MPC PICKLEBALL ETIQUETTE
1) Be Polite and Approachable: Approach the players with a smile and maintain a positive demeanor. This helps create a friendly atmosphere. Introduce yourself if you don't know the other players.
2) Play Considerately with Lower-Skilled Players: When playing against much lower-skilled players, be mindful of the pace and intensity of the game. Encourage fair play and foster a supportive atmosphere to make the experience enjoyable for everyone involved.
3) Quiet During Play: Maintain a quiet and focused environment during play. Avoid unnecessary chatter or loud conversations that may distract players on nearby courts. Avoid small talk in a group when the coordinator or any one else is addressing the whole group.
4) Accept Line Calls: Accept line calls made by opponents. If in doubt, consider the benefit of the doubt rule and continue playing. The doubt rule essentially means that if a player is uncertain about whether a shot was in or out, they should give their opponent the benefit of the doubt and call the shot in favour of the opponent.
5) Mindful Distractions: Avoid distracting movements or noises while your opponents are about to serve.
6) Know the Basic Rules: Familiarize yourself with the basic rules of pickleball to avoid disputes and maintain a fair game.
7) Encourage Positive Communication: Communicate respectfully with your partner and opponents. Positive and constructive communication contributes to a friendly and enjoyable playing environment. Avoid criticizing opponents and/or your partner’s play. Never yell at, swear at or say hostile or sarcastic words to your partner or opponent in anger.
8) Avoid Coaching: Whether playing or watching, refrain from giving unsolicited advice or coaching unless the other players express a desire for guidance.
9) Rogue Balls: If a ball is hit to an adjacent court, always call "Ball' so that all players affected can stop play immediately. Do not walk across another court to retrieve a ball during an ongoing point.
10) Apologize for MisHits: If you accidentally hit the ball into the opponent, acknowledge it with a quick apology or a friendly comment.
11) Paddle Tapping: Gently tap the end of your paddles with opponents and partners after each game as a sign of sportsmanship and to signify the end of a match.
12) Communication: Clearly communicate the complete score before each serve. This helps prevent confusion and keeps the game flowing smoothly.
13) Speed of Play: Play at a pace that is comfortable for all players. Avoid rushing or overly delaying the game.
14) Respect the Court Schedule: Adhere to scheduled court times. Be prompt and avoid overstaying your allotted time. When your time is up, leave the court promptly.
15) Court management: If the nets are to be set up or taken down, please help out. Clean up the court after play by picking up any discarded water bottles, towels, or other personal items.
16) Wait for a Break to Enter/Exit the Court: Enter or exit the court only during breaks between games to avoid interrupting play. Wait for players to finish a point before crossing behind the court.
17) Trash-talking, which is teasing your opponents in a fun and lighthearted way, is part of the game of Pickleball. But be careful - don’t trash-talk someone who is sensitive or who you don’t know. Don’t trash-talk someone’s physical or mental limitations, or use racial or other politically incorrect statements. Just be careful.
Please note that these are statements of pickleball etiquette There are not a code of conduct.