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Blind and Low Vision Tennis

Tennis South Australia is committed to providing opportunities to play for all participants, including those who are Blind and Vision Impaired. Modified equipment such as tactile lines, smaller racquets, bells with a bell and smaller court dimensions are utilized in Blind Tennis to ensure participants can engage in our great game.

With one of the biggest BLV Tennis programs in Australia, Somerton Park coach Nick Bradley has been leading the space for many years, providing opportunities for juniors and seniors.  Offerings include the opportunity to represent South Australia and even Australia.

Tennis South Australia is fortunate to have a very strong relationship with the South Australian School for Vision Impaired.  This is showcased through yearly programs, culminating to a full day of tennis activities and incorporating one of the worlds first junior tournaments for BLV athletes.  This relationship is further evident with the South Australian School for Vision Impaired winning the award for Most Outstanding School in 2020 on the back of their strong program and links to Somerton Park Tennis Club.

Take a look at the current Blind and Low Vision Tennis Pathway here.

View the flyer on Blind and Low Vision Tennis here 

 

Eligibility

There are 4 classifications/categories of Blind and Low Vision Tennis:

Classification Eligibility criteria Tennis Australia events
B1 Visual acuity poorer than LogMAR 2.60
  • State Blind & Low Vision Tennis Tournaments
  • Australian Blind & Low Vision National Tennis Championships
B2 Visual acuity ranging from LogMAR 1.50 to 2.60 (inclusive)
B3 Visual acuity ranging from LogMAR 1.0 to 1.40 (inclusive) OR visual fields less than 10 degrees diameter and visual acuity better than 0.5 (B4)
B4 Visual acuity ranging from LogMAR 0.5 to 0.9 (inclusive) OR visual fields less than 40 degrees diameter and visual acuity better than 0.5.

 

Where can I play?

Somerton Park Tennis Club hosts Blind Tennis sessions which is a fantastic way for adults and kids who are blind or have low vision to experience the game of tennis. Participants use audible tennis balls on modified courts, play with smaller racquets and follow rules that are relaxed for fun and enjoyment.

Contact Nick Bradley: [email protected]

 

Hope Valley Tennis Club have recently introduced a Blind and Low Vision Tennis Program in conjunction with Nick Bradley to work with the existing program and provide more opportunities to participants across the metropolitan area.

Contact Josh Crowe: [email protected]