How we play

Code of conduct.

We play to win, but we play to play — most of all, we play together. This is how we keep the club a place people want to come back to.

Respect each other

Treat partners, opponents, members and visitors the way you'd want to be treated. Welcome new players. Praise good shots — yours and theirs. Lose graciously. Win graciously.

Call lines honestly

You call lines on your own side. If you're not sure, the ball is in — give the benefit of the doubt to your opponent. If a partner disagrees, talk it out quickly and replay the point if you can't agree. No one wins by cheating on line calls in a club session.

On court

Keep your voice at a reasonable volume — the sports hall echoes and other groups may be sharing the space.
Look after the kit. Don't slam or throw paddles, however tempting after a missed third-shot drop.
Be ready when it's your turn — pick a session you'll actually attend on Spond, and arrive a few minutes early.
Share court time fairly. Rotate when sessions get busy.
No coaching mid-rally during competitive play. Tips at the end of a game are welcome.

Inclusivity

We want everyone — beginner or seasoned, junior or retiree — to feel welcome. If you're more experienced, please mix it up with new players from time to time. It's how the club grows, and it's how you got better in the first place.

Junior players

Sunday sessions are open to ages 10 and up; weekday Improvers from 14 up. 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.

If something goes wrong

First try to sort it out directly and politely with the person concerned. If that doesn't work, or if the matter is more serious, contact a member of the committee. Email hello@firstandlastpickleball.co.uk — it goes to the committee inbox. We'll treat anything you tell us in confidence.

Bottom line

Don't be the person other members dread sharing a court with. That's it.