CODE OF CONDUCT
All SSPC members agree to the following code of conduct, which is established to provide an environment in which all players can play the game to the best of their abilities – and most importantly, to enjoy themselves while doing so. This code applies to any SSPC organized or sponsored event. This code is also applies to visitors at SSPC events.
Code of Conduct is comprised of the following guidelines of behavior:
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Comply fully with all current health and safety protocols, as required by the county and/or state.
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Respect all rules and guidelines of the venue where the event is held.
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Learn and play by the official rules of pickleball as set out by the IFP (International Federation of Pickleball).
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Wear safe and proper attire, including shirts, and shoes designed for court sports. No offensive logos, designs, words, or phrases are allowed. Safety glasses are encouraged.
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To ensure safety, do not play on a wet court.
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Always exhibit good sportsmanship when playing or spectating. This can include good-natured ribbing, but never includes ill-natured remarks. Do not taunt. Keep the game FUN.
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Never use profanity.
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Never direct any form of abuse at others.
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Never throw your paddle, or otherwise purposely mishandle any equipment.
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Be respectful of players of lesser ability; encourage their effort, praise their good shots, and don’t disparage their poor ones.
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Always strive to make correct line calls, but remember that if there is any doubt, you must call the ball ‘in’.
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Never go onto a court while a point is in progress if you are not part of the game. Also, don’t walk behind a court while a point is being played. Wait until play stops, then move quickly behind the court from one side to the other.
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Do not purposely distract your opponent while a point is being played.
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Stop play whenever an unsafe situation arises, such as a stray ball on the court, or a player getting injured.
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Do your best to warn those on adjacent courts if you hit a ball onto their court.
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Do not play if your movement or judgment is impaired by alcohol or other drugs.
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Accept responsibility for your guests and family members in attendance.
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Respect all SSPC club equipment with respect to setup and storage.
CLUB CULTURE-
Inclusive socializing is encouraged. All players will welcome conversations with players of different levels. Cliques are discouraged.
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Players embrace the values of good sportsmanship, model good behavior, lead by example, display respect, and show self-control.
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Appropriate social behavior and treatment of others is expected of all players, both on and off the courts.
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Players agree that the goal is to provide an environment where all players can play the game to the best of their ability, to learn, and most importantly, to have fun! Respect must be shown to all, both on and off the courts.
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Examples of Good Sportsmanship and a Welcoming Atmosphere:
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Playing with a less skilled player when invited.
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Being alert to waiting players so everyone gets time on the courts.
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Inviting a waiting player to warm up or play with you when your court is not full.
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Not taking advantage of an opposing team whose skill level may be lower by running the score up. In one-sided games, better players can use the opportunity to practice different shots, or even, with permission, offer to coach the opponent, in a positive, helpful manner.
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Teaching a new player to put up a SwiftNet.
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- ETIQUETTE
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At SSPC-sponsored play sessions, players agree to follow the play format as explained by the session host. This may involve skill-level courts, rotation protocols, paddles queues, and challenge court(s).
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Players must be respectful of opposition players and those on adjacent courts. Unnecessary interruptions are to be avoided.
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Always respect decisions made by the team on the receiving side.
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Players shall respect the property of the venue, the club, and of others and not willfully cause damage.
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Players will not remove SSPC club property from the venue without explicit permission from a board member.
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Players will discard broken balls and drink/food containers in the nearby trash bins.
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Players will not return a loose ball several courts away if there is active play on the intermediary court(s). Always return the ball in a respectful manner directly to the receiving player. Kicking the ball or hitting the ball hard to the receiver is discouraged.
KEEPING IT SAFE AND FUN
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Players shall comply, at all times, with the venue's policies, procedures, rules and regulations.
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Players will also comply fully with all current health and safety protocols, as required by the county and/or state.
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Players will learn and play by the official rules of pickleball as set out by the IFP (International Federation of Pickleball).
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Players will dress in safe and appropriate attire, including proper footwear. Men are to wear shirts at all times.
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To ensure safety, do not play on a wet court.