How we play

Conduct & etiquette.

The purpose of the club is the enjoyment of pickleball. That implies proper etiquette and sportsmanship from every player — what follows is the policy all members are asked to observe.

Dress code

We like to keep things relaxed at the club, but a few simple standards help everyone feel comfortable on court. Please wear suitable sportswear and non-marking trainers, and keep tops on while playing — it helps maintain the friendly, welcoming atmosphere we're known for. Otherwise, comfort is key: dress for the weather, bring a layer or two when it's cold, and wear whatever lets you move and enjoy your game.

Thanks for helping keep First & Last a great place to play for members of all ages and abilities.

Before and after each game

Give your opponent time to get into position before you serve.
The server must call the score before they serve. If you're unsure of the score, ask the other players — the receiving side or non-server must correct the call if it's wrong.
Introduce yourself to any players you don't know at the start of a game, and thank your opponents at the end.
Welcome new members and be prepared to help explain the rules and offer guidance as needed.

Line calls and foot faults

Make quick and fair line calls and accept those made by your opponents on their half. If there's any uncertainty, the ball is considered in. If you're some distance from the ball, remember that parallax can be a factor — call in unless clearly out by some margin.
Try not to question a line call or foot fault — accept the call gracefully. If you do feel you need to challenge, do it once only and in a friendly way. Don't make disrespectful comments, argue, or accuse the other team of dishonesty. If you feel specific players regularly make dubious line calls, speak to the committee privately and we'll deal with the matter accordingly.
A fault will be called if you or your partner steps into the non-volley zone on a volley, or steps in (by momentum) after playing a shot from outside it. Accept other players identifying foot faults on your side — and be the kind of player who identifies and accepts their own.

Respect

Bullying, verbal abuse, threatening behaviour and shouting will not be tolerated. Anyone breaking this policy may be removed from the club.
Refrain from swearing at club sessions, particularly while playing.
Always be supportive of your partner and respect your opponents.
Respect F&L Pickleball Club and GO! St Just's property — perform no actions which may cause damage.
Behave in a manner consistent with the F&L constitution, and endeavour to be an ambassador for the sport.
If your opponent claims a major distraction during a point (e.g. a ball bouncing onto the court), don't hesitate to replay it.

Targeting and body shots

Targeting — deliberately playing most balls to one player throughout the match — is not allowed at club sessions. It exists to make sure all four players are involved. The same goes for body shots: deliberately hard hits at a person are not allowed. Both are permitted only in sessions described as "tournament play".

Dangerous play

Dangerous play is not allowed at club nights. This includes:

Hitting the ball towards someone with such power that, if it caught them, it would injure them — particularly above waist height. (Hitting hard into a large space or at someone's feet is acceptable.)
Hitting the ball hard without the necessary control. If you can't be sure where it will go, hit it more gently.
Not moving away when someone else calls for the ball — you could be hit by their paddle.
Crashing into the net.
Not stopping play when a ball is on court.
Running onto an adjoining court when play is in action there. If this happens, play a let.

Attendance

If you know you won't be able to attend club night for more than two weeks — injury, illness, work changes, holidays — please let the group know on Spond so we can plan court numbers.

Junior players

Sunday sessions are open to ages 10 and up. Improvers sessions are 16+; Wednesday's Intermediate Plus is 18+. When juniors are on court, the standard expected of adult behaviour, language and attitude is higher, not lower. Safeguarding concerns should be raised with the committee immediately — see below.

Raising concerns

Members are asked to direct all club business — comments on policy, issues, suggestions and any concerns — to hello@firstandlastpickleball.co.uk. Anything you tell us in confidence will be treated as such.