Norms

The RBDs are about Pickleball and building a positive community through sport. We want people to have fun, to feel invigorated, to be challenged, to be proud of themselves, to keep trying even if they can’t get it at first, to help each other out, to cheer each other on, to improve their skills, to feel confident. And we want people who haven’t always traditionally felt comfortable to play organized sports to find their place with us. 

• We are interested in creating an open and welcoming approach! If you don’t feel this way about an organized sports club, then this is not the group for you.

• Meet people where they’re at regarding skills. Competition is fine and can be good! And, we expect you to approach your opponent at their skill level. If you have the higher skill level, it’s up to you to take this lead and set the tone of the game. It’s sometimes hard to gauge the appropriate level of play, so be open to hearing from others if there’s an ask for a change in intensity of play.

• Trash talking and aggressive play - can seem safe among close friends and is often in jest, but derogation of skills or performance or a person is not acceptable. Read the room, check in with yourself, and notice people’s body language and responses.  

• Be Kind - hold your friends in positive regard and offer grace when a mistake is made.

• Be open to talking through conflict - we are not here to police folks and expect everyone to both encourage each other and be accountable to each other. We’re coming to the table as peers. It’s important that if you have a concern that you raise it directly with the person concerned wherever possible. You can always seek out the support of a member of the leadership team to be present when a concern is being raised.

• When you have the capacity: challenge yourself, take initiative, seek support, speak up, and make space for all. 

• Be mindful of overly apologizing for your skills, play, or in the game - we are all learning and, as in all sports, we won’t always make the shot, be in the “right” position, or perform at our best. Shake it off, give your partner a pickle-five and move on.  No need to apologize! 

• We’re an informal group and while we have identif a “leadership team” to take on specific operational tasks, there will be transparency around financials and decision making with all core members