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FAQS ARE ARRANGED UNDER THE FOLLOWING HEADINGS TO EXPEDITE YOUR SEARCH - PLEASE E-MAIL webmaster@doesport.co.uk IF THERE ARE ITEMS YOU WOULD LIKE TO SEE COVERED WHICH ARE NOT CURRENTLY INCLUDED OR WITH ANY COMMENTS YOU WISH TO MAKE 1. DOE - WHAT IS THE COMPANY'S PHILOSOPHY AND BACKGROUND ? 2. AREA OF OPERATION - WHERE DO YOU WORK AND WHO IS MY POINT OF CONTACT ? 3. SURFACES - WHAT TYPE OF SURFACES ARE CURRENTLY ON THE MARKET ? 4. CAN WE RESURFACE OUR EXISTING FACILITY TO A COMPLETELY DIFFERENT SURFACE ? 5. REFERENCES - CAN WE VISIT AND PLAY ON EXISTING INSTALLATIONS ? 7. SIZES - WHAT ARE THE DIMENSIONS OF TENNIS COURTS / KIDS ZONES / MUGAS ? 10. CONSTRUCTION - HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE - WHAT TYPE OF MACHINERY IS USED ETC ? 11. CARE & MAINTENANCE - GENERAL GUIDANCE 13. FUNDING SOURCES / USEFUL ADDRESSES AND CONTACTS FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS 1. DOE - WHAT IS THE COMPANY'S PHILOSOPHY AND BACKGROUND? WHERE DOES THE NAME 'DOE' COME FROM ? It's an old Essex family name and that of the founder of the original DOE company at Fyfield, Essex, in 1926. IS THERE A MISSION STATEMENT WHICH SETS OUT THE PHILOSOPHY OF THE BUSINESS? TO BE THE TENNIS COURT and MUGA CONSTRUCTOR IN THE UK WHAT IS THE BACKGROUND OF THE DOE SPORT BUSINESS AND ITS DEVELOPMENT PATH ?
2. AREA OF OPERATION - WHERE DO YOU WORK AND WHO IS MY POINT OF CONTACT ? The whole of the UK - please see below to know who looks after your particular area.
3. SURFACES - WHAT TYPES ARE CURRENTLY ON THE MARKET ? TENNIS - Surfaces currently available by 'type' are ACRYLIC / CLAY / 'GRASS' / MACADAM / POLYMERIC and TEXTILE (carpet) - DOE offers a full range so that customers may choose the most suitable option to meet playing, budget and other criteria for their individual requirements - please refer to our TENNIS pages for full details or our range. MULTI-USE FACILITIES - The most popular surfaces currently available by 'type' are 'GRASS' / MACADAM and POLYMERIC. There is a wide range of options to consider, particularly within the 'GRASS' category where this one section can be broken down into 'Rubber filled' (PRESTIGE) / 'Sand dressed' (INTEGRAL) / 'Sand filled' (CASOLON). For these facilities, end use followed by budget normally dictate the final choice of surface. Please see our MUGA pages or e-mail doe@doesport.co.uk or doe@doenorth.co.uk requesting our "DOE MUGA/STP SHOPPING LIST" for more detailed information. 4. CAN WE RESURFACE OUR EXISTING FACILITY TO SOMETHING COMPLETELY DIFFERENT ? RESURFACING / RECONSTRUCTION - Yes, broadly, you can resurface or reconstruct existing facilties quite easily to a different type of surface. However, when changing existing impervious facilities to pervious OR vice versa, there can be substantial cost considerations. Thorough site surveys are essential to give accurate costings. All surveys and quotations are free of any charge or obligation - please do not hesitate to ask if you would like a detailed quotation for your project. 5. REFERENCES - CAN WE VISIT AND PLAY ON EXISTING INSTALLATIONS? Yes, we hold computerised lists for approximately 2500 construction and refurbishment projects out of the 8,000 + that DOE have carried out in the UK. We are always happy to make arrangements for you to visit and/or play on any of our installations - new or old as you prefer or, simply, to e-mail you a list for your region. There is a good chance we will have a facility close to you or we may be constructing in your area so do please ask - referral has always been our route of choice to new customers. Please go to the REFERRALS page for details of larger or more unusual projects. We are members of -
SAPCA's full contact details are - The Sports and Play Construction AssociationFederation House Stoneleigh Park Warwickshire CV8 2RF Chief Executive - Mr Christopher Trickey Tel 024 7641 6316 Fax 024 7641 4773 E-mail info@sapca.org.uk Web www.sapca.org.uk 7. SIZES - WHAT ARE THE DIMENSIONS OF TENNIS COURTS / KIDS ZONES / MUGAS ? TENNIS COURTS There are three sizes commonly quoted and recognised for courts (measurements given are fence to fence for a single court in its own enclosure). Tennis courts are, ideally, constructed in a NORTH / SOUTH direction to avoid problems with shadows on summer evenings although site restrictions sometimes dictate otherwise.
