Safety and Courteous Play Guidelines
Playing pickleball with fairness, respect, and adherence to safety measures enhances everyone's enjoyment of the game. To maintain safety and ensure smooth operations on the courts, please adhere to the following guidelines:
Court Safety
Wear appropriate court shoes to prevent slips and injuries.
Avoid backing up on the court; instead, pivot and move sideways.
Exercise caution to avoid running into other active courts while retrieving balls.
Refrain from chasing stray balls into other active courts; wait for them to be returned to you.
When retrieving a loose ball, watch for signals from other players; ideally, return the ball behind the courts.
Immediately halt play and announce "BALL ON" if a loose ball enters your court or its vicinity; then replay the rally.
Maintain awareness when moving to and from a court, ensuring you steer clear of other players and courts.
Stay adequately hydrated throughout your play session.
Court Etiquette
Etiquette:
Introduce yourself at the beginning of the game, particularly if you are unfamiliar with your partner or opponents.
Call out if you or your partner enter the Non-Volley Zone (kitchen) during a volley; refrain from calling faults on opponents unless they do so themselves.
In non-competitive settings, occasionally play with less experienced players; it can be a rewarding experience for both parties.
Challenge yourself by hitting to the stronger player; this not only improves your skills but also keeps the game engaging for all participants. Conversely, when playing with weaker players, focus on shots they can return and learn from.
After completing your game, announce "Court" to signal the next group waiting for their turn.
In Open Play, share court time equitably among all players, rather than exclusively with familiar partners.
In Play Rotation or Skill Level-based play, adhere to the established group process.
Refrain from offering unsolicited coaching during games; if asked for advice, provide brief guidance, mindful of the game's flow and the player's request. It's best to instruct on a designated court and upon invitation.
Clearly call "out" and use a hand signal when a ball is out of bounds.
When courts are busy, ensure your group is ready to move promptly to an available court.
Pickleball Rules and Etiquette
Adhering to both official rules and etiquette is crucial:
Announce the score audibly before serving to ensure clarity for opponents.
Wait for the receiver to signal readiness before serving.
Make line calls only for your side of the net.
Seek assistance from opponents if uncertain about a call; their decision is final.
If unsure about a ball's placement on your side of the net, consider it in play unless clearly out.
By following these guidelines and embodying the spirit of fair play, you contribute to a safe and enjoyable pickleball experience for all participants.