APRIL 2026 Habersham County Pickleball Club
- Apr 16
- 4 min read
'Tis the Season
No, not that one. Outdoor tournament season is upon us. If you are interested, Pickleballbrackets.com allows you to search by date and location. The most popular in our area is Georgia Mountain Spring Classic in Hiawassee with over 400 players involved. We will likely have someone playing in every group starting on April 24. If you aren't playing come on out and support those who are. If you can't find us look for our HCPC tent and feather flag pictured below. You will see some players at skills up to 5.0 levels.
And the main event is our 4th annual Picklesham Palooza, starting right here at our home court on May 1. Since everyone is volunteering to help manage the event, you may as well play in it. For those who didn't know about the volunteering thing, we are using the old military style which loosely translates as "you have been volunteered". Seriously, we need your time and effort to be successful. Can't say you were never asked. We're asking now. Pretty Please.
RULES CLUES:
PLAYER READINESS
Player Readiness and Calling the Score 6.A 6.B 6.C 6.D Readiness.
Before the start of the score call, any player may signal they are not ready to start play.
6.A.1 6.A.2 “Not Ready” Signals. Players must use one of the following signals to indicate “not ready” 1. Raising the paddle above the head. 2 Raising the non-paddle hand above the head 3. Completely turning their back to the net. Invalid “Not Ready” Signals. After the start of the score call, “not ready” signals are not valid while the ball is live except to indicate hinders.
Calling the Score. The score must not be called until the server and receiver are (or should be) in position and all players are (or should be) ready to play. The server normally calls the score.
6.B.1 6.B.2 Singles. For singles play, the score must be called as two numbers: server’s score, then receiver’s score. To start each game, the score will be called as “zero – zero.” Doubles. For doubles play, the score must be called as three numbers: serving team’s score, then receiving team’s score, then the server number. To start each game, the score will be called as “zero – zero – two.”
6.B.2.a Score Call by Partner (Doubles). When a server is unable to call the score, the server’s partner may call the score. The same player must call the score throughout the entire game unless the player’s voice becomes impaired.
The server must serve the ball within 10 seconds after the score call is completed. When to Serve. The entire score must be called before the server hits the serve.
6.C.1 Fault – Early Serve. When the server hits the serve while the score is being called, it is a fault against the server. 10-Second Rule. The server must serve the ball within 10 seconds after the score is called.
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New additions from our wish list; Tent and Banner
The tent and banner are available to travel with us to tournaments to provide shade, promotion and gear stashing. If you are going with a group and wish to travel in style, see a board member and sign out either or both. For major events like Hiawassee, we will have it set up for all to enjoy.
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Dedicated Courts
Beginning Friday, May 4, early morning outdoor court use will be prioritized for skill groups readying for events or just leveling up. So, from 0700 to 0900 each group has a priority day. Monday - 3.0, Wednesday 3.5 and Friday 4.0+. Courts not being used for these groups are open for play, but the designated group has first call as indicated. Hopefully this will allow each group equal time to play against/with equally skilled players.
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Volleyball Nets
During volleyball season the Rec Center staff have agreed to remove the nets in the Blue gym regularly and the net in the Gray gym on an as needed basis. If the courts in the Gray gym are needed and are in demand, please ask the REC staff to request the Gray gym net be dismantled. Please approach the staff with consideration, respect and civility as we would enjoy being approached.
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Challenge Court
During OPEN PLAY, if open courts are available (less than 7 paddles in paddle rack) Court 3 may be designated as CHALLENGE COURT. Winners may hold court for 3 consecutive wins before relinquishing control of court. Yor wait line will be the benches adjacent to the court. If there are more than 6 paddles in the open play wait racks, the challenge court reverts to open play court upon completion of your game. Challenge players must then return their paddles to the open play queue. As always, if confusion reigns, please see Board Member.
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Items of Interest
We are considering entering into a relationship with Helen Indoor Pickleball for mutual support and benefits. Details will be forthcoming.
TELL YOUR FRIENDS; one of the auction items at Picklesham Palooza will be four 50- yard line seats with a parking pass to the first Dawgs home opener.
HCPC Board Our next Board meeting will be Wednesday, May 18 at 12:30 in the Meeting Room in the Aquatic Center. There is time on the agenda for your thoughts and suggestions. As always, we welcome you to join us.
And that will be enough of that.
John Bigelow
706-499-8588