NOTE: PDF files require the free Acrobat reader that can be downloaded from www.adobe.com KIDS ZONES / MINI TENNIS Just as with 'adult' courts there are three sizes for Kids Zones or "Mini Tennis" - both names are used by The LTA. MINI TENNIS RED - first stage aimed at children between 4-8 years.16m x 8m is the enclosure size for a single court with the playing lines/area 12m x 6m 4m x 3m for the Service Box 0.80cm for the Net Height There are two special Mini Tennis RED Balls to use - an 8cm sponge ball indoors and an 8cm low bounce ball outdoors The court size given above is The LTA recommended size - it may be varied to suit individual sites. MINI TENNIS ORANGE - introduces children to playing on a full size court but it is shorter in length. 'ORANGE' is aimed at children from 7 years upwards but younger children may play dependent upon their ability. 24m x 11.63m is recommended enclosure size for a single court with the playing lines/area 18m x 8.23m for singles or 18m x 10.973m for doubles (i.e., just like the width of a normal full size adult court) Service box as full size tennis court 0.914m for the Net height - as on a full size tennis court Mini Tennis ORANGE low compression balls are normally used although a standard tennis ball may be used but, in this case, run-backs and side-runs may need to be increased above the minimum recommendation. MINI TENNIS GREEN - The final stage before children move to adult tennis. Court size - exactly as a normal adult court - as above under TENNIS COURTS. Mini Tennis GREEN balls are used which are slightly softer than normal balls and will keep the game at a pace at which children can play comfortably. For more details, including racket sizes and rules, please see The LTA's own web site - http://www.minitennis.com - after entering this site click on the extreme right icon "Grown Ups" unless you like playing mini-pong ! WHAT ARE THE STANDARD SIZES FOR MUGAs (MULTI USE GAMES AREAS) There are no hard and fast rules but the four most widely constructed sizes (with goal areas outside these dimensions) are - Click on the headings below to download the price lists as PDF files. OUTDOOR TENNIS COURTS EAST / CENTRAL / MIDLANDS / SOUTH & WESSEX REGIONSNORTH ENGLAND/ NORTH WALES / SCOTLAND MUGAs - list coming soon NOTE: PDF files require the free Acrobat reader that can be downloaded from www.adobe.com CDM REGULATIONS / INSURANCE COVER / PEFORMANCE BONDS WARRANTIES / VAT - DOES IT ALWAYS HAVE TO BE PAID ? Q. Are DOE familiar with CDM regulations which now cover the majority of site construction works? A. Yes, we have all the necessary facilities and qualified staff in house to comply with CDM regulations, to produce Construction Phase CDM documents, including 'as built' CAD drawings and the necessary completion manuals for each project. Q. What type of insurance cover does DOE carry? A. Full Employers & Public Liability (£10 million any one incident), Professional Indemnity Cover and Construction All-Risks package. Q. Can DOE provide Performance Bonds or Surety should this be required? A. Yes, we can Q. What warranties do you give on your works? A. A standard 36 months warranty from date of completion on our macadam courts (DOE VICEROY / DOE VISCOUNT / DOE TITAN for MUGAs) A standard 60 months warranty from date of completion on our synthetic grass carpets (DOE OLYMPUS / DOE TROJAN / DOE CASOLON / INTEGRAL / STANDARD / PRESTIGE) and also on our GreenSet acrylic range (GRAND PRIX / GRAND PRIX CUSHION / GRAND PRIX CONFORT) A standard 60 months warranty from date of completion on our indoor 'loose laid' tournament surfaces (GreenSet TROPHY and VELVELUX carpet) Q. Is construction and resurfacing work always liable to VAT and does it have to be paid? A. In broad terms the answer to both parts of this question is "yes". There are rare occasions (e.g., in the grounds of some listed properties) where special dispensations may occasionally be obtained. However, these cases are rarely clear cut and rather than being able to quote one definitive ruling it is often