March 2026 Habersham County Pickleball Club
- Mar 15
- 3 min read
SPRING UPHEAVAL
Sure, that includes the weather whose unpredictability puts more strain and demand on our six indoor courts, but we've dealt with that before and will again. It also includes TOURNAMENT SEASON.
The outdoor tournament season has already begun with events available seemingly weekly within a few hours' drive. HCPC generally has approximately fifty members that regularly participate in these events.
In order to support our peeps as they practice and train for the competitions, we make some accommodations. The most noticeable will likely be not requiring teams to split after a winning game. We allow them to stay together beginning a few weeks before the competition. This does not mean that partners get to play together nonstop during Open Play, but we encourage them to practice together regularly.
If you are playing against these teams in Open Play, show no mercy! Work all aspects; your best serves, force them to play the reset game, work the middle and use the entire court. Their opponents will, so let's get them prepped by playing smart and fierce.
Other impacts you may notice include paddle stacking in twos and fours, more intensity in rec games, more players during weekdays and, fewer players on weekends as they travel or compete.
Including, of course, our own PickleshamPalooza on May 1&2. Sign up is currently open at PickleballBrackets.com.
RULES CLUES:
Section 22 Unsportsmanlike Conduct and Related Penalties
22.A 22.B Referee Authorization. The referee is authorized to assess verbal warnings and penalties to a singles player or doubles team any time during a match while the players are in the vicinity of the court, including before the match starts.
22.A.1 Timing of Assessment. Play will not be stopped to assess a warning or foul. The assessment will be applied after the rally has ended.
22.A.2 Player Misconduct After Match. Behavior rising to the level of a warning or foul after the match is over while a player is still in the vicinity of the court must be brought to the attention of the Tournament Director. Based on this information, the Tournament Director may impose a verbal warning, technical warning, or technical foul that will be applied to the offending player’s next match at the tournament. Verbal and Technical Warnings. The referee will assess a verbal warning or technical warning for minor unsportsmanlike conduct. Only one verbal warning may be assessed to each singles player or doubles team per match.
Warnings will be assessed for:
22.B.1 Objectionable Language. Using objectionable language directed at another person.
22.B.2 Profanity. Using audible or visual profanity for any reason.
22.B.3 Aggressive Arguing. Arguing aggressively with the officiating team, other players, or spectators in a manner that disrupts the flow of play.
22.B.4 Ball Abuse. Intentionally damaging or aggressively hitting a dead ball without endangering people.
22.B.5 Delay of Game. Delaying a game between rallies in a manner that unnecessarily disrupts the flow of play.
22.B.6 Excessive Line Call Appeals. Repeatedly appealing line calls in a manner that disrupts the flow of play.
22.B.7 Unauthorized Coaching. Receiving coaching from anyone other than a partner, except during a time-out. See Rule 20.G.1.
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A REQUEST FOR SIGHT LINES
Please ensure that all bags fastened to the fence by the bleacher entrance are as near to the ground as possible so as not to block the view of the observers. It's okay to remind others.
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WE TRAVEL WELL
Our club is notable for how well we travel to support our athletes. Please let us know if you are playing in a tournament with info like where, when, event type and level, and partner's name. If you wish, let us know how it all turned out. Not just results but your experiences will help others choose where they play.
In addition, an item from our wish list has been gifted by an anonymous club member. We now have purchased (soon to arrive) a tent and "feather" banners proudly proclaiming who we are by flying our logo and will be available to club members for tournament play.
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GETTIN' YOUR PROPS
If you are participating in a tournament, LET US KNOW. We want to acknowledge your accomplishments and shower you with praise.
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HCPC Board Our next Board meeting will be Wednesday, March 18 at 12:30 in the Meeting Room in the Aquatic Center. The April board meeting will be updated to website on March 19. 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
