In attendance were Paul Leibstein, Warren Marinaccio, Tony Quick, Mike Beckner (Ambassador), Sally Fuller, Marian Garcia, Jim Kabel, Doug Lilly, Faith Loeb, Joyce Noland, Nancy Racki, Judy Sparks, and Nancy Vermilye.
Guidelines for Using Sign Up Genius (for Court Reservation Play)
Players are not always using Sign Up Genius appropriately for Court Reservation Play (CRP). Guidelines are posted on the Pickledillys website. These guidelines become especially important during times of limited court availability. Players are encouraged to familiarize themselves with Sign Up Genius and other information on the website.
Per request of player reps, Joyce is planning to put a link to a diagram of the Odell Weeks courts displaying the court numbers. (Click here for the court diagrams.)
Calendar
Tony announced that we are entering a couple of months, May and June, when there will be some periods of limited court availability. For example, there will be 14 days in May where there are no courts for players as well a 3 nights with no evening play. Please see the calendar that will be posted on the website.
Often, especially during some mornings, court are very busy. Different approaches to help everyone get a chance to play were discussed, including the idea that there be designated days of the week where only certain levels could play. Judy offered that people would rather be able to play every day of the week and sit out some, or play 7 point games, or use “4 in/4 out” vs. having no availability to play at all on a particular day.
Pickledillys Survey
Tony presented a powerpoint presentation on the survey and reviewed results. Participation among the membership was high. Observations were made and discussion was held. Further discussion will be held at future meetings focusing on areas of specific feedback. Survey results will be posted on the website. (Click here for the survey results.)
It was noted that it appears that many members do not look at the website regularly. Player Reps will encourage all members to visit the website to stay well informed.
Clarification on the Rating System
Warren provided clarification on the rating system as follows:
- Players who were playing prior to the establishment of the Pickledilly rating system are “grandfathered” in and will not need to be rated.
- League ratings are not considered “official” for Odell Weeks Pickledillys. Those rated for the purpose of league play will need to be rated by the established rating procedure. Ron’s group will be meeting to further study the rating system to make it better for all.
Pickleball players from outside Aiken using Odell Weeks will need to be rated. Tony spoke with Ann from Augusta about this issue. The rating group will meet to make recommendations that will both encourage participation from those outside Aiken and help them get rated at a time convenient for them. Having a rating will allow them to easily identify the appropriate court when they come to Odell Weeks to play. Doug suggested that there might be an information sheet drafted and available at Odell Weeks with a statement to this effect. This would help Aiken players explain this guideline without feeling awkward and communication would be consistent and still welcoming.
Socials
Nancy announced that the next social at Odell Weeks will be on April 13. There will be an evening social in May, date to be announced.
Court Etiquette
Warren talked about court etiquette and said that issues will be handled by Odell Weeks staff. Warren will put a statement on the website. The biggest issue that results in conflict appears to be line calls. The section on line calls from the official USAPA Pickleball Rules and Regulations will also be placed on the website. Warren suggested that the decisions made about ratings, information on court etiquette, and information about line calls be rolled out all at the same time.
Tournament Volunteer Report
Mike and Jim reported that approximately 40 people have already volunteered to help at the Aiken tournament and about 30 attended their kickoff meeting where each signed up to volunteer in an area of interest. They are continuing to solicit volunteers. A canvass of local pickleball groups (Green Boundary, The Reserve, etc.) who don’t normally play at Odell Weeks is also being made to seek their interest in volunteering for the tournament.
Next Meeting
The next Leadership Meeting will be held Tuesday, May 2. There will not be a meeting in June. There will be a meeting in July.