Pickleball Court - Etiquette
VIDEO : Never EVER Do These Things On a Pickleball Court - Etiquette
CODE OF CONDUCT - DURING NPC PLAY
Approved by NEWMARKET PICKLEBALL CLUB Board of Directors June 19, 2023
Individuals who participate in pickleball matches and events (“Players”) at Quaker Park and Joe Persechini Park agree to conduct themselves in a courteous and respectful manner both on and off the courts.
Players agree that the goal is to provide an environment where all players can play the game to the best of their ability, to learn, and most importantly, to have fun!
Good sportsmanship must be exhibited while playing or observing. Refusing to play with a less experienced player is considered unsportsmanlike. More advanced Players should not take advantage of lower-skilled Players by running up the score. In lop-sided games, more skilled Players are encouraged to use the opportunity to practice new shots or indeed to give tips to the less skilled Players.
It is unsportsmanlike to over-celebrate points won or to taunt opponents when they lose a point. However, light-hearted ribbing is part of pickleball. Keep fun in the game!
Under no circumstances may a Player act in an intimidating manner or direct inappropriate language or gestures at others on or near the courts. Verbal or physical abuse of any kind will not be tolerated.
Players shall respect the facilities and property of others to avoid damage. Players must not engage in any behaviour that would risk the health and safety of another participant.
Players are expected to learn and play by the official rules of pickleball as set out by the IFP (International Federation of Pickleball).
There is no dress code, but Players should wear clothing suited to vigorous, multi-directional movement: shorts/skorts/leggings, t-shirts and tennis shoes.
PLEASE NOTE: Players who are not willing to abide by the Code of Conduct (COC) are asked to find somewhere else to play pickleball. Players who have agreed with the COC but then do NOT comply with it will, at the discretion of the facilitators, be asked to leave the facility. Any subsequent breaches of the COC will result in suspension of the Player for the season.
NPC - RULES OF PLAY
Announce the score before each serve.
If a ball is hit into another court, immediately yell: “BALL ON COURT”. If the ball is to be returned to you, raise your paddle in the air to get the attention of the player retrieving the errant ball. If a ball rolls onto your court, call out “BALL”. If you hear “BALL” called from another court, stop play at once! When attempting to return the ball to the appropriate court/server, return it in a safe and efficient manner.
“OUT” Calls:
Players will call the lines on their side of the court. All players should strive for accuracy in making line calls. All “out” calls must be made as quickly as possible, but definitely before the opposing player hits their next shot. Otherwise the ball is presumed “in” and still in play. Line calls should be promptly signalled by hand or voice, regardless of how obvious they may seem.• In doubles play, if one player calls the ball “out” and the partner calls it “in”, then doubt exists and the ball must be declared “in”.• Spectators do not make line calls. Players should not question an opponent’s call unless asked.
SAFETY ON THE COURT
To return a lob, turn or split-step pivot to field the ball. Shuffling or running/pedalling backwards can cause serious accidents. If someone falls on the court, all play STOPS until their needs are addressed. Notify a facilitator for assistance.
Do not cross an active court to get onto a vacant court or to leave a court. Walk to the outside of the area until you reach the vacant court. When you are not playing, please remain on the outside edges of the area, as far from the active courts as possible.
In doubles play, stay conscious of where your partner is at all times. Players should be calling “MINE” or “YOURS” before hitting the ball. When you have an opportunity to take an overhead “slam” shot, make sure your partner is not in the way. Otherwise, let the ball drop. Lose the point.
Players are encouraged to wear protective eyewear to avoid injury.
Newmarket Pickleball Club – Code of Conduct and Rules of Play 2023