Court Rules

We play by the USAPA Rules. You can download a Rules Summary, which provides an excellent three-page overview.

Game Formats

Most of the time, there will be a volunteer, the Paddle Master, taking care of the player/paddle rotation and ensuring the game format is set for the number of players waiting. When no one is performing this role, please defer to one of the more regular Beach Street players familiar with our rules and guidelines to keep things running smoothly.

When the game format changes, the signage for how many players are rotating and how many points people are playing to should also be switched so that everyone actively playing on the courts can determine the active format without yelling across the courts.

Default: Doubles matches; Play to 11 (win by 2, hard stop at 13); Play two games, regardless of a win or loss.

Once leaving a court after playing two matches in a row, you should place your paddle at the back of the queue. If only one person is waiting in the queue, then only the player on the losing side who has played two matches should leave the court and reenter the queue.

4 on / 4 off, Play to 11: Doubles matches; Play to 11 (win by 2, hard stop at 13); All players leave the court;

Triggers at 12+ people waiting to play. When this format occurs, two separate paddle racks will be used. A Winners/Gold Rack, and a Losers/Silver Rack. Winners of a match will place their paddles at the back of the Winners’ Rack, and the losers will place their paddles into the respective Losers’ Rack.

4 on / 4 off, Play to 9: Doubles matches; Play to 9 (first to 9 wins); All players leave the court;

Triggers at 20+ people waiting to play, approximately ten people per rack. All paddle rack placement rules are the same as the usual “4 on/4 off, play to 11” rules.

Equipment

  • Balls are available on-site, courtesy of the Beach Street Pickleball Committee and donations from the community. Depending on the temperature outside, Franklin X-40s, Selkirk ProS1, or Onyx Pure 2 will be available.

  • Shoes should be non-marking, preferably shoes designed for pickleball or tennis. We strongly discourage running shoes because they do not provide enough ankle support.

  • Paddles should preferably be USAPA-approved, but we have no specific restrictions.

  • Clothes should be appropriate for a public venue. Children could be around, and the courts are directly next to a 2nd-5th grade school.

Court Etiquette

In addition to the USAPA Rules, we expect everyone to follow the USAPA Code of Conduct

Pickleball is a welcoming sport. All players shall be courteous at all times, helping to create a friendly, non-threatening, safe, and inclusive environment. Any form of harassment is strictly prohibited, including, but not limited to, bullying, offensive comments/conduct, cursing or foul language, or discrimination. Any form of harassment should be reported to the Beach Street Pickleball Club Committee immediately.

Good sportsmanship is the rule. Remember, we play pickleball for fun. It is just a game!

Good pickleball etiquette includes but is not limited to the following:

  • Acknowledge other known players or introduce yourself, as appropriate.

  • During “Open Play,” players on the side of the outer tall fence serve first.

  • The benefit of the doubt goes to your opponents’ line calls.

  • Try not to lob into the sun, which is not always possible. If the sun or wind is an issue on one side of the court, switch sides at six (6).

  • Call out the score loudly before serving.  If the score is called incorrectly, correct it either before the ball is struck by the receiver or at the end of the rally, which is in accordance with the USAPA rules.

  • Advanced and less skilled players will play together when playing a mixed-skill game. Be respectful, encouraging, and supportive. It is the responsibility of all players to help others learn the game and decrease the learning curve. We’ve allotted two Courts for players at least 3.5 or above skill level each day.

  • Advanced players should help others learn. Hit reasonably challenging shots, not impossible to return shots. Before providing advice/coaching to a lower-skill player during or after a game, ask them if they would be receptive to it. While often meant in good faith, unsolicited advice/coaching can be distracting and/or unwelcome.

    • Do not direct all your shots to the less skilled players. Games are meant to be fun for everyone.

    • Limit poaching and slams when playing against less skilled players.

  • Courts get busy and crowded; please stay outside the court if you are not “on deck.”

  • Crossing Courts during play is a distraction; please wait to cross until play has stopped.

  • Never drop out of a match mid-game. If you cannot play a complete match, usually 10-15 min, and people are waiting to play, please give your spot to the next person in the queue. We know emergencies happen, but it is unfair to the other players to leave mid-game.

  • HAVE FUN!