Code of Conduct for The PicklePad – Pickleball and Padel Centre by Smeda Sports Ltd.

**Respect for Others** – **Sportsmanship**: Display fair play, integrity, and respect to all participants, whether they are beginners or experienced players.

**Respect the Staff**: Treat all centre staff with courtesy and respect. Follow their instructions regarding court usage, scheduling, and safety protocols.

**Positive Attitude**: Refrain from using offensive language, offensive gestures, or engaging in any form of harassment, bullying, or discriminatory behaviour based on race, gender, religion, sexuality, ability, please do not make any threats whether verbal or physical. This type of conduct is unacceptable and will result in removal from the centre. If the behaviour displayed amounts to a criminal offence the centre will report this to the police.

2. **Safety First** – **Equipment**: Ensure that all equipment (paddles, balls) is in good condition and is used appropriately. Report any damaged or unsafe equipment to staff immediately. –

**Court Safety**: Be mindful of your surroundings. Avoid aggressive play that could result in injury to yourself or others. Play to the ability of those who are on court with you –

**Warm-up and Cool-down**: Always warm up and cool down properly to prevent injuries.

3. **Court Etiquette** – **Punctuality**: Arrive on time for your sessions. If you’re late, you may forfeit your court booking and no refunds. 

 **Court Rotation**: Respect court rotation schedules. If others are waiting, adhere to the agreed time limits for games.

**Noise Levels**: Maintain appropriate noise levels to avoid disturbing other players. Shouting, loud conversations, or unnecessary distractions should be minimised. –

**Cleanliness**: Keep the courts and surrounding areas clean. Dispose of rubbish in the designated bins and avoid leaving personal items scattered around.

4. **Dress Code** – **Appropriate Attire**: Wear proper sporting clothing and court footwear specifically designed for padel or pickleball.

NO COURT SHOE NO ACCESS TO COURTS Non-marking shoes are mandatory on the courts. You are not allowed to walk on the courts in normal footwear you must be wearing court shoes.

**Safety Equipment **: Use protective gear as necessary (e.g., knee supports, wrist elbow supports, protective eyewear).

5. **Facility Rules** – **Court Reservations**: Courts must be reserved in advance according to the centre’s booking policies. Unauthorised use of courts is not permitted. 

Only 4 members will be allowed to book courts, all members will book online and pay individually. Non members are not allowed.

**Equipment Usage**: Equipment can be hired at the centre but must be returned after use. A deposit maybe required.

Only official Pickleballs and Padel Tennis balls will be allowed. Balls will be provided in all Smeda Pickleball and Smeda Padel led sessions. If you wish to hire a court you must purchase the correct balls from the centre before playing. We will not allow you to bring your own balls to play on our courts. Balls can be purchased in the lounge area.

As an offer members can try the centre’s paddles before purchasing a paddle a 1 month try before you buy policy will be in force.

Pickleball Courts – If a stray ball lands on another court, players are reminded to shout “BALL ON COURT” and play should be stopped immediately on the court.

If a Padel ball lands on the Pickleball Courts play shout BALL ON COURT and all play must be stopped immediately.  

 **Spectators**: Spectators must stay in designated areas and should not interfere with games in progress.

6. **Junior Players** – **Supervision**: Children under the age of 16 must be accompanied by an adult whilst at the centre, any children under 10 years old must be supervised by an adult at all times.

**Junior Programs**: Young players are encouraged to participate in the centre’s junior coaching / academy programs and adhere to the same conduct standards as adult players.

7. **Inclusivity** – The centre encourages participation from players of all skill levels, ages, backgrounds, race, ethnicity, gender and disability. Everyone has the right to enjoy the facilities in a welcoming, friendly, supportive environment.

8. **Conflict Resolution** – In the case of disputes on or off the court, maintain composure and resolve issues respectfully. If conflicts cannot be resolved, report the matter to a staff member for mediation.

9. **Health and Hygiene** – **Personal Hygiene**: Ensure that you maintain good hygiene while using the centre. Players must bring their own hand towels and water bottles.

**Illness**: If you are feeling unwell, refrain from coming along and trying to play this is to avoid putting others at risk.

12 **Licensing** inappropriate behaviour will not be tolerated in the Members Premium Lounge or anywhere within the centre. No crime and disorder is allowed at the centre at any time. Any incidents of crime and disorder will be reported to the Police. Under the premises licence all staff will be allowed to ask members to leave the premises if their behaviour falls below the required standard under your own personal responsibility. Any member of staff can refuse the sale of alcohol to any member and the Designated Premises Supervisor must be called. If anyone is drunk or appears to be drunk they will be refused any further alcohol and will be asked to leave, with efforts being made to ensure their safe travel home. The Designated Premises Supervisor will be informed of all incidents.

A challenge 25 policy will be in place and any doubt about someones age, Photographic Id will be asked for, this will be recorded in the licensing register.

Any breaches of these terms and conditions will result in immediate termination and removal of that member from the centre and they will not be allowed to return.

11. **Consequences of Violations** – Failure to follow the code of conduct may result in verbal warnings, removal from the centre, suspension of playing privileges, or a permanent ban from the facility, depending on the severity of the infraction.

The goal of this code of conduct is to foster a friendly, safe, and enjoyable environment for all players and visitors.

Your cooperation in upholding and adhering to these standards are very much appreciated.