Recreation and Community Services Department Township of Ramara 5482 ON-12 Ramara, ON Phone: 705-325-3091 Email: recreation@ramara.ca
RAMARA RECREATION PICKLEBALL HANDBOOK
Welcome to Ramara Pickleball
Pickleball Rules
Basic Rules The Township of Ramara Recreation Department follows the rules of Pickleball Canada. We encourage you to review the Offical Rulebook to affirm your understanding of the workings of the game. Below are some basic rules to review: The Two Bounce Rule: The ball must bounce twice, once on each side of the court, before players can hit the ball in the air or on the "volley". The Non-Volley Zone Faults: The Non-Volley Zone is a rectangle that is 7′ X 20 feet on both sides of the net. THe player must be back from the net when hitting the ball in the air to cut back on the number of smashes and helps encourage longer rallies. Points: The game of Pickleball is usually played to a score of 11. The winning team must win by two points or play continues until one team wins by 2. Unlike tennis or badminton, only the serving team can win a point. The receiving team must get the “side down†and get the serve back before earning points. Scoring: The first rule of etiquette in pickleball is that the server and only the server should announce the score. The player that is standing in the right-hand service area of the serving side always starts. That player is server number 1 for this sequence only. The next time they get the serve, their partner may be in the right court to start and they become server number 1. Serving: To start the game, teams may decide to rally for serve playing the ball three times over the net before it is in play. Often, one team just decides to start. The team serving first gets only one serve their first time. This rule helps prevent “blow†out games with one team getting a large number of points to start. The server making the first serve should announce 0, 0, 2. The score is 0, 0, and because the team gets only one serve, the server is number 2. When the serve switches to the other side, that team gets two serves and play continues that way until a score of 11 is reached.
Melody Madden Recreation Assitant mmadden@ramara.ca
Dear Pickleballers, The Township of Ramara Recreation Department welcomes you! You will soon embark on an adventure that will help you support and maintain your active life style. The potential of the recreation experience is limitless as we strive to deliver programs that deliver a positive impact on many children, youth, and adults. We have been able to provide a fun and exciting experience for hundreds of participants for over several years in the beautiful Township of Ramara. However, we would have nothing if it were not for the dedicated participants such as yourself. The information provided in this handbook will help explain the basics of Pickleball and the rules of playing in the Township of Ramara. Welcome to the game! We look forward to having you this season! Sincerely, Your Recreation Team
Justine Bayne Recreation and Community Services Supervisor jbayne@ramara.ca
First Time Playing
Calling Lines: Pickleball like most racquet sports relies on the integrity of the players in calling shots in or out. The rule of etiquette suggests that players will call the lines as honestly and fairly as they can. Players should call the lines on their side of the net and opponents will do the same on their side. Again, fairness is the rule of the day. Remember it is only a game. Keeping this in mind, will prevent conflict on the court. Faults: A fault occurs on a serve when the ball hits short of the service court including the non-volley line. If the ball is served to the wrong court, long behind the back service line or out of the bounds that is a fault. After the serve, a fault occurs if a player steps in the non-volley court or on the non-volley line while making a volley shot. If the ball is hit into the net or other permanent object such as the pole, that is a fault. A balls that hit outside the boundary lines of the court are considered out and a fault. If the ball hits a player they have committed a fault. On the serve, if a ball is hit into the wrong court and the opposing player in that court is hit or catches the ball that is considered a fault on the receiving team. A player should not catch a ball that is heading out of bounds because that is considered a fault as well. Always let the ball bounce first. An indication of an out ball should be made by yelling out or by hand gesture indicating out. This should be done quickly. Failing to hit the ball before it bounces twice is a fault. However, if the ball bounces twice off your paddle while you are making a continuous forward motion, this is legal. If the ball hits any part of your paddle hand, the hand below the wrist, is considered part to the paddle and legal. If a ball hits a player or his/her clothing, while standing on or off the court during a rally, this is a fault and a point for the opponents. Pickleball Canada. (2023). Basic rules. Pickleball Canada. Retrieved February 7, 2023, from https://pickleballcanada.org/play-and-learn/basic-rules/
Racquets: Although many of our players bring their own racquets, we do have racquets available for use. Located on the stage in the gym there is a bucket with racquets and extra Pickleballs for players to use. Dress: To dress for Pickleball we recommend you dress like you would for any indoor exercise: indoor running shoes comfortable pants or shorts easy to move in shirt Beginners: The Ramara Pickleball group is known for their kindness and willingness to teach new players. If you are a beginner, feel free to reach out to more senior players for helpful tips.
