Member Orientation Manual

Pembroke Pickleball Club logo
1. Welcome to the Club!
Welcome to the Pembroke Pickleball Club (PPC) and the exciting world of pickleball — North America’s fastest-growing sport for three years in a row! Being part of PPC gives you the chance to meet new friends, stay active, and have fun while learning or improving your pickleball skills. We’ve put together this orientation manual to help answer common questions and guide you around our courts, our safety practices, playing etiquette, and the PPC Code of Conduct. Think of this as your quick-start guide — more detailed information is available here on our website. You’ll also receive club updates via email and on our online noticeboard.
2. Venues

We’re lucky to have both indoor and outdoor facilities:

Outdoor Play:
  • Kinsman Park, Pembroke – 3 outdoor courts.
  • Season: early May to late October (weather permitting).
  • Remember: Wet courts can be slippery — see the Safety section for tips!
Indoor Play:
  • Pembroke Pentecostal Tabernacle Church – 2 modified indoor courts and during peak time (October to April ) one day per week at the Knights of Columbus Hall)
  • Indoor sessions run year-round.
3. Scheduling
All PPC sessions are recreational open play. Members are grouped by skill levels, and each session gives you a chance to play with others of similar ability. We use PlayTime Scheduler for session sign-ups — it’s simple to use. Your beginner session leader will explain how it works during orientation.
4. Safety

Safety is a top priority at PPC. Our goal is for everyone to enjoy the game without injury. Here’s what to keep in mind:

Outdoor Court Safety:
  • Wet or icy courts are slippery. Sweep standing water and do not play on unsafe surfaces.
  • Sunscreen, hats, sunglasses, and UV-protective clothing are recommended.
  • Bring water or your favorite hydration drink and stay hydrated!
General Safety Guidelines:
  • At least one player in each session should have a cell phone, and tell someone where you’ll be playing.
  • Safety glasses are strongly recommended.
  • Warm up before playing and cool down afterward to prevent injuries.
  • Never run backward — turn and run forward or sideways to reach balls.
  • Avoid running into other courts; call out “BALL ON COURT” if a ball enters another game.
  • If someone falls, all play should stop immediately.
  • Wear proper court shoes: indoor shoes for indoor courts, outdoor shoes for outdoor courts.
Indoor AED:
Our indoor venue has an Automated External Defibrillator (AED). Several members are trained to use it, and we aim to have a trained member present at each session.
5. Code of Conduct

All individuals participating in Club activities and events shall:

  • Demonstrate respect for every person regardless of physical characteristics, athletic ability, age, ancestry, colour, race, citizenship, ethnic origin, creed, disability, family, economic, or marital status, gender identity or expression, or sexual orientation.
  • Focus comments or criticisms appropriately and avoid public criticism of members, organizers, volunteers, coaches, or officials.
  • Consistently demonstrate the spirit of sportsmanship, sport leadership, and ethical conduct.
  • Act when appropriate to correct or prevent practices that are unjust or discriminatory.
  • Consistently treat individuals fairly and reasonably.
  • Adhere to the rules of pickleball and the spirit of those rules, as well as all policies, procedures, and guidelines of the Pembroke Pickleball Club. We have a formal Policy and Procedure manual available for members to review and frequently post important changes on the Church bulletin Board (in print.)
  • Respect the property of others.


All individuals participating in the Club shall refrain from:

  • Verbally or physically abusing opponents or other club members.
  • Any form of harassment, including sexual harassment.
  • The use of profane, insulting, or otherwise offensive language.
  • The use of power or authority in an attempt to coerce another person.
  • Consuming alcohol, tobacco, or recreational drugs while participating in activities authorized by the Club


Members shall recognize that failure to abide by this Code of Conduct may result in disciplinary action.

This may range from a simple discussion of the matter at hand to a warning, suspension, or revocation of membership.

6. Playing Etiquette
Good etiquette makes the game more enjoyable for everyone. Here’s how to play courteously:
  • Be courteous and HAVE FUN!
  • Introduce yourself if you don’t know your partner or opponents.
  • Call your own faults; let opponents call theirs.
  • Play with weaker players to give them experience, and challenge yourself against stronger ones.
  • Avoid hitting directly at weaker players or slamming the ball unnecessarily.
  • PPC uses rotational play — be fair and share the fun!
  • Only offer coaching if asked, and keep it brief.
  • Use hand signals for out-of-bounds calls and always announce “OUT.”
  • Call the score before serving and wait for the receiver to be ready.
  • Make line calls on your side of the net. Ask for opponent help if unsure — their decision is final.
  • If unsure where a ball landed, call it IN.
  • End each game on a positive note — tap paddles and acknowledge opponents.
  • Return the ball to all players after each rally to keep the game moving.
  • When your session ends, leave the court promptly for the next group.
  • If a rule disagreement occurs, find a simple solution, and check the official rulebook later.
7. Conclusion

We know it can take a little time to get used to a new club, but this manual is here to make it smoother. We hope it helps you feel comfortable, enjoy the game, and feel a sense of belonging.

We can’t wait to see you on the courts!

Questions? Email us anytime at: pembrokepickleball@gmail.com

Back to top