necessary to enter into correspondence with your Customs & Excise Office to check each particular site. Clubs, Schools, Parish Councils, Hotels etc which are registered for VAT can, of course, usually reclaim all the VAT depending on the specific project. As a Company, we have a policy of never undertaking jobs for "cash payment" when this is being proposed as a means of avoiding the legitimate payment of VAT. We want to give you a valid warranty, have your contract accurately recorded and properly covered by our insurers so that, should a problem occur, both you and we have a recognised route to rectify and resolve matters as necessary. Projects carried out for "cash" and not properly declared for VAT purposes may not be covered by insurers. We appreciate that VAT adds considerably to the cost of every project these days and know we lose some jobs because we refuse to "lose the VAT". However, we have no wish to put either your contract and its warranty nor DOE's CIS5 Tax Certification at risk. Q. How long does construction take ? A. Construction periods vary according to
Taking the specific types of surface as follows - COLOUR COATED MACADAM - DOE VISCOUNT 32 & 65 A new court takes approximately 3-4 weeks from excavation to completed black macadam (VICEROY) surface. There is then a further 3 weeks 'curing' period before the VISCOUNT colour coating is applied plus another 3-7 days 'drying time' (depending on time of year and humidity levels) before the new facility is finally taken into play. So, an overall allowance of 8 weeks is reasonable unless poor weather conditions cause unforeseen delays. Temporary lines are sometimes applied to allow a surface to be taken into play before colour coating is carried out but extreme care is required not to damage the new black surface in these first few weeks whilst the material remains 'live', particularly in warm/hot weather. This time scale does not pro rata for blocks of courts on larger projects. For example, a block of 6 colour coated macadam courts would take approximately 10-11 weeks to complete. SYNTHETIC GRASS - DOE OLYMPUS / TROJAN / CASOLON Synthetic grass courts will normally be completed some 2 ½ to 3 weeks earlier than colour coated macadam because we only have to leave the macadam base for approximately one week before installing the carpet and these courts can then be taken into play immediately saving 2 weeks 'curing' and 3-7 days 'drying' time. ACRYLIC - GreenSet GRAND PRIX / GRAND PRIX CUSHION / GRAND PRIX CONFORT Acrylic courts such as GreenSet GRAND PRIX are the most 'weather sensitive' type of surface to construct, and are normally only laid outdoors between mid/late May and late August each year. Curing times on Acrylic materials can vary substantially. For example, in very humid conditions, curing times per layer can double and, in dry, sunny, breezy weather, they can halve. Such variations can greatly extend or shorten the programme, particularly on blocks of courts. It is normal to agree a site specific programme of works with the client for each acrylic project before commencement on site. MULTI-USE GAMES AREAS (MUGAs) MUGA facility construction periods can vary considerably not only because of differences in size and type of facility but also because of variance in type of surround fence and any kick rail details. Site specific programmes are prepared and agreed with clients for all MUGA and STP projects prior to construction. INDOOR FACILITIES Indoor projects are often undertaken in conjunction with a main contractor and site specific programmes agreed prior to commencement. Installation indoors is not necessarily quicker than outdoors - e.g., 'curing' times for Acrylic surfaces such as GreenSet GRAND PRIX can sometimes lengthen on indoor projects due to lack of ventilation and low level or non existent heating in a tennis hall. Q. What is the biggest item of equipment of plant DOE would normally use ? A. A large 3600 excavator is normally used to 'cut out' new courts - ideally a 12-13 tonne machine. A smaller 5-6 tonne machine can be used if access is limited which increases the costs slightly. Smaller plant - twin drum rollers, powered wheel barrows - are usually the largest plant used for resurfacing projects. On large multiple tennis court or MUGA projects plant requirements will suit each site and its access. Q. How many lorry movements would there be on a private court project ? A. A single new court normally requires between 20 and 24 depending on the type of court -