Pickleball Rules Cont.
Scheduling
Code of Conduct
Team Up: Upon registering for Ramara Pickleball you will receive a scheduling link to the Team Up website, this is where you will select your play time slots. Once you have clicked on the link it will bring you to a screen that displays the days and times available. Click on a time you would like to play at and a screen will pop up; click on "WHO", type in your name and click "SAVE" in the upper right hand corner to confirm your spot. There will always be two weeks of Pickleball times displayed on the calendar. On Thursdays at 9:00 A.M. the recreation assistant will upload the next week. You must wait until the times are posted to put your name in to reserve your spot. Any names that are on the schedule before the times are posted on Thursday mornings will be removed. You can reach the Team Up Link here Expectations: signing up for Ramara Pickleball entitles you to TWO plays a week the recreation assistant will update the Team Up schedule Thursday mornings at 9am, if you put your name in before the schedule is posted it will be removed only those who have signed up for the Pickleball season through PerfectMind are eligible to add their names to the Team Up Schedule if you are unable to make it to your timeslot, it is your responsibility to reach out to the other players via the contact list to find a replacement Exceptions: Substitution: If you have used your two plays per week and someone is unable to make their time slot, they are able to call you to fill their spot, therefore you would be allowed a third play for that week. Night Before: If you look at the Pickleball Schedule on Team Up after 4:30 P.M. and there is a spot open the next day, you are eligible to take the empty spot, even if you have already played twice that week. We would rather have 4 players than 3. Any questions please call 705-325-3091 or email at recreation@ramara.ca
As a member of the Ramara Pickleball League, I pledge to uphold the principles of fair play and sportsmanship at all times. I understand that my behavior on and off the court reflects on the league as a whole and that I have a responsibility to promote positive attitudes and behaviors among all players. I commit to the following standards of conduct: Respect for Opponents: I will treat all opponents with respect, courtesy, and fairness, regardless of their skill level, age, or background. I will not engage in trash talk, taunting, or any other behavior that is intended to intimidate or undermine my opponents. Honesty and Fairness: I will play the game with honesty and fairness, following all rules and regulations of the league. I will not cheat, manipulate the ball, or engage in any other unsportsmanlike conduct that violates the spirit of the game. Responsibility for Equipment: I will take care of all league equipment, including nets, balls, gymnasium, and paddles, and will not damage or misuse any of these items. Positive Attitude: I will maintain a positive attitude on and off the court, avoiding negative or disruptive behavior that can harm the league's reputation or create an unpleasant atmosphere for other players. Respect for Officials: I will show respect for all league officials, including the staff in the office, and will accept their decisions without arguing or complaining. Good Sportsmanship: I will exhibit good sportsmanship at all times, congratulating opponents on their successes and accepting defeat with grace and dignity. I will avoid any behavior that might be considered unsportsmanlike, such as excessive celebrating, gloating, or disrespectful gestures. Inclusivity: I will embrace diversity and inclusivity, treating all players with respect and avoiding any behavior that is discriminatory, offensive, or disrespectful towards any individual or group. Reporting Violations: I understand that it is my responsibility to report any violations of this code of conduct to league officials, and that failure to do so may result in disciplinary action.
Township of Ramara 2297 Highway 12 Brechin, ON L0K 1B0 www.ramara.ca T. 705-484-5374