“Organized Level Play” is defined as all morning pickleball activities listed in SignUpGenius at set time windows, where members can register to play pickleball as a group. Courts 1 is the Challenge Court. All other courts are designated for mixed level play with paddle rack rotation.

The “Paddle Rack” should be used whenever twelve or more players are present. With fewer players, cards might be used to mix up the teams. Games are played to 11, win by 2. In cases where four or more players are waiting to play, games should be played to 9, win by 1. Players should exit the court after completion.

Start from the #1 spot (4 slots) and move the playing rotation, or “Next Up” slide in increasing order.

When #5 spot is being played, move the “Next Up” slide to the #1 spot.

When a foursome removes their paddles to play on an available court, a member of that foursome should move the “Next Up” slide to the next spot (#5 to #1).

Players are encouraged to avoid keeping their paddles together in the same foursome repeatedly.

The “Challenge Court” is court #1, which is reserved for competitive play during organized play. Players wait for their turn by placing their paddles in the designated rack in sequential order of two. The winning team stays on the court to face the next challengers. Winners stay for a maximum of 2 games when challengers are present. The losing team yields the court to the next players in line and goes to the back of the paddle queue.

At PTPC, we foster an inclusive and welcoming environment where every player feels respected, valued, and encouraged.  Whether you’re new to the game or a seasoned competitor, we ask that you follow these simple etiquette practices to help ensure our courts remain enjoyable, friendly, and accessible for everyone.

Purpose of Organized Play
Our daily organized play sessions intentionally mix players of different skill levels on the same court. This helps us:
  * Build camaraderie within the club.
  * Encourage connections across all ability levels.
  * Create a supportive environment where everyone feels part of the Pentwater pickleball community.

Help Everyone Enjoy The Game
  * Support one another, enjoy the variety of skill levels and styles, and use it as an opportunity to grow your game and friendships.
  * Pickleball thrives when everyone feels welcome. Rotate players in fairly, be open to mixed-skill groups, and help newcomers feel at home
  * Pickleball is meant to be fun—so keep it positive.
  * A missed shot is always easier when we treat each other with encouragement and kindness.
  * Refrain from offering unsolicited advice or coaching other players unless they specifically ask for it.

Stay Chill, Especially During Casual Play
  * Not every game is a tournament match. 
  * Relax, enjoy the rally, laugh a little, and remember we’re all here because we love the game.

Use Good Judgment With Your Shot Selection 
  * When playing with newer or slower-paced players, keep the pace appropriate—focus on shot placement, not speed. 
  * When in doubt, take pace off the ball or aim away from the opposing side. 
  * Accidents happen, but do your best to avoid headshots. Player safety comes first.
  * While poaching is sometimes appropriate, especially at higher levels, during mixed-skill play it’s important to avoid crowding your partner or taking balls that are clearly theirs.

Close Calls
  * Give your opponent the benefit of the doubt on tight line calls — it keeps play fair and friendly.

Respect the Court and the Community
  * Wait for the point to finish before entering a court, and close the gates behind you.
  * Keep language clean and frustrations in check.

Have Fun
  * Pickleball is one of the most social sports in the world. 
  * Smile, laugh, enjoy the sunshine, and help make our club a place people look forward to visiting again and again.

• When sponsoring a guest to attend Organized Play in June, July or August, we ask members to adhere to the following process.
• One day before a member wants to bring a guest, they should check online to see how many slots are available on SignUpGenius.
• If the slots are not heavily committed to members, the member can proceed with signing up their guest.
• In cases where the slots are heavily committed to other members, the guest should not be signed up.
• All visitor and non-member participation is governed by our Guest Policy.

“Open Play” is all non-organized times when the pickleball courts are open for walk-up play on a first-come, first-served basis. Members have the ability to reserve a court in advance using SignUpGenius except during Organized Play or scheduled events. Open Play is the best time for members to take family and guests to the courts.

PTPC uses a separate SignUpGenius for all club sanctioned pickleball tournament events.