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, official, volunteers, staff and spectators with courtesy and respect.
   1. Introduce yourself to any players you do not know.
   2. Never use foul language or obscene gestures. Never denigrate another person.
   3. At the end of each game, meet the other players at the net and acknowledge them in a positive manner. If officiated matches, thank the referee.
   4. 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.
   1. Respect your opponents’ right to make all calls on their end of the court.
   2. Call your own shot “out” if you see that it is out.
   3. If you question an opponent’s call, do so respectfully and do not argue.
   4. If you defer a line call to your opponents, accept their call graciously.
   5. Do not call a ball “out” unless you see it clearly and are certain it is out.
   6. Promptly correct any wrong call your partner may make.
   7. 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.
   1. Watch your own and your partner’s feet for service of Non-Volley Zone foot faults
   2. Accept your opponents' and partner’s fault calls graciously.
   3. 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.
   1. Don’t jump ahead of others who are waiting to play.
   2. Don’t invite someone else forward in line or rearrange paddles so they can move up to play with you; move yourself back instead.
   3. Don’t call a lower score or start a second game to avoid leaving the court.
   4. Be prepared to play when it is your turn.
   5. 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.
   1. 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.
   2. 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.
   3. Never throw your paddle or strike the ball in anger or frustration.
8. As a stronger player in social play, be kind to others.
   1. Avoid hitting excessively to a weaker player.
   2. Do not slam the ball directly at other players.
9. Be considerate about plying up and playing down.
   1. Be willing to play sometimes with less-skilled players
   2. 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.
    1. Avoid criticism and negative non-verbal communications.
    2. Provide coaching and advice only when requested.

Playing pickleball recreationally: suggestions for courteous play with players of the same skill level, higher level, and lower level

Remember what attracted us to this great sport? In many cases it was how friendly, inviting, and helpful fellow pickleball players were on our entry into pickleball. Let’s not forget that spirit of cooperation and pass on what was so freely given to us.

Playing with others at the same skill level.

Usually the most comfortable play is when we all share the same probability of good and bad shots. In this case friendliness goes a long way. Observe a winner by partners or opponents say “good shot”. Observe an error say nothing, or alternatively encourage the effort with their hope for future opportunities. Coaching our partner is probably best left to after the game. Then ask if they would like any suggestions from your observations.

If we are unsure of an “out” ball or rule violation give the benefit of our doubt to the opponents (these things have a way of evening out anyway).

Playing with others at a higher skill level.

Admire another higher skilled player’s level of play? Like the chance to play with them? Ask them to play with you as a partner when there’s an opportune time in their schedule. Be respectful of their priorities; they may be there that day to intentionally play competitively with a group at their same level of play. After the game, be sure to ask for their suggestions to improve your play. This is a great way to get tips! 

Playing with others at a lower skill level.

Observe another lower skilled player waiting to play? Ask if they would like to partner with you for a game.

Playing in a game with an obvious lower skilled player, perhaps it’s appropriate to mix up some strategies other than drive the ball at the weakest player, especially in recreational play. Again, coaching our partner is probably best left to after the game. Then ask if they would like any suggestions from your observations.

Harold Wheeler

USAPA Ambassador Daytona

What Ambassadors do? USAPA Ambassadors are volunteers who have pledged to promote the sport of pickleball and the USAPA in the local areas that they represent. They are individuals or couples who work with the communities, clubs, and other various recreational facilities to guide and help build pickleball programs for all to enjoy.

How I became a USAPA Ambassador for Port Orange. After a couple of years playing and falling in love with our people-caring sport, apparently my enthusiasm was noticed by Cathy Stansbury (then the USAPA ambassador for Daytona Beach) and she asked if I might be interested in getting a program started in Port Orange. Cathy referred me to Scott Nelson, our USAPA District Ambassador, to apply for the position. With guidance from Scott, my friend Ronnie Jackson (USAPA Ambassador for Daytona Beach Shores), and Port Orange Parks and Recreation investment in 3 indoor air-conditioned courts and 8 outdoor courts, our program began. Known as Port Orange Pickleball, with the motto “The Fun Begins Here.” The venue includes open play, Intro and Skills and Drills, and an annual “Toys for Tots” charity tournament which has received compliments by local and visiting players from all over as a very friendly and inviting place to play.

Transition to USAPA Ambassador for Greater Daytona. In January, 2019, I expressed an interest to both Rainer Martens and Scott Nelson to change my ambassador geographic area to the Greater Daytona area to support the startup of Pickleball Daytona at Holly Hill as well as cover the areas in the Daytona Beach corridor who didn’t have a current ambassador assigned. Both agreed with the provision that I find a replacement for Port Orange Pickleball. That mission was accomplished with Jim Pawela becoming the new ambassador and who has led the program to greater accomplishments in terms of players, programs, and an enhanced fun-filled, friendly atmosphere.

As an “ex officio” member of the Pictona at Holly Hill Club I’ve tried to support Pictona in its endeavor to become a “world class” pickleball venue, especially in this startup phase. My hope is that both USAPA and Pictona are on their way to establishing a symbiotic relationship beneficial to the values of both organizations. Additionally, we instigated some fun events such as the “Skills Enhancement Clinic” and our social gathering the “60s Hootenanny.”

Lastly, I really embrace Rainer and Julie’s vision: “It’s more than a Game; It’s a lifestyle.” I look forward with anticipation to great things in the future of Pictona.

Harold Wheeler

Ambassador for Greater Daytona