"It has been brought to my attention that at some Pickleball courts, some aggressive/better players are avoiding play with beginners. That is so unfair and un-sportsman like. Or they will play with them but give them next to impossible return shots. We all need to remember we were all beginners at one time and how do we expect our sport to grow if we treat newcomers this way. We are still just a "fun game" and not a professional sport. If there should be some written rules for the treatment of beginners it should start with TREAT THEM WITH RESPECT and HELP THEM GET BETTER. DO NOT AVOID THEM but befriend them and give them pointers/support.
Growth is important. The more we grow, the more venues will open up to us, the more organization will take notice of us. We will attract other groups that will see the pleasure and just plain fun everyone is having and want to be a part of this amazing game.
Another point is players practicing together for tournament play. This is very important at this time of year when many tournaments are coming up. Where do partners learn to play together? Simply where they normally play, where else? Some facilities actually set aside a court or two for partners that want to practice together. Some clubs actually rate their players and allow them to play together. If you are not a tournament player, please respect the ones that are and give them a little slack on the courts. It is tournaments that get us local and even national exposure so you should be proud to support your local team player who need to practice together. We need to set up a system that works for each club that allows team players to play together. Don't be the problem, be part of the solution, it is all in our best interest as a sport."
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