Community Play Guidelines
The pickleball courts at Battle Point Park are open to the public and free of charge. When the six dedicated courts (aka the upper courts) are full and players are waiting then the whiteboard is used for sharing the courts. The rules and process for use of the whiteboard are listed below. These rules are to be followed at all times and days of the week other than designated Organized Play times (M-F 9-12, excluding holidays).
Community Play Court Sharing
WHEN THE COURTS ARE FULL AND PEOPLE ARE WAITING, USE THE WHITEBOARD
ALL PLAYERS MUST VACATE THE COURT AFTER ONE GAME TO 11. (win by 2)
Add names to whiteboard for the next available court.
Warmup is limited to 5 minutes.
Families with children and people learning the game can use a court for 30 minutes.
Exceptions include scheduled events such as lessons, Organized Play sessions, and reservations.
The whiteboard has 20 squares where a group or individuals write their name into a square. Individuals write their name in any square still needing players or into a blank square where others can then add their names to join them. When a court is available the names are crossed out (not erased) and they take the court. (Entries on board can be erased after game has started.) Groups that wish to stay together are welcome to place their group/family name in one square. Individuals can treat this much like open play and join different groups of 4. This process is similar to a "4-in/4-out" paddle rotation.
This does mean that during busy times you will only get one game to 11 and have to give up the court to the next group. However, when the courts are in demand this is a system that lets everyone have time on the court and is fair for all types of users. On average, one of the 6 courts will become available every 3 or 4 minutes.
One of the strengths of this system is that it transitions smoothly into and out of use. As soon as people are waiting it goes into effect immediately (a verbal announcement is recommended: "On the Board!"). If no one is waiting then players are free to start a new game on same court. Active players, when your game is over, check to see if anyone is waiting on the board.
FAQs for Community Play:
Q) What if our group wants to play more than one game?
Just exit the court and sign up again to play. If no one is waiting there is no time restriction on the courts and you are welcome to play as many games as you'd like. If the courts are busy then the 4-in/4-off rotation provides equal sharing of the courts with the community.
Q) Can we play singles?
Yes. Doubles is preferred but singles is allowed.
Q) Whiteboard use just started, do we get to play one more game?
No, you must vacate court at the end of your game when people are waiting.
Q) I'm here by myself at 2pm, how do I join in?
If the courts are full with people waiting then just sign up on the whiteboard with the others. However, since this is not a Organized Play time, there is no guarantee that you can get into a game because during non-organized play times many players prearrange matches or have closed groups such as families. Often there are others just like you and it isn't too hard to join into a game.
Q) My friend is on a court playing, can I put their name down on the whiteboard to play with my group?
No, names can only be placed on the whiteboard when the player is not on a court. Doing something like this would be letting that player jump the line in front of others.
Q) The next group in line doesn't have 4, can we skip over them?
Only if the partial group wants to wait and in that case they would up first for the next available court. This is possibly the hardest question and one where we should be conscious of the choices being made at the courts. We strive to be an inclusive community and in this situation we should try hard to make sure no one is skipped over. Every case is different but do the right thing and help to match players and skills or maybe be the person that joins in to make a foursome work and share your love of the game.
Q) There is an open unused court on the lower courts and we're already playing here. Can we tell the waiting players to use that lower court instead.
No.
Q) My partner and I wish to run some drills, but the courts are busy. Can we get into the rotation?
Sure, but you should only use the court for 20 minutes which is the approximate maximum time that a 11 point game lasts. Your requested usage doesn't fall under the 30 minute "beginner rule" so in the interest of sharing the courts equitably a 20 minute limit is fair. Or just join into the play rotation and come back to drill when the courts are less full!
Q) Can we use the paddle racks during Community Play times?
Maybe. If the courts are not full then you are welcome to set up any type of rotation for your group or the players present. Most folks are familiar with use of the paddle racks and they are easy to use but they do not accommodate all types of usage such as for families, prearranged groups of 4, or someone being taught the game. If the courts are full and people are waiting for a court then the whiteboard should be used and the paddle racks should not be used. Period.
Q) Why are the names of next group crossed out instead of just being erased? This seems dumb
Yes, but on a busy day it helps prevent issues of courts being assigned mistakenly and if erased there is no record of who should be next.