Minutes of 1/11/17 Player Rep Meeting
In attendance were Warren Marinaccio, Tony Quick, Loretta Beckner, Mike Beckner, Beverly Bonnet-King, Josh Booth, Linda Bourbeau, John Cox, Sally Fuller, Jim Kabel, Doug Lilly, Faith Loeb, Vicki McNair, Joyce Noland, Nancy Racki, Judy Sparks, Nelson Swartzentruber, and Nancy Vermilye.
Pickledillys Survey
Tony opened the meeting by asking player reps to submit to him 5 questions for inclusion on a survey of players. From those submitted, the Leadership Team will select 10 (maximum possible utilizing our free account) for inclusion on the survey. This is an effort to further solicit feedback from our pickleball community.
Welcome
Tony welcomed Nancy Racki as the new 3.0 High Player Rep.
Safety Issues
It was brought to the attention of the Leadership Team that there have been several injuries during play at Odell Weeks. Suggestions to reduce injuries included:
- encouraging players to “call the shot” in order to avoid collisions—for example calling “mine” to signal to your partner that you are going for the return
- placing information on the web site about the consequences of not wearing proper shoes
- requesting that there be a first aid kit easily accessible somewhere in the gym (instead of only at the front desk) and its location communicated to players
- identifying the location of the AED at Weeks Center and communicating this to players
- improving the padding on the walls (Warren has already brought this request forward to Parks and Rec.)
Warren will follow up on the above mentioned points and will compose something on court etiquette and playing with prudence in order to avoid injury.
Schedule for Months Ahead
Tony announced that the play schedule for the months ahead would be out soon.
Round Robin with Augusta
Nelson Swartzentruber reported that another Round Robin with Augusta is being planned, this time at Augusta and tentatively in March. They have 4 courts with an opportunity for 16 players from each community to participate. Nelson will follow up with confirmed date, time, and cost.
Nelson also reported that he has word that players at Savannah Lakes Village in McCormick, SC may be interested in participating with Pickledillys in friendly play.
Court Designation
Judy Sparks reported on the counts from the sign in sheets at Odell Weeks. On average, 43 people play on the inside courts each day. The December change in court designation was based on this data. New information shows that the number of players was especially high during the bad weather. Recently, there has been frustration since on many days sufficient court time is not available. The Leadership Team expressed their frustration as well since there just are not enough courts to meet the growing demand.
After further input from Player Reps it was decided that drop in play court designations will be, effective immediately, as follows:
Court 1 2.5 and below
Courts 2 & 3 3.0L & 3.0
Courts 4 & 5 3.0H & 3.5L
Court 6 3.5 and above
Consensus is that people will flex appropriately.
Unrated players typically fit in where they belong, but should be strongly encouraged to get rated.
It was noted by our Ambassadors that some clubs designate certain days of the week for certain levels of play, limiting the ability of individuals to play every day or most days of the week. We are still very lucky. Also the group was reminded that all pickleball programs struggle with these same issues.
Court Location
There is not much participation at Aiken Technical College (ATC). The reasons offered in explanation for this included lack of convenience and the fact that it doesn’t make financial sense for a player who may not play real regularly.
Beverly Bonnet-King mentioned that the Aiken YMCA located at 621 Trolley Line Rd, Graniteville, SC 29829 (Phone 803-349-8080) has pickleball from 10 AM - 1 PM, MWF for members. For individuals 62 and older, Y membership is $35./month for individuals and $52./month for a couple. Available is a free “Try the Y” day pass. We have verified with the Director there that the Aiken YMCA is not affiliated with the Silver Sneakers Program (a program provided by some health insurance plans which offer free access to wellness activities like pickleball). While the North Augusta YMCA has Silver Sneakers, they have no pickleball!
Rating System - Continued Discussion
Currently there are 22 unrated people. Discussion opened with many compliments given to the rating committee. Since it was again voiced that there is interest in working to grow the pickleball program in Aiken, it was noted that the demands to rate people will significantly increase. It was decided to form a committee consisting of Ron Nelson, Tony Quick, Doug Lilly, and Nelson Swartzentruber to make recommendations about the rating process as we go forward.
Regarding the issue of whether those rated for the purpose of League play would need to be rated again, it was decided that, in fairness, these individuals will need to be re-rated once the committee’s recommendations are presented and agreed upon. The committee will meet prior to the next Player Rep meeting in February.
Next Pickledilly Social
Nancy Vermilye is planning a night social at Trio’s for this month or next. They have a heated and covered patio and would serve a buffet for $12 - $15/person. March 17th is the earliest Odell Weeks has space available for a daytime social and demonstration. Nancy will finalize dates and details and send out an e-mail blast to all Pickledillys.
Website
Tony and the group commented that our website is awesome! Compliments to Joyce Noland and Loretta Beckner.
Pickleball Balls
Warren reminded the group that anyone getting into tournaments should note that the ONIX orange or yellow ball (indoor or outdoor) is the official ball. He also mentioned that a request has been put forward for a SIMON2 Pickleball Throwing Machine.
Next Meeting (tentatively scheduled for Wednesday, February 8, 2017)
Old Business
Discussion about the August Tournament was tabled until the February meeting.
New Business
Discussion about Club Status - Advantage or disadvantage?
Discussion about naming a Growth Leader