Basic Court Etiquette

Good sportsmanship is the rule. It’s only a game. Do not argue line calls.
Acknowledge the other players as you start a new game. Introduce yourself if you don’t know one another. Give a friendly ‘hello.’
Learn and understand the rules of the game. Ask if you are unsure.
During designated open play (mixed skill levels), players play with all skill levels. NO COMPLAINTS. If you are an advanced player, please be courteous to the less skilled players. They need to learn. You were a beginner once, too. Courts should not be used for drilling or private games during Club Play.
NEVER yell at, swear at, or say a hostile or sarcastic word to any player. Abusive or foul language will not be tolerated on or around the courts. This is a public park, and we need to be respectful of others. Offenders may be asked to leave and membership could possibly be terminated.
Do not run onto other courts during play. If your ball rolls onto another court, yell “ball on” and wait to retrieve the ball. If an errant ball rolls onto your court during a rally, play stops immediately.
Return balls and loaner paddles to the orange lockers when you are finished playing.
Learn to set up and take down nets, and please help others as they are setting up or taking down nets. This responsibility belongs to all of us.

To keep play flowing, please “shuffle” over one court when needed.
Never pass through or behind a court while ball is in play.
When passing through a court with a game in progress, please move with haste.
If a ball rolls onto your court, play stops immediately. The ball will be re-served.
When you see a ball roll on to an adjacent court, please alert the players by yelling something like “ball” or “ball on court”’
If a ball rolls on to your court, do not just whack it back the way it came. Control it. Find the court that it came from. Hit it with accuracy back to the player asking for it.
If both courts 6 and 7 are in use, please walk around the outside perimeter of the courts to access courts 1 thru 4.
Stay attentive if your paddle is in the queue.
No unsolicited coaching.
Play at courts for your designated skill level.
Close the gate behind you when entering or leaving the courts.
Use balls supplied by Gladstone Pickleball Club only.
No foul or abusive language.

Only make calls on your side of the court, and always strive for accuracy.
Only call “out” when the space is clearly visible between the line and the ball.
Call out balls promptly.
Use voice and hand signals to signal an “out” ball.
Give the benefit of the doubt to your opponents.
If you and your partner disagree, it is in.
If you “think” it was out; it is in.
Spectators should not make any line calls.
Do not question or challenge your opponents’ line calls.
You may ask your opponent to make a line call, but you give up your right to make that call. If your opponent cannot make the call when asked, the call will be “in”.
An “out” call prior to the ball bouncing will be considered team communication and not a line call.
You may overrule a line call that is to your disadvantage, and an advantage to your opponents at any time.
Remember, you are the referee. Be honest with your call.