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Chesterfield Pickleball News
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November Open Play Times – The November open/rotational play daytime hours begin at 10 AM. Always check the PCCC Calendar for available times. The link is at the end of this newsletter.
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Court Signage Updated - You’ll also note new signage at the courts. We worked several months with Parks and Rec to finalize the wording and get these installed, so that all players and visitors are clear on the setup. They say:
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· Please play one game to 11 points and rotate off the court when people are waiting
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· No bicycles, skateboards, roller skates, roller blades, or glass containers
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· Press button on post near gate to activate lights, add another cycle, or turn off
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· Please respect reserved court times
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For court schedules or more pickleball information, check the court kiosk or online at chesterfield.gov/park or ChesterfieldPickleball.club
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Improvements at Dodd Park – Ball slowers have been installed at Point of Rocks/Dodd park, and astroturf donated by the Pickleball Club of Chesterfield County.
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Commissioner Lynze Kapp provides us with this great league season wrapup, featuring over 700 Players, 17 Leagues, and a Charitable Twist
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In a whirlwind of paddle swings, rallies, and roaring applause, another thrilling pickleball league season came to a close, leaving players and organizers alike with unforgettable memories. With over 700 participants and 17 leagues spanning a wide range of skill levels, this season was one for the books. From fun-themed days to drills & play, social mingling, and fiercely competitive matches, the leagues offered a dynamic blend of experiences for every player.
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A massive shout-out and heartfelt thanks went out to the 28 dedicated league coordinators whose tireless efforts behind the scenes made this season a resounding success. Their dedication, commitment, and love for the sport were evident in every well-organized game, event, and themed day throughout the season.
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The league action was nothing short of spectacular, with Monday and Wednesday night draft teams vying for supremacy. In the 4.0+ division, the "Pit Vipers" proved they were the team to beat. With their powerful shots and impeccable teamwork, they emerged as the season's champions in a fiercely contested battle.
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For the even more competitive 4.5+ division, "Team Christina" was the standout force. Their incredible skills and chemistry set them apart from the competition, securing their spot as the 4.5+ division champions and earning them well-deserved recognition.
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Yet, the impact of this season stretched beyond the courts. The league also showed its commitment to the community by collecting an impressive 1,100 pounds of food for the Belmont United Methodist Church food pantry. This charitable act underscored the league's ethos of giving back to the community that had supported it so passionately.
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As the last serves were hit, and the final points tallied, it was clear that the 2023 pickleball league season was one for the history books. The camaraderie, competition, and charity that characterized the season left a lasting imprint on both players and the community.
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Congratulations to all the teams and players who participated, to the league coordinators for their incredible work, and to the champions who demonstrated their prowess on the courts. The pickleball league season was not just about the game; it was about building friendships, fostering sportsmanship, and making a positive impact on the community.
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With such a successful season behind them, players and organizers are eagerly looking forward to the next season (spring), where they hope to continue the tradition of fun, excitement, and making a difference both on and off the pickleball courts.
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The Unwritten Rules of Pickleball
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The following is an excerpt from Selkirk.com
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Here are 10 of Pickleball’s unwritten rules:
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It's important to introduce yourself before the match. Pickleball is a social sport so before leading off with the 0-0-2 count, begin each match by introducing yourself to your partner and opponents and learn their names. If there are new players at your local tennis center, club, or park, go the extra mile and make them feel welcomed by introducing them to others.
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2. Make an effort to learn and understand the rules of pickleball.
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This will help avoid disagreements on the court and ensure all players are abiding by the same set of rules. Of course, no one is an expert right off the bat, so if you are still learning, don’t be afraid to politely ask questions!
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3. Respect as a spectator.
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If you are a spectator commenting on a match, please do not make hostile, disruptive, or disrespectful comments. It’s also not a good idea to call in or out balls as a spectator. Unless you are directly asked, it’s best to let the players make the out calls.
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4. Apologize when needed.
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Sorry, not sorry! This one may be up for debate. Oftentimes in pickleball the ball will strike the net and dribble over making it impossible for your opponents to return the shot. When this happens, the casual “sorry” or non-verbal hand up is always welcomed. Similarly, when a hard shot or put away makes contact with a person’s body rather than paddle, the striking player should always apologize. Everyone knows (or should know) you are not trying to hurt your opponent, but a polite apology is proper etiquette nonetheless. If the “sorry” is not genuine or made sarcastically, then best to not say anything at all.
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Be mindful of other matches in progress when navigating pickleball courts, particularly when entering and exiting the baseline area or the sideline area. This rule seems obvious but…you know.
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6. Be honest about line calls.
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If the ball lands out of play on your side of the court, then call it out. But if you are not 100% sure it was out, you should give the benefit of the doubt to your opponent (easier said than done in those close matches). It’s also ok in rec play to replay the point if everyone agrees to it, just don’t expect any do overs in tournament play. If you or your partner foot faults in the kitchen, call it.
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7. Announce the Score Clearly
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When calling out the score prior to serving, project your voice loud enough where every player can hear you. The last thing you want is a dispute about scoring during a close match.
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8. Prioritize Safety - Call Out "Ball On!"
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Watch your step. Keep your safety and other players’ safety in mind. Be aware of any stray pickleballs slowly rolling into the court of play and potentially causing injury. A quick “Ball on Court” call or a non-verbal hand up will notify players to stop play. Ensure that the ball is near the court when you call "Ball On!", and don't chase a ball that rolls onto someone's court.
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9. Paddle Tap After Each Match.
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Conclude every game by meeting at the net. Do not walk off the court until you acknowledge and exchange a “good game” or “way to play” with the other team. Consistently blowing off opponents and not meeting at the net is rude and disrespectful. Other positive exchanges include the paddle "bump" or "tap", but do not smack the paddle as it could potentially damage both paddles.
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Lastly, do not hog the courts. Make sure all players get to play and cycle through different combinations of matches. If you are on a hot streak and there are several players waiting to play, it is ok to take a match off. Be sure to abide by any rules about court usage if there are any.
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We want to thank our League Commissioner for 2023, Lynze Kapp for her excellence in running the leagues for Spring and Fall. Hopefully, she will agree to continue in the role for 2024.
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PCCC members have much to be thankful for this holiday season, one is that we have such a supportive partner in Chesterfield County, especially Parks and Recreation. We will have some news to share on that front in the near future.
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