USA PICKLEBALL SPORTSMANSHIP GUIDE
Pickleball was created to be a fun , competitive , and highly social sport . Since its inception , it has embodied an ethic of good sportsmanship that includes respect , fair play , and graciousness in winning and losing . The purpose of this guide is to encourage behaviors that reflect these foundational values . The Official Rules of Pickleball take precedence over this guide in any and all situations .
1 . Treat all players , officials , volunteers , staff , and spectators with courtesy and respect . a . Introduce yourself to any players you do not know . b . Never use foul language or obscene gestures .
Never denigrate another person . c . At the end of each game , meet the other players at the net to acknowledge them in a positive manner . In officiated matches , thank the referee . d . Accommodate players with adaptive needs when possible .
2 . Know the Official Rules of Pickleball , apply them fairly and cooperate in any situation that is not expressly covered by the rules .
3 . Practice good sportsmanship when making line calls . a . Respect your opponents ’ right to make all calls on their end of the court . b . Call your own shot “ out ” if you see that it is out . c . If you question an opponent ’ s call , do so respectfully and do not argue . d . If you defer a line call to your opponents , accept their call graciously . e . Do not call a ball “ out ” unless you see it clearly and are certain it is out . f . Promptly correct any wrong call your partner may make . g . Resolve any uncertainty in favor of your opponents .
4 . Call a fault on yourself or your partner as soon as the fault occurs , regardless of whether your opponents are aware of the fault . a . Watch your own and your partner ’ s feet for service or NVZ foot faults . b . Accept your opponent ’ s and partner ’ s fault calls graciously . c . Admit if the ball hits you or your paddle on the way out of bounds . 5 . Claim a replay only if a hinder affects your team ’ s ability to play the ball .
6 . In social play , rotate on and off courts fairly , courteously , and in accordance with local practice . a . Don ’ t jump ahead of others who are waiting to play . b . Don ’ t invite someone else forward in line or rearrange paddles so they can move up to play with you ; move yourself back instead . c . Don ’ t call a lower score or start a second game to avoid leaving the court . d . Be prepared to play when it is your turn . e . If you must cross over or behind an active court , wait until play is stopped and cross quickly in a single group to minimize disruption of that game .
7 . Make safety a priority , while using common sense . a . If a ball strays onto your court , make eye contact with the correct person and roll or toss it back to them without disrupting play on other courts . b . If your ball enters another court , immediately warn any players whose safety may be in jeopardy by loudly calling “ ball ” or some other warning . If the ball is rolling behind their court and does not present a danger to players , do not interrupt play but wait until play stops to retrieve it or ask for its return . c . Never throw your paddle or strike the ball in anger or frustration .
8 . As a stronger player in social play , be kind to other players . a . Avoid hitting excessively to a weaker player . b . Do not slam the ball directly at other players . 9 . Be considerate about playing up and playing down . a . Be willing to play sometimes with less-skilled players . b . Do not demand to play with more skilled players ; ask them nicely if you wish to play with them .
10 . Be a respectful and supportive partner . a . Avoid criticism and negative nonverbal communications . b . Provide coaching and advice only when requested . •
SEPTEMBER / OCTOBER 2021 | MAGAZINE 25