When a group took over the court without waiting, one player wonders about pickleball park etiquette.
Summary
- Established court etiquette crucial for harmony.
- Common practice to place paddles by the net to indicate play order.
- Misunderstandings can arise when etiquette norms are unclear.
Public Courts Etiquette
Public courts typically have rules for court sharing, but lack of clarity can lead to misunderstandings.
Proper Protocol on Pickleball Court
Placing paddles by the net is a common signal for wanting to play next in pickleball.
The Importance of Park Etiquette
Park etiquette helps maintain harmony when courts are busy, and players should be aware of local norms.
To preface, it was my second time playing and I didn’t know what the etiquette was.
If you were soft to just let them come on the court before folks you knew had been waiting. Personally, I would have been offended if there were no paddles stacked next to the net and you told me you were holding the court for someone else.
I wouldn’t say soft, but there are established etiquettes at every park. It is crucial to ask what they are during peak times.
The whole situation just rubbed me the wrong way. In my experience, in basketball, the bare minimum you could do is ask if you could play next or who has next.
When it gets busy, the park’s etiquette goes into effect whether you know it or not. Like a group hogging a court at a park I frequent regularly, and that group wasn’t going along. The park etiquette is essential to maintain harmony.