Pickleball Court Rules and Etiquette
Play and Court Rotation
- Court use will be first-come, first-serve unless otherwise designated for a special program, activity or event.
- Limit warm up time to no more than five minutes.
- Games are played by eleven points, win by two.
- Waiting players will place their paddle in the “paddle saddle” (left-to-right).
- Court play is a full rotation system. After each game, both teams exit the courts and new teams replace them.
- Peak Play Rules (apply when courts are full and players are waiting):
- No singles play is allowed.
- Court time limited to one game played to eleven, win by one.
- If more than 20 players are waiting, games will be player to nine, win by one.
- If there are less than four players waiting, the suitable number of players will stay on the court to fill the court with four players.
- As soon as a game is completed, Exiting Teams must announce “Open Court” to inform waiting teams to begin readying themselves to enter the playing area.
- Exiting teams wishing to play again may place paddles in the first available opening in the “Paddle Saddle” (left-right).
- Only one paddle per player is allowed in the facility. Players on the court may not have a paddle in the saddle.
- Even if you have more than four people in your group, you must still rotate on/off courts after one game.
- When stacking paddles, if you put less than four paddles in a spot on the paddle saddle you are inviting others to place their paddles with yours and join your game.
- Challenge courts are not allowed.
Etiquette
- All courts are open to all skill levels.
- Remain in the waiting area, outside of the fenced playing area while you are waiting your turn to play. Do not congregate anywhere inside the playing area.
- Players should monitor their status and be ready to play when their turn is up.
- When it is your turn to play, please wait until players have exited the court before entering. Player bags should remain out of the playing area.
- Do not move paddles in the “paddle saddle”. Paddles should be clearly identifiable with names.
- Pickleball is only a game and it’s meant to be social. Please allow others to rotate into your group.
- If a ball is out and it’s on your side, call it out. If it’s close, give the benefit to your opponent. Players should not make calls for their opponent’s side of the court.
- Never ask for (nor accept) line calls from spectators.
- When the players on the opposing team are unequal in skill, avoid playing to the weaker player to score points. Play the stronger player equally.
- Do not criticize other players’ performance or technique.
- Acknowledge the other team before leaving a game.
Safety and Courtesy
- Courts are only for pickleball play. No bikes, skateboards, inline/roller skates, baseball or softball, frisbee, hockey, soccer, etc.
- Do not sit, swing, stand on, or “hop over” the net.
- Only nonmarking rubber sole court shoes may be worn on the courts.
- Food and drinks (except water) are prohibited inside of the fenced playing area.
- Gum or glass containers are not allowed inside of the fenced playing area.
- Smoking, vaping, or tobacco use are prohibited in the park.
- Keep the courts, seating, and waiting areas clean.
- Pets or other animals are not allowed inside the fenced playing area.
- Unsportsmanlike conduct and profanity will not be tolerated.
- Report any maintenance concerns to parksprojects@wentzvillemo.gov
Court Scheduling
The Recreation Division of the Wentzville Parks and Recreation Department manages use of this community facility. In order to serve the growing demand for access to pickleball venues scheduling will include a balance open play and scheduled recreation programming. For more information email fun@wentzvillemo.gov.
- The City of Wentzville shall have priority use for City and/or City-sponsored activities including clinics, leagues, lessons, tournaments, etc.
- No individual, group, club, or organization shall occupy courts for lessons, clinics, leagues, or tournament play without prior written permission from the Parks and Recreation Department. Applications must be submitted at least 60 days prior to request dates of play.
- Only accredited teaching professionals who have been approved and authorized by the City of Wentzville as contracted instructors are permitted to conduct lessons or clinics. Anyone who desires to be an authorized instructor may contact the Parks and Recreation Department.