Safety on court
- Please wear non-marking, non-slip court shoes to play pickleball.
- Keep yourself and others safe by avoiding the court space where others are playing. Shout “ball” if your ball goes onto another court and wait for the players to stop before retrieving it.
- Keep the space behind the courts clear of objects and personal belongings.
- Be aware of the limited space around the courts, especially indoors and behind the baselines. The club introduction notes advise players not to run backwards.
- Please consider wearing safety glasses for play because of the risk of eye injury.
- If you have a medical condition that might affect your play, seek medical advice before playing. Make your own assessment of your fitness to play and do not play against medical advice.
Membership conditions
The safety requirements above form part of the Hingham Pickleball membership terms and conditions (section 15). By playing at Hingham as a full member, temporary member or guest, you have agreed to accept these conditions.
Warm up
The source guide suggests a full-body warm-up just before leaving home, as time for a full warm-up at the session may be limited. The club introduction notes also remind players to warm up before play.
Returning a ball
Once play is halted, pick up a ball that has crossed onto your court. Look for the player who wants it returned: this will be the next server, who should raise their hand. Return the ball to that player in a controlled way.
Please do not knock or whack the ball away from your court. This often disrupts play on other courts and sends the ball away from the player who needs it.
Line calls
The ball is in unless you can actually see a gap between the ball and the edge of the line. If there is any doubt, the ball is in. There are no lets or replays for uncertain line calls.
Serving fairly
Be aware of the serving rules. An illegal serve may give an unfair advantage, so check the rules and your own serve.