Frequently Asked Questions
Terminology
"Club"
the Orillia Pickleball Club
"Club Member" or "Member"
a person who has an active membership in the Orillia Pickleball Club
"Public" or "Public User"
a person or people do not have an active membership in the Orillia Pickleball Club
"Drop-In"
a player who without an active membership in the Orillia Pickleball Club who is joining a club-organized session during during club times
"City" or "City of Orillia"
the City of Orillia Parks and Recreation department
Why join the club when there is so much public/free time available?
Predictability. Orillia has 7 outdoor pickleball courts between 3 different facilities separated by 3-5km. Most locals have experienced one of more of these common frustrations.
- driving from site to site in the hopes of finding an empty court
- large groups and long wait times
- a wide range of skill levels that can be intimidating or frustrating
- not knowing where you "fit in" based on skill level
- aggressive or confrontational behavior
The Orillia Pickleball Club aims to address and minimize these frustrations by providing specific programming at designated times. See the Court Scheduling section to learn more.
Is there a resolution process for disputes around club times vs public times?
YES. There is signage at the courts indicating what times the club has paid for. These times are also posted on the club's website in the Courts & Times section. These times are available exclusively for the Orillia Pickleball Club to use at their discretion. It is expected that public users will not be on the courts during these times.
Does the club have to make programming concessions to accommodate public players during club times?
NO. The Orillia Pickleball Club has signed a contract, and paid for, permits from the City of Orillia at specific times on specific days. The programming during that time is solely at the club's discretion.
If public groups are still playing when a club time begins, can they finish their match?
YES. Standard games to 11 win by 2 is the expectation. If the match is running particularly long, revising the winning score to ensure it ends within 10 minutes of public time concluding would be appreciated. The club time has been reserved for club activities, so members reserve the right to ask public players to leave during club times.
If there are empty courts during club times can anyone use them without paying a drop-in fee?
YES...but...only if given express permission by the members present. There are times when "empty" courts may be used by the club to do exercises and activities that aren't typical match play. For instance, an individual practicing serves or a pair working on drills. Permission can be rescinded by the members at any point during session, for any reason.
Can members access the courts early to begin warming up before their club time?
YES...but...only if there are courts available and matches aren't being played or waiting to begin. Club members should plan to incorporate their warmup into the club times.
Are there times that drop-ins will be allowed during club times?
YES...but...at the discretion of the club and only if
- they meet the programming criteria for the session (ex: "3.0 & below" or "4.0 & above")
- they attend with a club member
- the session is not at max capacity
- they pay a $5 fee by e-transfer
Can the club plan events and programming during non-club times?
NO. An additional permit would be required.
Is there a way to tell if someone is a member of the Orillia Pickleball Club?
YES. Members are issued a "shoe tag" to be attached to the laces of their court shoes.
Will the court allocation between club and public be the same for the entire outdoor season?
Generally YES...but...there may be exceptions. For instance the City has the right to preempt programming for events such as Mariposa Folk Festival, court maintenance, etc. which may restrict use by the public and club. Additionally, the club might apply for permits to run an all-day tournament, similar to the Channel Cats using the Rec Centre pool all day or the Lakers basketball club using the Rec Centre gyms from 8-4 over a weekend. The decision to issue additional permits is at the discretion of the City of Orillia.