PICKLEBALL COURT GUIDELINES

May 2026

 

Basic Rules of Play

1. MANDATORY: SIGN IN BEFORE YOU PLAY.

2. PLAY AT YOUR OWN RISK.

3. Only RPC members may play during Club Play times listed on the RPC Schedule.

4. All Rossmoor residents, club members and non-members, and their guests are welcome to play during the Open Play times as listed on the RPC schedule. Guests are permitted only if the hosting resident is present.

5. Comply with occasional schedule changes affecting normal club schedule.

6. Proper court shoes with non-marking soles are required and protective eyewear is encouraged.

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Court Etiquette

1. Vacate courts when scheduled time has expired. If playing on the Fitness Center courts, allow time to take down the nets if another scheduled activity follows the scheduled pickleball time slot.

2. Call the score in such a manner that all players can hear it prior to serving.

3. Make fair and honest line calls. If there is any doubt, the ball is considered in. The team that occupies the court where the ball lands makes the call.  If they are unsure, they may ask the other team but then their call becomes final.  Once a call is made, it is final and play continues with no “do overs.”

4. Call “ball on court” when the ball goes into another court.

5. Return stray balls to a specific person.

6. Unless asked by a player, DO NOT critique a player’s quality of play in any manner.

7. Unsolicited coaching, from any source, during play is prohibited. Solicited coaching during play shall not impede the normal game play. Mentor coaching during designated times is the exception.

8. Observe the club’s Civility Pledge.

9. Foul language is prohibited.

10. Disrespectful behavior will be subject for review prior to disciplinary action by the RPC Board of Directors on a case by case occurrence.

11. Do not DOUBLE DIP! Double Dipping is when an individual plays two different levels on the same day or on different days. Members should not switch back and forth between levels for their convenience.

Court Sign-Up Procedure

1. For the fitness center you may get a number at the front desk if you arrive early.  You may only take a number for yourself.  You must be in the gym when your time starts to use your number.

2. For the outdoor courts, you must wait until your time starts to sign up on the white board.  If you arrive early and a court is not being used, you may use it.  If you are playing a game, you may finish the game when your group’s time begins. 

 

Court Rotation

1.  List names on white board to determine the next group to play. Under no circumstances should you erase an individual’s name without first contacting him or her.

2. Normally, games are played to 11, win by 2.

3. If 4 or fewer players are waiting, winners stay on and split up. The next 2 players in line join them.

4. If 5 -8 players are waiting, use 4 on 4 off. If you find yourselves playing with the same group, find a way among yourselves to mix it up.

5. If 9 (in the fitness center) or 13 (at Creekside) or more players are waiting, use 15 point rally scoring. A point is won regardless of which side is serving. First side to 15 points wins (“win by 2” rule doesn’t apply).

6. If you have played 3 consecutive games, you must exit the court unless no one is waiting.

7. If you want to sign up as a foursome, sign up on the white board behind all other groups whether filled or partially filled and wait your turn.

8. If you are drilling and people are waiting to play either during scheduled time or open play, there is a 15 minute time limit.

 

Court Clean-up

1. When your game is finished please pick up the balls and return them to the bucket. If no one is present at the end of the day, collect all stray balls and place the bucket of balls in the large shed. If you are the last person to leave the courts, make sure the large shed is locked.

Players Levels

1. It is your choice if you think you should move to a higher level of play. However, there are a series of steps you must take. The first is to honestly self-assess your skill level. Self-assessment is done using the RPC designated skill levels along with the USA Pickleball Player Skill Rating Definitions. (web link)

A. Novice (1.0 to 2.0)

B. Intermediate (2.5 to 3.0)

C. Advanced (3.0 to 4.0 +)

2. Once you have honestly assessed your skill level, you must contact one of the coaches listed on our website (Rossmoorpickleball.net).  An assessment session will be arranged to determine whether or not you have the sufficient skills to move to the next level.  A “checklist” of skills for each level is posted on the club’s website.

3. If you are new to the club, please contact one of the coaches listed on our website.  He/she will assess you to determine your appropriate level.

 

Effective 5-4-26