April Servers' Committee Meeting

Small numbers at play all week made for a small turnout at yesterday's Servers' Committee meeting at Round Table Pizza. Nevertheless, eight of us were the pizza and pickleball powers that be, at least for a couple of hours.

Kelly was out of town, so she couldn't give the treasurer's report. Lil' Lance cracked wise that "she took the money to Mexico." I know for a fact that this couldn't possibly be true because she went to Spain, not Mexico.

Via email Judy aired two concerns. The first, mixed ability levels playing together, has been discussed at great length with no better solution than to "go rogue." It was decided to invoke the King and Queen Court format on crowded days so that players didn't always have to split and sit. Judy's second input, drills practice before play didn't garner much enthusiasm. Considering the trouncing, however, that Ashland put on us at the State of Jefferson Pickleball Tournament, this might be an idea that could help to level the playing field, or more accurately, the court, the next time we challenge the Rogue Valley.

Following up on Judy's practice sessions suggestions, Liz requested that two paddles and balls be kept at the front desk to make it convenient for folks to check them out for practice in a racketball court during non-play time.

Audrey reported that it had been requested that we post our pickleball rules somewhere besides on the blog site. She then came up with the idea to have all players, both current and new, sign an acknowledgment of rules, sportsmanship, and court customs. The purpose of the document will be to assure that all players understand the expectations for fun, fair, and safe pickleball play at the Y. The signed documents will be kept in the 3 ring binder in the blue duffel.

A discussion then followed about the appropriate age for playing pickleball. It was decided that anyone under the age of 15 must have a parent present while playing.

Finally, the pickleball powers that be decided that for new players to be eligible to join us, they would have to sign the acknowledgment of rules, sportsmanship, and customs document and attend a Wednesday orientation with yours truly.

We hope to have the next five meetings, May through September, outdoors, either at Singleton Park or at one of our local Douglas County wineries.