Guidelines for Organized Play
Daily Organized Play is a designated morning session where members register through SignUpGenius to enjoy pickleball together. Court 1 serves as the ‘Challenge Court’. The remaining five courts are reserved for mixed-level play. 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 guidelines 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.