Where/How to Play…
Information about where we play and guidelines for fair play are described below. Programming for Lessons, Youth Education, Social Play, Leagues and Level/Competitive Play, Tournaments, Clinics, etc. will be shared in the near future. Stay tuned!
NOTE: Check our GroupMe (GDPA Members) and Playtime Scheduler apps (below) for real-time information about Open Play status!
GroupMe App - We use a mobile app called “GroupMe” to facilitate communication among GDPA members. Click here for more info about GroupMe…
Playtime Scheduler App - We use a website called “Playtime Scheduler” to facilitate communication among GDPA members and non-members who may be looking to play in the area. Click here for more info about Playtime Scheduler…
Guidelines for Open Play – All of our court time is on a first come, first served basis and all courts are for Open Play. Open Play is a great way to meet other players. If all courts are in use, Open Play is one game to 11, win by 2. Then the four players must leave the court and place their paddles back on the paddle rack and wait their turn for the next available court.
If all courts are not full, players may rotate in without using the paddle racks. We encourage those who are playing during quieter open play times to be aware of other players also looking to play. Please be sure to invite those waiting to play into your rotation when there are not enough members waiting to make use of the paddle racks.
It is also important to understand that Open Play is NOT a time for a foursome to take a court and play continuously if other players are waiting. You can come as a foursome but if there are players waiting to get on a court, please utilize the “next up” paddle system, placing your four paddles together in the next available 4-paddle slot. When a court opens up and it is your turn you can resume play for another game. The “next up” system is the most efficient and fair process to give everyone equal time on the courts when they are all in use. PLEASE be considerate of others and use the system.
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Conduct yourself in a courteous and respectful manner both on the courts and when observing others playing while awaiting your turn. Remember that the goal is to provide an environment where all players can play the game to the best of their ability and most importantly “have fun” while doing so. Model good behavior, lead by example, display respect, and show self-control.
Every player involved in Gandy Dancer Pickleball pledges as follows:
• I will not engage in unsportsmanlike conduct or encourage others to do so.
• I will not engage in any behavior that would endanger the health, safety or well-being of others.
• I will not engage in the use of profanity.
• I will treat the facility, equipment, and others with respect.
• I will exhibit fairness and honesty in my dealings with others.
• I will observe the Golden Rule of doing unto others as I would have them do unto me.
• I will always remember that pickleball is a game, and I am playing it to have FUN.
Failure to abide by this Code may result in disciplinary action having to be taken by the GDPA. Significant violations of this Code should be reported to the Board. -
• Everyone was (or is) a beginner at one time. Everyone appreciates the time given to “assist” all levels of players with rules, set up, specific plays, etc. If you are an “advanced” player, please adjust your style when playing with beginners – work on your short game, work on ball placement. Mentor and offer advice kindly. Do not intimidate weaker players or dominate a game. Play to have fun.
• Set up the nets, and help take them down and pack them away at the end of the session. Gather up the balls during and after play.
• Recognize and compliment your partner and opponents when they make good shots. Apologize for bad or inappropriate remarks immediately.
• Call out the score every time you serve so that your opponents can hear the score. Call out your score first, then the opponents score and, finally, if you are the first server or the second server.
• Do not chase the ball into another court. Call “ball” immediately when your stray ball rolls onto another court. When retrieving a stray ball, it is best not to walk onto a neighboring court. When a ball rolls onto your court, stop play immediately. Pick the ball up, look to see where it came from and return it.
• Do not walk behind an active volley. Wait for the end of the volley to cross behind the court. -
We do not require the wearing of masks while inside the gymnasium for open play.
IF YOU TEST POSITIVE:
If you have tested positive for COVID-19, please notify others who may have been exposed, and do not come to play pickleball.
Most of all, if you test positive, we hope you are asymptomatic or if ill, that you recover quickly.
Where to Play?
Webster (outdoor)
When the weather is nice, we play at the outdoor courts on Pike Ave S in Webster, just east of Webster High School and 3 blocks west of Highway 35.
The current outdoor courts are locked and also have a lockbox containing portable nets, balls and chairs. When you join GDPA, you’ll receive an e-mail with the combination and additional information regarding the lockbox.
Webster (indoor)
In the winter (October through March), we play at Webster Elementary School at 7364 E Alder Street. For safety and liability reasons, the Webster gym is available for GDPA Members only. As a member, you will receive details about the indoor schedule via e-mail or our GroupMe app.