Q. Will there be a lot of excavated material to be removed from site? A. Topsoil cannot be used in the construction of courts due to its unstable condition (it does not offer a sound base for construction and tends to 'settle' over time). Any topsoil will, therefore, either be removed from site (usually at quite substantial cost and to be avoided if at all possible) or, ideally, used to form banks around the court area or used elsewhere in the grounds. Subsoil does not usually need to be removed from site because courts are often constructed using a method known as 'cut and fill' - see next question. Q. What is 'cut and fill' A Courts need to be constructed on a uniform 'platform' (usually with a 1:120 fall ideally across the width of the court for pervious surfaces). Most sites are, to a greater or lesser extent, uneven and need to be levelled. To save taking materials off site, the 'platform' can be levelled and prepared by taking the subsoil from the high end and compacting it in layers at the low end thus bringing the low end up to meet the high end and vice versa. Q. Can private tennis courts be used for sports or games other than tennis ? (For full details of MULTI-USE GAMES areas / fencing and surface options please e-mail doe@doesport.co.uk or doe@doenorth.co.uk for our DOE MUGA/STP 'Shopping List') A Yes, provided certain guidelines are followed for footwear and use. Broadly, all our surfaces are tough and durable. However, care must be taken not to cause damage to new macadam tennis surfaces such as DOE VICEROY and VISCOUNT in their first few months of use - particularly in very warm or hot weather before the material has had an opportunity to 'harden' thoroughly. Our Maintenance & Care Guidelines give specific information on this type of use and are provided to every customer on completion of their project. The only game which should never be played on tennis court macadam is HOCKEY as hockey sticks damage tennis courts. We have special 'Multi-Use' macadam - DOE TITAN - designed for School / Playground / MUGA facilities which can also be used on private courts if they are to be used for games other than Tennis. If Football or Five-a-Side is to be played then FENCING options must be carefully considered. Tennis Court chainlink will not withstand constant hammering by footballs and will 'belly out' in time. There are many fencing options nowadays and we will be pleased to advise on the most cost effective solution for your individual requirements. Grass courts (DOE CASOLON / TROJAN / OLYMPUS) can be used in some multi-use situations and clients may also consider INTEGRAL / PRESTIGE AND STANDARD PITCH grass carpets although PRESTIGE and STANDARD PITCH are not suitable for Tennis. Q. Can we use tennis court surfaces for roller blading or riding bicycles? A. As a general rule - NO - not on 'normal' tennis court macadam such as DOE VICEROY AND VISCOUNT. However, on some 'older' surfaces - 5 years+ this type of use is sometimes possible without causing too much damage although we do not recommend it. Acrylic surfaces such as our GreenSet GRAND PRIX may be used for roller blading after they have completely cured some 3-4 months after installation - we will always advise on your specific installation. PLEASE DO NOT USE YOUR SURFACES FOR ROLLER BLADING WITHOUT SEEKING ADVICE FIRST SO AS TO PREVENT UNNECESSARY DAMAGE AND COSTLY REPAIRS. Q. Why are DOE often more expensive than their competitors? A. For several reasons but the major factors are -
We employ staff specifically to supervise the quality and progress of our construction works on site.
