Etiquette and Basic Rules

Etiquette: (et – i – kit) defined as: “conventional requirements as to social behaviour; prescribed or accepted code of usage”.

Fair play and sportsmanship are keys to success and enjoyment in any sport. To ensure safety and smooth sailing on the pickleball courts, Salmon Arm Pickleball Club requests the following from those who play:

» Non-Members are not expected to follow member meet-up times/schedule, so always give non-members their time on the court!

» Players will wear appropriate clothing and footwear

» Acknowledge your opponents at the beginning of the game. If you are playing unfamiliar players, introduce yourself at the beginning of play. At the end of the game meet at the net (COVID distance appropriate) and say something positive like “thanks for the game” or “nice play”.

For Outdoor Play: Exit out the closest gate. Do not walk inside behind other courts in play.
For Indoor Play: Wait until the neighboring court has completed their point and gives you the okay to cross behind their court. Have your group exit the court together and walk briskly off the courts.

» If a pickleball bounces or rolls into your court yell out “Ball”; and, immediately stop play to ensure no one trips on the ball and BREAKS an ankle! YES, it happened!

» If a pickleball enters your court during a point in play, kindly return the ball to the correct court and re-play the point. (COVID appropriate ways vs touching if possible)

» Call out the score before each and every point to ensure all know the score and are ready to play.

» If the ball lands on or close to the out line, the receiving team has the final say on calling the ball “In” or “Out”. Do not question the call. In social play if you are uncertain of the call, call it “In”, giving the benefit of the doubt to your opponent. They will likely return the favor when it arises.

» Play with everyone. During Social / Recreational play take time to play with weaker players. Remember, if a stronger player is on the court with you, hit to them too – It will make you a better player plus keep the game interesting for all who are playing. If you are playing with weaker players work on shots that they can return and learn from.

» Call yourself if you or your partner have kitchen/NVZ faults, or steps on the baseline when serving the ball. Be cautious when calling kitchen or foot faults on your opponents, if they disagree “LET IT GO”; you are NOT in a TOURNAMENT.

» Unsolicited coaching on the courts is not to be done. If someone asks for your input, offer a tip or two after your game once you are off the court, so as not to detract from the flow of the game and/or distract your opponents.

» Cursing is not acceptable. Please keep the vocabulary clean!