Pickleball

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welcome to the pickleball page

As a way to provide a fair and welcoming atmosphere at the Blue Springs Fieldhouse, we have created some rules and etiquette so everyone can have an opportunity to play one of the fastest growing and most exciting sports in the country.  Like any activity at the Fieldhouse, all players must adhere to the code of conduct which includes but is not limited to:

NO:
Inappropriate, threatening or harassing behavior. 
Use of profanity.
Disorderly conduct or physical fights.
Verbal or other forms of harassment.
Behavior that is determined to be unacceptable by the Fieldhouse Staff.

Such conduct will be grounds for immediate suspension or termination of membership.

Please take a moment to read the information below to help make the Fieldhouse one of the best pickleball venues in the area.

OPEN play PICKLEBALL

7 DAYS A WEEK: Monday - Saturday 9-11 am & Sunday 10am - Noon

  • Guaranteed court use will be available at this time on Court 3 & 4 for open Pickleball play.
  • The courts will be cleared for Pickleball use at the beginning time if necessary. 
  • Outside of this timeframe, the courts are first-come, first-serve.
  • Pickleball play is open to all and is NOT reserved for a particular group.

developmental open play

MONDAY-SATURDAY 11AM-1PM ON COURTS 3 & 4

  • An opportunity for players to congregate with other players who have done one of the beginner clinics, are new to the game, or need to work on developing their skills. 
  • This time is inclusive and positive to facilitate growth of the game. 
  • More skilled players than beginners can play, BUT all play and interactions need to be beneficial and helpful for those new to the game!
  • Remember, we all were starters at one point, developmental open play is meant to be helpful and encouraging. 

pickleball court rules

All courts will follow the open play schedule as outlined and any play outside open play will be first come first serve as is the rest of the facility during those times for all sports and no open play rules will be enforced. Pickleball play outside open play is subject to court availability on a first-come, first-serve basis.

No reservations or exclusive use are allowed during open play or unreserved hours. Any game started during unreserved play prior to the start of open play may be completed, however, upon completion the next game must originate from the bench format below. In order to have a private court use one would need to rent a court, subject to availability.

If players are waiting for a court in open play…

  1. ...The waiting players will place their paddles in stacks of 4 located on the COURT 4 BENCH with losers on the left and winners on the right.  When you first enter the open play you will put your paddle in the loser stack as a first-time challenger and then the appropriate stack after that. A ball or other object may be used to designate who is next to play on a court.
  2. ...Four-on, four-off method will be used with games played to 11 points. When a game is complete, all four players leave the court and return to the bench. Four new players from the alternating stacks of four paddles will form a new game.
  3. ...If there are fewer than four paddles in a stack you must combine winners and losers to obtain the four new players. If there are fewer than four total paddles available on the bench, one or both winners stay which will be determined by volunteering or a coin flip.  

Please see the Fieldhouse website for appropriate pickleball etiquette and code of conduct.

QUESTIONS

We have an Advisory Panel that works with Fieldhouse management to answer questions and more.

 Advisory Panel Roles:

  • Greet new players and explain the process.
  • Clarify the rules of Open Play.
  • Coordinate with Fieldhouse management.
  • Provide insight on the future of Fieldhouse pickleball play in meetings.

Feel free to reach out to one of our Advisory Panel members if you have questions or comments.

Need more help or comments? Email parks@bluespringsgov.com

Pickleball Etiquette

  • Introduce yourself to new players - Before starting a pickleball game with new people, be sure to introduce yourself to others.
  • Do not cross a pickleball court during a point - Avoid crossing over a pickleball court when a point is ongoing. This includes avoiding entering the baseline area or the sideline area.
  • Know the rules - Do your best to know and understand the rules of pickleball. This will help avoid disputes on the pickleball court and ensure that everyone is playing by the same set of rules.
  • Call the score loudly - When you are serving, be sure to call the score loudly so that all players on the pickleball court can hear you.
  • Call “Ball on Court” If the ball is actually on the court - For safety reasons, if you see a stray pickleball roll on your court, stop play and call “Ball on Court.” This is a hindrance, and you should replay the point. However, do not abuse this calling to help you avoid losing points.
  • Allow the players to make the calls - If you are a spectator, avoid the urge to make the call, including line calls. Allow the players on the pickleball court to make the call.
  • Keep the coaching to yourself - Only provide coaching advice when asked. Be wary of coaching other players on the pickleball court, as they may not want to hear any unsolicited advice.
  • Welcome new players and play with inexperienced players every so often - The culture of pickleball is welcoming, so, in recreational play, do not be afraid to welcome new players onto your court. Also, if you are a stronger player, consider playing with inexperienced players from time to time, as they will greatly appreciate your game, and you may have an opportunity to work on a specific skill or shot. By welcoming new players and helping inexperienced players, the sport of pickleball will grow in number and in talent.
  • Practice good sportsmanship - Fair play and good sportsmanship are cornerstones of pickleball. Be sure to respect and practice both. 
  • Practice the Golden Rule - As in life, treat others the way that you want to be treated. Be nice to others and have fun on the pickleball court!
  • Just like all the rules and regulations at the Fieldhouse not following the established rules of pickleball open play and the code of conduct will lead to dismissal from the facility.  Repeat violations will lead to suspensions ranging from one day to indefinite suspension from the facility.