11. CARE & MAINTENANCE - GENERAL GUIDANCE Q. What are the most important points to remember ? A. For all facilities, indoors or outdoors - 1 - CONSIDER ANY HEALTH & SAFETY RISKS2 - PROTECT YOUR INVESTMENT . Clubs, Centres, Schools, Hotels and similar venues open to the public must always be aware of potential risks for anyone using their facilities and will also wish to protect their initial investment. Many of our larger MUGA and SYNTHETIC TURF PITCH projects will have a Care & Maintenance Programme included within the original contract. Private customers may tend to consider points 1 and 2 above in reverse order. It's worth bearing in mind that if you are buying a new tennis court you may spend as much as you would on a high quality motor car. You would always have your car serviced at regular intervals by an authorised dealer and, to protect your investment, it makes sense to look after your newly constructed or refurbished court in a similar manner. In simple terms, both Health & Safety requirements and investment protection may be met by -
Every DOE customer is given a Care & Maintenance Guildline leaflet on completion of their construction project - please ask for additional copies if you need them or have misplaced your original and please feel free to ask for one even if you do not have a DOE facility - all we need to know is the type of surface you have to be able to send you the relevant leaflet. If you have neither the time nor inclination to look after your facility regularly then our Services Division will be happy to quote for one-off visits or annual contracts. For pernicious weed growth such as mares tail, bindweed, bellbine and similar, we can put you in touch with specialist weed control companies who, again, will be happy to quote for individual treatments or annual contracts as required. If you would like to receive further details of our Court Cleaning and routine Servicing costs please e-mail doe@doesport.co.uk or doe@doenorth.co.uk indicating the age (if known) and surface type of your court(s) or multi-use facility and we'll be pleased to send budget prices or, visit and give specific quotations for your requirements. All site visits and quotations are free of any charge or obligation. 12. PLANNING CONSIDERATIONS / COURTS & LIGHTING Q. Do tennis courts require Planning Permission? We recommend that all customers check Planning requirements in their area with their Local Authority but, as a general rule …. A. Most Local Authorities require Planning Permission for courts in private gardens because the height of the surround fence (standard tennis court fence height 2.75m) is above the permitted garden fence height of 2.0m. Separate 'Change of Use' permission may also be required if the court is to be constructed on land designated as 'agricultural field' or 'paddock' which is outside the curtilage of the property. The Planning position for facilities in Clubs, Schools, Hotels and similar 'public' facilities should always be checked prior to the invitation of firm quotations to save wasted time and money should permission not be forthcoming. Q. Does Floodlighting always require Planning Permission? A. Again, we would recommend that all customers check their individual situation with their Local Authority. For private customers, a retractable system can often provide an answer to lighting in a 'sensitive' area but all public facilities - Clubs / Schools / Hotels etc - will certainly need Planning Permission before proceeding with a lighting scheme. There are several excellent 'low spillage' lighting systems now available on the market and neighbours often object more to the additional traffic and parking caused by use of floodlit facilities rather than to the actual lights themselves. Unfortunately, there is no hard and fast rule, each application has to go through its own local Planning 'hoops' and the system. DOE - or the specialist lighting contractors we work with - can provide all the necessary drawings, specifications etc that you will need to apply for Planning Permission for lighting your project. 13. FUNDING SOURCES / USEFUL ADDRESSES & CONTACTS FUNDING - all sports Try your own Local Authority (ask for their Tennis or Sports Development or Recreation Officer as your starting point) - they sometimes have specific knowledge of funds available for local projects. FUNDING - TENNIS In England and Wales - start with your LTA CDO (County Development Officer) The LTA web site has details of the County Development Officers and every Club application for LTA monies must go through the CDO as a first step. Should you not be able to find your local CDO then approach The LTA Headquarters - THE LTA (LAWN TENNIS ASSOCIATION) Baron's Court West Kensington London W14 9EG Tel 020 7381 7000 Fax 020 7381 5965 Email info@Lta.org.uk Web www.Lta.org.uk In Scotland - approach TENNIS SCOTLAND (formerly The Scottish Lawn Tennis Association) 177 Colinton Road Edinburgh EH14 1BZ Tel 0131 444 1984 Fax 0131 444 1973 Email fiona.thompson@tennisscotland.org. for general enquiries Web www.tennisscotland.org. Tennis projects are sometimes eligible for Lottery or other funding - it's worth trying every avenue FUNDING - MULTI-USE GAMES AREAS In England and Wales - TRY YOUR SPORT ENGLAND REGIONAL OFFICES AS A FIRST STEP -
Some Lottery funds are also distributed by - OTHER FUNDING SOURCES FOOTBALL / FIVE-A-SIDE FACILITIES The FOOTBALL FOUNDATION has a Development Officer in every County who will advise you on your chances of securing funding and how to go about it. Their web site is a mine of information and you may be surprised to learn that they will consider projects for funding that are used for games and sports other than just Football or Five-a-Side. THE FOOTBALL FOUNDATION DISABLED SPORTS (the two organisations below should be able to assist with advice if not funding)
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