
Purpose of the WhatsApp groups
Our WhatsApp (WA) groups aim to facilitate discussion on all things Sevenoaks-Padel-at-Polhill -Garden-Centre-related (hereby Sevenoaks Padel), meaning discussion directly related to organising or supporting padel activities at Polhill.
We acknowledge how our WhatsApp groups have proven useful for organising games at Tonbridge and Marden courts. Whilst we won’t discourage this for the near future, the primary focus of the community is for playing padel at Polhill.
The groups act as a way for our members to receive announcements about the club (such as new developments, tournaments etc.), connect with fellow players and organise games at Polhill. Padel is the primary content of the WA groups.
We also have a group for off-topic questions for when you are looking for a community-backed dogsitter, trusted tradesperson or whatever!
However, this does not mean anything goes. The off-topic group is intended for light, supportive conversations that benefit the community. Divisive topics or inappropriate humour are still unacceptable. Sensitive topics (e.g., political discussions or controversial issues) are not appropriate. Questions that indirectly invite divisive discussions are not allowed.
In order to keep our community safe and welcoming, this document introduces certain community norms that our members must adhere to. We want our members to enjoy our groups!
By participating in our WA groups, you agree to this document and accept that you are solely responsible for your posts and that Sevenoaks Padel (and its managing company Padel Up) its committees, members, associates, sponsors and/or partners will not be liable for the posts made by individuals. By being a member of this group (or any other group chat administered by Sevenoaks Padel), you are agreeing to abide by these rules and policies (including the Admins).
Code of conduct
At Sevenoaks Padel, we want a community where you feel welcome and safe. An environment where all your padel dreams can be realised in a collaborative and fun way. Consequently, we do not tolerate discrimination or harassment in any form.
Unwanted behaviour may include, but is not limited to:
Disrupting the organisation of events repeatedly
Publishing someone else’s private emails, address, or other personal information on purpose
Targeting people on the basis of their identity
Sharing personal details about someone else without their consent
Making trolling, insulting or derogatory comments, and personal or political attacks
Humour should remain positive and inclusive. ‘Jokes’ that are offensive, personal, or could be misinterpreted as inappropriate will not be accepted
Not using people’s correct pronouns. Do not misgender others or use “dead” or rejected names on purpose
Using sexualised language or imagery, making sexual advances
Excluding others on purpose. This refers specifically to discriminatory or unjust exclusion rather than reasonable exclusions (e.g., closed games or skill-based groups)
Introducing sexual images, language, or behaviour
Sharing spam or illegal material
Covertly gathering feedback, conducting surveys, or discussing other members or admins in private messages to manipulate group dynamics
Using fake accounts or impersonating others to circumvent removals from the group. Members must participate under their own, verifiable identity
Other conduct which could be inappropriate in a professional setting
Members are responsible for the impact of their actions, regardless of intent.
Examples of appropriate use of the Sevenoaks Padel WA groups
Behaviours that contribute to a welcoming environment:
Showing empathy and kindness towards other people
Respecting differing opinions, viewpoints, and experiences directly related to the purpose of the group
Respecting admin authority. We work hard to keep our environment welcoming!
Accepting responsibility and apologising for mistakes. Apologies should be genuine and demonstrate understanding of one’s actions
Learning from mistakes
Thinking of others as well as ourselves
Once resolved, past incidents should not be repeatedly mentioned or revisited in group conversations to prevent unnecessary tension.
Padel-focused actions:
Organising games at Polhill, including asking players’ availability on the group.
Asking questions about our socials or coaching
Posting appropriate media content with the consent of all involved (giving special priority to padel-related content at Polhill).
Examples of inappropriate use of the Sevenoaks Padel WA groups
In addition to the non-exhaustive list of behaviours included in our code of conduct, there are padel-specific inappropriate actions. Some of these are listed below:
Discussions about other venues or courts apart from Polhill, Tonbridge or Marden are discouraged, alongside the promotion of external groups
Excessive or repeated discussions of non-Sevenoaks Padel, Tonbridge or Marden padel clubs or experiences that imply dissatisfaction with Sevenoaks Padel may be viewed as counter to group purpose and flagged for review
Any organised padel elements (such as socials, tournaments, ladders, box leagues etc.) will be arranged by Sevenoaks Padel. Do not organise these yourself. If you feel we are lacking on this front, tell us!
All padel-related groups associated with Sevenoaks Padel should be proposed to an Admin, who will determine if it’s appropriate and will facilitate the setup if approved. Please do not use members of our groups to create your own
To send padel-related advertisements, you must ask permission from one of the Admins
Advertisements on any inappropriate group will be removed by the Admins. Any off-topic non-padel-related questions should be reserved for the off-topic group mentioned in the previous section
Admins may issue warnings, temporarily suspend group access, or permanently remove members at their discretion for any behaviour that violates group guidelines, even in minor or first-time cases.
Role of the Admins
The Admins reserve full discretion to interpret and enforce these guidelines. Any decisions made by Admins, including warnings or removal from the group, are final and designed to maintain the group’s purpose and community standards.
Debating these guidelines within the group will not be allowed. They are set and apply at all times, until an Admin makes an amendment. Indirect commentary on Admin decisions (such as sarcastic remarks or passive comments) may be interpreted as an attempt to challenge Admin authority. If you have any specific concerns regarding some of the rules, please contact one of the Admins.
The Admins reserve the right to update these policy guidelines as a response to any incidents at any time. The Admins will notify the group of any updates to the guidelines, and members are expected to review and follow them immediately.
Definitions of appropriateness, inclusion, and other guiding values are at the discretion of the Admins, who will review each case to maintain the integrity and purpose of the community.
Reporting
If you deem a community member’s conduct inappropriate, please message one of the Admins so they can follow the correct procedure (the reporting procedure is contained in our General Conditions of Use document). The Admins won’t always be able to respond immediately, but they will get to your message as soon as possible.