QR Code

In a Victorian Government press release dated 7 May 2021 it was announced that all listed venues must start using the Victorian Government QR Service from 28 May 2021.

A page on the coronavirus.vic.gov.au site that provides information for businesses on record keeping for contact tracing notes the venues and facilities that are required to use the Victorian Government QR Code service.

On this link, the third sub-point under the third bullet includes "Outdoor physical recreation and community sport facilities". Tennis clubs are included in this category.

Clubs must display the QR Code for the use of all people attending the club.

FAQs

What is a QR Code?

The QR code was invented in Japan in 1994 by the barcode scanner manufacturer Denso Corporation as they were trying to come up with new codes that could store a lot more information. The result was the square code we see today which, unlike a regular barcode that can only be scanned in one direction and hold far less information, can be read 10 times faster because of its two-dimensional shape. QR is short for quick response and was immediately adopted by the auto industry to track parts and processes and to work more efficiently.

I'm using the camera on my phone. Am I taking a photo of the QR Code?

No. You are using the camera to read the code and to then bring up the link. Most phones can do this, depending on the age of their operating system. The operating system versions which can read QR codes are answered in the next question.

Can my smart phone recognise the QR Code?

Both Android and iPhones can recognise the QR Code, providing the operating system versions are at least the following:

Android version 8 (Release date 21 August 2017)
iPhone iOS 11 (Release date 19 September 2017)

For Android 8, point camera at QR code, hold down Home button and click on "What's on my screen?".

For Android 9 and later, Google Lens may need to be activated for the phone to read the QR Code.

Open the camera app
Click "More"
Open Settings
Activate Google Lens suggestions to scan QR Codes.

How do I check in?

The QR Code is now widespread across a lot of venues. To use it, the smart phone, either Android or iPhone, must have installed the Service Victoria app. Once the details are put in for the first usage, let it remember your details for the next time it is required.

Once your phone recognises the QR Code it will bring up a small window with a link symbol (it looks like a flattened infinity symbol), click on this symbol, and the Service Victoria app will be opened. Enter your details, if it's the first time using the app, then click on "Check in to this location". A second screen will open confirming the check in, then click "Done" at bottom of screen, which closes the app. If this last step isn't completed, the app will be opened at the second screen at a subsequent usage.

My smart phone has a recent OS, but still won't recognise the QR Code.

There are a few things you can try if your phone isn't reading the QR code.

Hold your phone vertically to scan the QR code it won't work if your device is tilted or at an angle or not upright.
Don't get too close to the code with the camera. If it fills the screen width, it's too close.
Hold your phone about 30 centimetres away. At this distance, the camera should be able to easily focus and scan the code.
Check to see if there is a smudge on the camera's lens which may be preventing the code from being read properly.
Make sure there aren't reflections on the code, as this can cause recognition problems.
Also check your screen brightness if it's too low the camera may not be able to see the code; if it can't see it, it can't read it.

What if a player doesn't have a smart phone?

If a person attending does not have a smart phone, an alternative approach, such as a paper sign-in system, can be used as a back-up.

If the person you are with doesn't have a smart phone or is having problems using it to sign in, you can add them to your sign in screen (following a mid-June update to the Service Victoria app), providing that person agrees to providing their details.