to keep driving, and that our time would just be better spent waiting for someone to finish.

The question is who do we wait for? Or in another way, why should we avoid waiting for someone who is breaking the rules?

I'll try call parks & rec today and see what they say. My ideal scenario would be for the city to just build an additional 6-10 courts in the area for everyone to use Then we'd all be happy playing the sport we enjoy so much.

I agree your city needs to build more tennis courts. It should be on Ballot in this November. I would pick one of strong candidates for Mayor, district supervisor or state assembly candidate for your district and negotiate with them with the agenda. Post your agenda on Facebook and Craigslist for signup.

 

[movdqa]

Thank you all for your responses. I guess my expectations should be set low for this. While there are many other courts in the area, this part of town is known for being very full, especially during evenings. Adding to the issue is that less than half the courts have lights, so when the sun starts setting, there are so few options.

@nytennisaddict I'm not the OP, and haven't had to wait for 2 hours unfortunately. What I'm getting at is what could've been an issue with this instructor, as she's booking back-to-back lessons. We were waiting for her court, and thankfully, another court opened up nearby so we took it.

A few minutes after we took that open court, other groups came to wait for the adjacent courts. Meaning if we'd actually waited for the instructor, we would've been screwed... We'd either need to start a new 1 hour wait period at a different court or find a way to get her and the new student off. Please let me know how you'd handle such a scenario.

One of the courts in the city doesn't have the problem with availability during the day.

Something to do with the gangsters doing drug deals in the parking lot.

 

[Deleted member 23235]

Thank you all for your responses. I guess my expectations should be set low for this. While there are many other courts in the area, this part of town is known for being very full, especially during evenings. Adding to the issue is that less than half the courts have lights, so when the sun starts setting, there are so few options.

@nytennisaddict I'm not the OP, and haven't had to wait for 2 hours unfortunately. What I'm getting at is what could've been an issue with this instructor, as she's booking back-to-back lessons. We were waiting for her court, and thankfully, another court opened up nearby so we took it.

A few minutes after we took that open court, other groups came to wait for the adjacent courts. Meaning if we'd actually waited for the instructor, we would've been screwed... We'd either need to start a new 1 hour wait period at a different court or find a way to get her and the new student off. Please let me know how you'd handle such a scenario.

lol,
#1. i'd befriend her, and maybe next time i'd be on her short list of folks she would give up the court to.... then go around to other courts to figure out when they are getting off, and wait for that court.
#2. if i didn't like her, i'd complain, or feeling particularly vindictive, i'd report her, make a fuss, etc... but if there really are so few courts, and i always went to those courts, and had to wait, partly because that instructor monopolized the courts, i'd complain
realistically, option 1, mainly because #2 takes too much effort, with minimum gain