Revised September 2026
Ocean Grove Pickleball Club Values
Our culture of “people before Pickleball” makes OGPC who we are. We value players who are kind, fair and socially inclusive. We love competition, but play with good humour and sportsmanship.
Safety is the #1 priority - Don’t Run Backwards- Don’t cross onto another court.
We all have a responsibility to each other in this regard. People may forget, or new players may not be aware of safety protocols, so it would be great if we could all take on a shared responsibility to remind others (in a friendly – positive way) if the situation requires it.
Arrival, Set Up, Pack Up
- Be Punctual – If you are going to be late message the convenor on SPOND.
- Come early if you can, it is always appreciated if you can assist with setting up.
- Assist with packing up at the end of the session.
Game Time
- Be ready to play by the scheduled commencement of the session.
- Follow the conveners’ instructions (talking while the convener is talking makes it difficult for everyone).
- Most sessions use a fixtured Round Robin. This format provides a new partner every round, creates a social atmosphere and ensures equal playing time for all. Please adhere to this system if it is implemented.
- Do not expect to play with the same partner more than once.
- Introduce yourself to new players.
- Do not enter the hall if a game is in progress, enter by the rear door, or wait for a break between games.
- “Paddle tap” after every game.
Safety
- Do not run onto another court while attempting to get a ball as you may collide with a player on that court. Replay the point if necessary.
- Wait on the stage when not playing. Do not stand at the end of the courts.
- When a ball rolls onto your court pick it up and send it directly to the player requesting it. (don’t just bat it away).
- Don’t run backwards to play a ball. The risk of falling backwards is high.
- “Ball on Court” (Hindrance). Replay the point.
- Called for safety reasons or if it has impacted the outcome of a point.
- Players may be distracted prior to a ball entering the court and it is legitimate to call this.
- Hindrance should not be called after the point is completed, especially if you have lost the point.
Rules.
- Know the Rules - Do your best to know and understand the rules of Pickleball.
- Prior to serving call the score loudly (server’s responsibility to call the score).
- Line Calls: The Opposition should get the benefit of any doubt.
- The players on the side of the court where the ball lands have the call.
- If they cannot make the call, refer the call to the opposition.
- If the opposition cannot make the call the ball is considered “In”.
- If you call “out “you must see a space between the ball and the line.
- Kitchen Violations: We encourage kitchen violation calls. Take it as positive feedback to assist you to play by the rules. Display good sportsmanship by calling kitchen violations on yourself.
Choosing the correct session to play in
Sessions have broad skill descriptors ranging from All Levels to Advanced. Ocean Grove Pickleball has a self-assessment policy in relation to players determining which sessions are suitable for them. We encourage all players to reflect on the most appropriate sessions for their current ability and in order to make an informed decision it may be worth viewing the following resources provided by Pickleball Australia.
Playing with less advanced or more advanced players
- Be positive when playing with less advanced players.
- If you are a less advanced player and wish to play in more advanced sessions, improve your game by practising and improving skills. Advanced players are advanced for a reason.
- When playing against less advanced players in an ALL-LEVELS session be mindful of how hard you hit the ball directly at them (e.g smash volley). Remember it is social play not tournament play.
- Advanced sessions- The ball is often hit with more force in advanced sessions. If this is problematic for you it may be that you should consider less advanced sessions.
- Don't Play “Keepings Off” in Social Play – While it is a common tactic to keep the ball away from stronger players, it does not help your game or theirs.
SPOND
- If you need to withdraw push the decline button as soon as possible, especially if there is a wait list.
- If you are on the waiting list, check regularly and confirm or decline your attendance so that the next person is alerted if you can’t attend.
- If a player on the wait list has not confirmed attendance within a reasonable time they may be removed to allow the next person waiting to play.
- Credits are only awarded if a session is cancelled, or for convening or if SPOND takes payment but you are not admitted to the session. If you wish to apply for a credit for other reasons send your request to the committee by emailing ogpc-committee@protonmail.com
- If you are playing on a credit please record this on the relevant SPOND session.