Sports Halls Social Pickleball

1. Program Participation

By registering for and attending Social Pickleball sessions, participants agree to comply with these Terms & Conditions and any reasonable directions provided by venue staff and program coordinators.

2. Bookings and Registration

• Bookings are required to secure participation in a session.
• Bookings will remain open until 24 hours prior to the scheduled session start time.
• Once a participant is booked into a session, no cancellations, refunds, transfers, credits, or booking changes will be permitted.
• Walk-in participants are not guaranteed a place and will only be accommodated if session capacity permits.
• Participants are encouraged to register early to avoid disappointment.

3. Minimum and Maximum Participant Numbers

• Sessions are subject to a minimum attendance requirement of 8 registered players.
• Sessions are capped at a maximum of 20 players.
• If fewer than 8 participants are registered, the session may be cancelled at the organiser's discretion.
• Participants will be notified of any cancellation as soon as practicable.
• Once capacity has been reached, no further bookings will be accepted.

4. Arrival and Check-In

• Participants are expected to arrive at least 10 minutes before the scheduled session start time.
• Players arriving after games have commenced will not interrupt existing matches.
• Late arrivals will be required to wait and join the next available game rotation.
• The organiser reserves the right to refuse participation where a late arrival would significantly disrupt the session.

5. Footwear and Attire

• Appropriate sportswear must be worn at all times.
• Participants must wear enclosed, non-marking court shoes suitable for pickleball.

6. Equipment

• Participants are responsible for providing their own pickleball equipment, including paddles and balls.
• Equipment is not provided as part of the Social Pickleball program.
• Participants may hire a paddle and ball set for $5 per session, subject to availability.
• Hired equipment must be returned to staff at the conclusion of the session and may incur a replacement charge if lost, damaged, or not returned.

7. Code of Behaviour

All participants are expected to:

• Treat fellow participants, staff, and visitors with courtesy and respect.
• Demonstrate good sportsmanship at all times.
• Play fairly and honestly.
• Respect equipment, facilities, and venue rules.
• Follow directions provided by staff.
• Contribute to an inclusive, welcoming, and enjoyable environment for players of all abilities.

The following behaviours will not be tolerated:

• Abusive, aggressive, threatening, or discriminatory conduct.
• Harassment, bullying, or intimidation.
• Deliberate damage to equipment or facilities.
• Unsportsmanlike behaviour that negatively impacts the experience of others.
• Any conduct that threatens the safety or wellbeing of participants or staff.

Participants who engage in unacceptable behaviour may be asked to leave the session and may be excluded from future programs.

8. Session Format and Player Expectations

• Social Pickleball sessions are designed to be social, inclusive, and recreational.
• Each session will commence with a 10-minute warm-up period, allowing participants time to prepare and familiarise themselves with the courts. 
• Games will be played in 14-minute durations. 
• A 2-minute rotation period will follow each game to allow players to rotate courts and prepare for the next match.
• Players are expected to rotate fairly throughout the session to ensure everyone has an equitable opportunity to participate.
• Rotation management is the responsibility of participants. Players are expected to cooperate and work together to maintain an appropriate rotation system.
• Staff will be present to manage court times, monitor session flow, and advise participants when rotations are due.
• Participants are expected to comply with staff directions regarding game duration and court rotations.
• Court allocations, playing partners, and opponents are not guaranteed and may vary throughout the session.

9. Health and Safety

• Participants take part in the program at their own risk.
• Players should only participate if they are medically fit to do so.
• Any injury, incident, or safety concern must be reported to staff immediately.
• Participants are responsible for their own hydration and personal wellbeing during sessions.

10. Changes and Cancellations

• The organiser reserves the right to cancel, postpone, or amend sessions due to weather, facility availability, low registration numbers, safety concerns, or other unforeseen circumstances.
• Where possible, participants will be notified in advance of any changes.

11. Acceptance of Terms

Registration for and attendance at a Social Pickleball session constitutes acceptance of these Terms & Conditions. Failure to comply with these conditions may result in removal from the session and/or exclusion from future programs.

Key Program Rules

• Bookings close 24 hours before the session.
• No refunds, cancellations, transfers, or booking changes once registered.
• Sessions require a minimum of 8 players to proceed.
• Sessions are capped at 20 players.
• Walk-ins are welcome only if spaces remain.
• Sessions begin with a 10-minute warm-up period.
• Games are 14 minutes in duration.
• A 2-minute rotation period applies between games.
• Late arrivals join the next available game rotation.
• Players responsible for managing fair rotations & keeping score during games
• Staff will manage court times and notify players when rotations are due
• Participants must provide their own equipment or hire a paddle and ball set for $5 (subject to availability).
• Appropriate non-marking court shoes must be worn.
• Respect others and play in the spirit of good sportsmanship.