Tennis in Atlantic Beach

Independent tennis teaching professionals offer lessons in Atlantic Beach and the surrounding areas. These can be a great way to get personalized instruction or learn in a small group setting.

In Atlantic Beach, all tennis teaching professionals are required to be registered with the City of Atlantic Beach. This ensures that you receive instruction from qualified, approved professionals.

Registered instructors 

1. Doug Essig: doug@healinghobbiesjax.com
2. Richard Lamb: nancita2@att.net
3. Bill McConnell: wpmcconnell1@icloud.com
4. Ivona Strycova: ivka1978@yahoo.com

Interested in becoming a registered instructor?

1. Teaching professionals charging for instruction must have an active City registration.
2. Registration must be displayed on the court bulletin board, and a City-issued sign must be posted outside the court being used.
3. Registration fee: $225 + tax quarterly.
4. Proof of active membership in a tennis-teaching professionals association, liability insurance, Safe Play training, and a Level 2 background screening are required.
5. Professionals must sign hold-harmless agreements for themselves and their students.
6. At Russell Park, instructors may use a court for no longer than 90 minutes per session if players or other instructors are waiting.
7. Lessons/clinics must be provided on Russell Park Court Nos. 4, 5, and 6, or at Bull Park.
8. These regulations are subject to update. For more information on becoming a registered tennis instructor, please contact the Recreation Division at (904) 247-5828 or recreation@coab.us.

The United States Tennis Association’s "The Code: The Players' Guide to Fair Play and the Unwritten Rules of Tennis" serves as the primary resource for tennis etiquette, especially in unofficiated matches common on public courts. Here are some general USTA-endorsed tennis etiquette guidelines for first-come, first-serve public tennis courts. These guidelines promote a positive and harmonious environment for all users of public tennis courts, reflecting the USTA's emphasis on sportsmanship and accessibility.

Court Availability and Usage

• First-Come, First-Serve: The general rule is that the first group to arrive and be ready to play gets the next available court. If all courts are occupied, be mindful of those who arrived before you,
• Time Limits (Implicit or Posted): While not always formally posted on public courts, it's generally understood that if people are waiting, play should be limited to a reasonable duration (e.g., one hour for singles, 1.5 hours for doubles, or a set limit if agreed upon). This allows everyone a chance to play.
• Vacate Promptly: Once your time is up or your match/hitting session is complete and others are waiting, promptly gather your belongings and vacate the court.
• No "Holding" Courts: Do not attempt to "hold" a court while you wait for partners or prepare to play. A court is considered available until a group is fully ready to begin.

Respect for Other Players and Courts

• Avoid Disturbances: When playing, keep noise to a minimum. Avoid loud talking, shouting, or using electronic devices loudly.
• Don't Cross Courts During Play: Never walk across another court while a point is in progress. Wait for the point to end before retrieving stray balls or moving to another court.
• Return Balls Promptly: If a ball from an adjacent court rolls onto your court, retrieve it quickly and return it to the players on the other court, ideally during a break in their play.

Sportsmanship and Fair Play (The "Code")

• Courtesy and Respect: Treat all players, including your opponents, with courtesy and respect. Tennis is a game that relies on cooperation.
• Honest Line Calls: In unofficiated matches (common on public courts), players are responsible for making calls on their side of the net. Give your opponent the benefit of the doubt on close calls. A ball that is 99% out is 100% in.
• Call Out the Score: The server should announce the score loudly and clearly before each point to avoid disputes.
• Shake Hands: At the end of a match, shake hands with your opponents and acknowledge their play.

League Policy

(** This policy is scheduled to be reviewed by the Arts, Recreation and Culture Committee at its meeting at 6 p.m. Tuesday, July 22, 2025.)

• Purpose. The City of Atlantic Beach offers tennis league play at Russell Park to promote active lifestyles and community engagement. This policy outlines the guidelines for obtaining permits and utilizing the courts for organized league play.
• Eligibility and Permit Application
  1. Who can apply? Any organized tennis league can apply for a permit.
  2. How to apply: All permit applications must be submitted via email to recreation@coab.us.
  3. Application content: Your application should include: 
  4. League name
  5. Primary contact person (name, phone, email)
  6. Desired play days and times 
  7. Number of courts requested
  8. Permit issuance: Permits are issued on a first-come, first-served basis and are subject to court availability as determined by City staff.
  9. Hold-Harmless Agreement: Each player participating in league play must sign a hold-harmless agreement provided by the City prior to their first day of play. This ensures the City is protected from liability.
• League Play Schedule and Restrictions
  1. Weekday Play: League play may be permitted between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m. Monday through Friday.
  2. Weekend Play: League play may be permitted between noon) and 4 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays.
  3. Frequency: Leagues are limited to no more than one weekday per week and no more than one weekend day per week. This ensures fair access for all residents.
  4. Court Assignment: Specific court assignments will be made by City staff and included on the permit.
  5. Flexibility: The City reserves the right to modify or revoke permits due to unforeseen circumstances, maintenance, or special events. Advance notice will be provided whenever possible.
• Fees
  1. Permit Fee: A non-refundable permit fee of $25 per day of permitted play is required. Payment details will be provided upon permit approval.
• Code of Conduct
  1. All league participants are expected to adhere to the Russell Park rules and regulations.
  2. Respectful behavior towards other park users, City staff, and facilities is mandatory.
  3. Any damage to City property caused by league participants may result in fines and/or revocation of future permits.
• Questions, Feedback, and Applications
  1. For any questions, feedback regarding this policy, or to apply for a league play permit, please email recreation@coab.us.

