The Hunters
Safety Guidelines
Have fun, get some exercise, but play safe by remembering the safety and courtesy rules!
1. Wear a good pair of trainers (no soles that could mark the court).
2. Always warm up your body before playing with some easy stretches, back, arms, shoulders, hamstrings. If in doubt consult with a certified physiotherapist or doctor who can factor in any medical problems, you may have.
3. Keep well hydrated, drink plenty of fluids before, during and after playing.
4. Please do not run backwards to get to a ball over your head, it is too easy to fall or collide with a wall and hurt yourself.
5. Carefully run forward to get that low bouncing ball so you don’t fall and hurt yourself.
6. Always yell ‘BALL’ loud and clear and NEVER run onto the adjoining court to retrieve your ball; the players on that court will stop play and throw it back to you. They will then replay their point.
7. Never walk behind players while they are playing; wait until they are between points and let them know you want to cross behind their court.
8. Don’t take an extra ball or balls with you on the court. Only one can be used, and strays should never be left lying on the other courts. Always retrieve the stray ball.
9. Do not take extraneous materials (bags, bottles, towels) on the court or hang them on the net posts. These items create unsafe courts and impede visibility.
10. Do not smash balls at players who have requested you don’t. Learn the soft game.
The Hunters
Code of Conduct
The Hunters is fully committed to safeguarding and promoting the well-being of all its members, ensuring a positive and enjoyable experience for all. The club believes that it is important that members, coaches, administrators, and parents associated with the club should, at all times, show respect and understanding for the safety and welfare of others. Therefore, members are encouraged to be open at all times and to share concerns or complaints that they may have about any aspect of the club with any member of the Club Management Council (CMC) this is made up of The Club Directors, Chairman, Vice Chairman, Club Captain & Club Vice Captain and reports to the club committee. They can also see their club committee representative or email info@dunstablehunters.org.
As a member of the Hunters, you are expected to abide by the following code of conduct:
1, All members must take responsibility in ensuring they are up to date with the rules and understand them. They must also adhere to the Sport Equity Principles: The Hunters are committed to promoting and upholding the principles of sport equity. Sport equity encompasses fairness, inclusivity and the removal of barriers that prevent individuals from participating fully in the sport of pickleball.
2, All members must respect the rights, dignity and worth of all participants and not unlawfully discriminate against anyone or treat anyone less favourably or unfavourably, by reason of age, disability, gender, ability, race (including colour, nationality, ethnic or national origins), cultural background, religious beliefs, or sexual identity.
3, Members should recognise the valuable contribution made by coaches, session leaders and officials who are usually volunteers. They give their time and resources to provide pickleball for you. All members must respect officials and publicly accept their decisions.
4, All members should be a positive role model, treat fellow club members, other players, and officials with the same level of respect you would expect to be shown to you.
5, Use correct, and proper language at all times and not make any communication or statement, on or off the court (including e-mail, online, on social networking Platforms or on Spond, chat or other messaging sites) whether orally or in writing which may be contrary to, or not compliant, with any other standard set out in this Code of Conduct.
6, Members are not allowed to smoke, vape, consume alcohol or drugs at club sessions or whilst representing the club.
7, Members should keep to agreed timings for club sessions and competitions or inform the organiser that they are going to be late.
8, Members must wear suitable kit for training, club, and match sessions, as agreed with coach or Club leader. Club T-shirts are recommended to be worn at organised events, Competitions, Festivals etc.
9, Members must pay session and training fees promptly and will be billed for non-attendance having indicated on Spond their intention to play.
10, Bullying of any sort, verbal, physical or emotional, in person or online will not be tolerated.
11, Encourage everyone to enjoy pickleball and understand that people have different motivations for taking part.
12, Experienced/advanced players are expected to give back to the club. There is an expectation that advanced players will play with/lead sessions and help improve players on a rotation system.
13, Membership forms will need to be renewed by the 1st March each year and the fee paid in full.
The Hunters
HUNTERS PICKLEBALL CLUB ETIQUETTE GUIDELINES
1. Before you commence your game, introduce yourself if you don’t know the names of your fellow players and ask for their names too.
2. Call out the score before you serve - There are 3 different numbers to keep track of and everyone from beginners to experienced players can get confused. This is why having a constant update at the beginning of each rally is so helpful.
3. If you and your partner cannot determine if the ball was out or you disagree – the ball was IN, meaning the benefit of the doubt goes to your opponents. The Official Rule…
4. In open recreational play – acknowledge different skill levels.
a. If you are the strongest player in your foursome, tone down the competitiveness and hit your opponents’ balls in a way they can return them. Work on a new skill – perhaps it’s a great time to practice the third shot drop.
b. If you are asked to play with a group that is of lower skill level than you, graciously accept and play a game or two as it will help the other players to improve.
c. If you are the weakest player on court, thank the other players for playing with you.
d. Don’t play ‘keep the ball away from the best player on the other team’ during recreational play just so you can win – they want to play in the game too.
5. Please refrain from giving players instruction on court – unless they ask or agree to this! Most people who come to play recreational pickleball are there for exercise and fun. Instruction and coaching are best left to dedicated sessions. If there is a fundamental issue that you believe needs addressing, mention after the game in a polite manner.
6. Ball on court - when your ball strays on to a neighbouring court, call out ‘BALL’ or ‘BALL ON COURT’ to avoid the possibility of a player tripping or falling on the ball particularly if the ball rolls behind players involved in an active rally. Play will stop and the point shall be re-played. Do not walk on the court to retrieve your ball.
7. Congratulate opponents on amazing shots – be sure to speak up and congratulate whoever made the shot even if it’s your opponent.
8. It is unfair to lob behind restricted players – don’t exploit someone’s physical limitations in order to ‘win’, this is not just etiquette but a safety issue too. Remember, if you are an older player with restricted movement or even a beginner ‘The ball is not worth the fall’. If, however, you feel confident to attempt the shot DO NOT RUN BACKWARDS – turn and run forwards or skip sideways towards the ball. Likewise with drop shots, when the player is at the base line.
9. Please avoid crossing the court behind a live game – wait until play has stopped. It’s not only impolite, but it can be very dangerous as well. Also please do not congregate behind or adjacent to courts where games are in progress.
10. Play smarter not harder – there is a place for a hard drive ground stroke, however, persistent ‘banging’ from the baseline can be intimidating to some as is ‘Targeting’ a beginner or weaker player, and it is not the way pickleball should be played. In recreation play, please refrain from hard hitting a ball directly at your opponent, it is dangerous, unfair, and not in the true spirit of the game of pickleball.
These rules are for recreational purposes. Tournament etiquette can be different.