Spectator Rules for the Wimbledon Championships

As the most prestigious and historic tennis tournament in the world, there are a number of rules for spectators to observe during their visit to The Championships. Some of these rules are idiosyncratic to Wimbledon, but most rules are in place to help ensure the safety and enjoyment of the spectators and players.

If you’re attending the event for the first time, you should know these do’s and don’ts before you enter the Grounds.

The Rules

The All England Lawn Tennis Club’s (AELTC) asks all attendees to adhere to rules or you could be refused entry to Wimbledon, removed from the court, or risk spoiling the event for others.

The Dress Code

It’s not uncommon for Wimbledon Stewards to refused entry to the Grounds on the basis of an individuals attire. In 2015, Lewis Hamilton was famously refused entry into the Royal Box, as his clothing was not considered appropriate.

If you got your ticket in the Public Ballot or the famous Wimbledon Queue, there is no official dress code. The AELTC do recommend smart casual clothing, however.

If you’re entering the grounds with a Wimbledon Debenture Ticket, or are attending one of The Championships' hospitality rooms, smart casual clothes are required.

Specifically, you will be denied entry if you are:

• Displaying any large political or marketing branding
• Are carrying any large flags or banners
• Wearing an oversized hat or headgear

Spectators are allowed to wear hats at the Tournament, as long as they are discrete and do not block the view of the person behind you. For more detailed information on Wimbledon’s dress codes, see:

What is the dress code for Wimbledon debenture ticket holders?

What should I take with me to the Wimbledon Tournament?

When can I leave my seat?

When entering or leaving the courts, you must sit in your allocated seat and should only leave your seat for a toilet break or refreshment when:

• players take a short break after reaching the third game of a set, and
• then when the players change sides, and
• subsequently every two games thereafter.

Stewards will be understanding, however, if you have health issues or similar needs that require you to leave the court outside of these times.

What is the etiquette at Wimbledon?

Etiquette, is all about the unwritten rules. If you are a first time visitor to the Championships, you will want to avoid making any embarrassing faux pas.

The AELTC prides itself on a continuum of tradition and decorum at the Championships. These are the unwritten and unspoken rules, as well as what passes as polite and acceptable social conduct at the Tournament.

For example, if your favourite player is on Court, it’s hard not to want to cheer them on as they prepare to serve. Although this moment feels like a natural lull in the action, Wimbledon etiquette requires silence from the crowd before and during players' serves.

An unexpected shout or cheer, however well-meant, could ruin a player's concentration as they prepare to serve. Raucous crowd noise, music, phone rings etc are also distractions that may spoil the event for everyone around you. Umpires will ask spectators to settle down if they are causing too much disruption around the court.

If you make too much noise, speak while a point is in play, or become a distraction, you can be ejected from the court and from the Grounds.

You can cheer, clap and show your appreciation for players after a point has been played, but you must not sing or chant.

We cover Wimbledon etiquette in more detail here.

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