In 2025, United States Tennis Association Florida conducted a community tennis assessment in Atlantic Beach. This project was undertaken at the City’s request at no charge. This assessment provides a solid foundation for the City of Atlantic Beach to enhance its tennis facilities and programming, aligning with community desires and USTA best practices. Here is the assessment document.

Key Takeaways

• Strong Community Passion for Tennis: The Atlantic Beach community has a high level of enthusiasm for tennis, with a significant number of residents playing or interested in playing, and a strong willingness to volunteer to support the sport. They value open court access, inclusive programming, responsible coaching, and improved maintenance from the City.
• Need for Expanded and Diverse Programming: Current programming is heavily focused on adult private lessons and team clinics, with limited offerings for youth, beginners, or social play. There's a clear demand for more youth clinics (especially after school and on weekends), "Learn to Play" and "Cardio Tennis" style classes for adults, family tennis programs, and adaptive tennis options.
• Facility Improvements are Crucial: The assessment identifies a need to upgrade facility conditions, including lighting, restrooms, and court surfaces. It also recommends evaluating options to add courts to offset recent conversions of tennis courts to other sports. Regular maintenance and a dedicated storage shed for equipment are also highlighted.
• Re-evaluating Financial and Operational Models: The current free/open play model for residents is popular, but the assessment suggests exploring non-resident court fees, league team usage fees, and tournament fees to offset operational costs. The current flat-fee model for independent contractors is seen as low compared to industry standards, and the report recommends reviewing this model, increasing fees, and requiring contractors to offer more varied, community-benefiting programming.
• Enhancing Oversight and Staffing: The City currently lacks dedicated tennis staff, which limits comprehensive oversight. While a central park building is absent, considering a passive monitoring system (cameras) is suggested. The report recommends developing a comprehensive tennis plan that includes reviewing staffing needs and potentially incorporating a Head Tennis Professional and support staff.
• Ensuring Contractor Compliance and Community Benefit: While current contractors are Safe Play approved, it's unclear if they meet all Florida legal requirements (e.g., fingerprinting, Level 2 background checks). The report recommends making these mandatory contractual conditions and ensuring contractors provide more diverse programming that benefits the broader community, not just private lessons. Standardizing and setting rate schedules for city-required programs are also recommended to prevent price gouging.

Why Play Tennis? The Benefits Are Endless!

Tennis is more than just a game; it's a lifestyle! It offers a fantastic blend of physical, mental, and social benefits for people of all ages and abilities.

Recreation & Fun

• Enjoyable Activity: Tennis is inherently fun and engaging, providing a great way to unwind and enjoy the outdoors.
• Lifetime Sport: You can play tennis at any age, from childhood into your golden years. It's adaptable to all skill levels.
• Stress Relief: The focus and physical exertion of tennis can be a powerful stress reliever, improving your mood and overall well-being.

Fitness & Health

• Full-Body Workout: Tennis engages your entire body, improving strength, flexibility, agility, and coordination.
• Cardiovascular Health: The constant movement, sprints, and quick changes of direction provide an excellent aerobic and anaerobic workout, improving heart health and stamina. Studies show tennis players have increased bone density and lower body fat.
• Burn Calories: An hour of singles tennis can burn significant calories (e.g., around 600 for men, 420 for women).
• Improved Immunity: Regular physical activity like tennis can boost your immune system.

Families

• Activity for All Ages: Tennis is a rare sport that families can truly enjoy together, regardless of age or skill level. Parents can play with their children, and even grandparents can join in.
• Shared Experience: Playing tennis as a family creates lasting memories and fosters healthy habits.
• Skill Development: Kids learn important motor skills, discipline, focus, and decision-making in a fun environment.

Camaraderie & Social Connection

• Meet New People: Tennis is a wonderfully social sport, whether you're playing singles or doubles. It's easy to meet new playing partners and expand your social circle.
• Build Bonds: The shared experience of competing, practicing, and improving together fosters strong connections and friendships.
• Sportsmanship: Tennis teaches valuable lessons in sportsmanship, respect for opponents, and handling both victory and defeat gracefully.