Court Etiquette

1. Good sportsmanship is the #1 rule. Remember it is not about winning it is about having fun!
2. Pickleball is only a game. At “Club Play” sessions, skill levels are mixed, and it is considered social play. Players should mix it up and play with all skill levels.
3. If you are crossing an active court to get onto a vacant court or to leave a court, wait until their current point is over. Ask them for permission to cross their court.
4. When players are unequal in skill or physical limitations, avoid always hitting the ball to the lower skilled player just to score points. Play to both opponents and work on skills you need practice on.
5. For some, a fierce battle on the court is fun. For others, pickleball is more of a social event and a fun way to get outside, get some exercise, to play with friends, to make new friends and to have fun. Club Play is open to all members, regardless of their age, strength, experience, or level of talent. We want all participants to have fun. It is imperative that every participant adjust their level of play according to the circumstances. There is no reason a stronger or more talented player should ever blast a shot at someone who is incapable of reacting due to their age or ability. The thrill of victory will be short-lived. The hurt will endure.
6. Wait until everyone is ready and then call the score loudly before serving.
7. NEVER smash a ball that is returned too high by the weaker player in social play; make a challenging return for the stronger opponent or give the weaker player another shot to try to get it down lower.
8. Compliment people on outstanding shots or on a really great point during the game.
9. At the end of each game, tap paddles and find something positive to say to the other team at the net. “Nice game” isn’t always appropriate if despite your efforts at sportsmanship you have won 11-0. But “you made some great shots!”, or “much closer than the score”, or “wow, we were lucky today!” would be just fine. At least, “Thanks for playing with us!” is nice. NEVER leave a game without acknowledging the other team.
10. If the ball is on your side and it is clearly out, call OUT loudly and raise your arm to indicate it is out: palm flat or finger extended to show it is in. If you didn’t CLEARLY see it out, it is IN!
11. If you step into the kitchen on a volley call it on yourself. Be very cautious about calling the kitchen or serving faults on others – you should be watching the ball and not your opponent’s feet.
12. Since we are playing a social game, please apologize if you swear, belch or break wind.
13. Abusive language and negative behavior should not be used on or around the courts. NEVER yell at, swear at, or say a hostile or sarcastic word to your partner or your opponent. This makes everyone feel uncomfortable and it can make your partner feel like it’s their fault.
14. Trash-talking, which is teasing your opponents in a fun and light-hearted way, is part of pickleball. But be careful – don’t trash-talk someone who is sensitive, who you don’t know, who is a lower skilled player. Don’t trash-talk someone’s physical or mental limitations, use racial or other politically incorrect statements. Please be careful.
15. Spectators should quietly watch the games in play. Never ask for, or accept, line calls from spectators. If spectators continuously comment on the play itself, politely ask them not to comment on your game. It may become disruptive, argumentative, hostile and combative.
16. Don’t give lessons on the court (unless they were agreed to by all beforehand) during regular play time.  Any observations should be one or two liners in order not to detract from the play. Let them work on that. Even if they ask, be very cautious.

THANK YOU!