This week’s extreme weather has prompted Rocket Padel Ilford to cancel all sessions on their canopied courts over concerns for players’ welfare.
Temperatures in London are set to hit 34°C from Tuesday to Thursday (23-25 June) and heat will intensify on courts covered by canopies.
In an email to players, Rocket Padel Ilford said that anyone choosing to play in the canopy “will be required to sign a waiver before going on court.”
However, Rocket Padel Ilford club manager Oskar Wynne told The Padel Paper that if temperatures do reach forecast levels, they may opt to close the club’s canopied section to all players.
“Player welfare and experience is our priority. We’re advising players not to use the canopy courts during the hottest part of the week and have waived all cancellation fees to support that,” said Wynne.
“We’re monitoring conditions closely and, if temperatures under the canopy reach levels we’re not comfortable with, we won’t hesitate to close those courts altogether.”
Wynne added that Rocket Padel follows the guidelines of the LTA’s Extreme Heat policy, published in August 2022. The policy recommends ‘modification of play’ when the Heat Stress Index meets or exceeds 34.0°C.
With air conditioning inside, Rocket Padel Ilford’s indoor courts will continue to be available.
Players who had booked a canopy court and decide not to play have been told any cancellation fees will be waived.
