Minutes of 2-8-17 Player Rep Meeting
In attendance were Warren Marinaccio, Tony Quick, Paul Leibstein, Mike Beckner (Ambassador), Josh Booth, Linda Bourbeau, John Cox, Marian Garcia, Jim Kabel, Doug Lilly, Faith Loeb, Vicki McNair, Joyce Noland, Nancy Racki, Nelson Swartzentruber, and Nancy Vermilye.
Calendar
Josh called the group together and Tony started the meeting by announcing that Odell Weeks has sent the calendar that will enable him to develop the March schedule. He will send the schedule, after a few details are worked out, to Joyce who will publish it on the website.
Pickledillys Survey
Survey question responses from members have been solicited and received. Tony will pull these questions together and develop the survey which will be sent to all Pickledillys. This is an effort to further solicit feedback from our pickleball community.
Open Play (Drop In Play) and Court Reservation Play (CRP)
Faith raised the question about guidelines for Open Play and Court Reservation Play. During these two months (January and February), when court availability is limited, we are trying to maximize court time for the maximum number of people. It is requested that individuals not do Open Play and Court Reservation Play on the same day.
Discussion was held about court scheduling in general. Joyce offered to provide training sessions on the website and specifically on Sign-up Genius. Mike offered the idea that the first two hours be Designated Skill Level play and the third hour be Drop In Play. This might improve socializing and bring people together. Paul suggested putting this idea on the survey. Tony will do this and again commented that the leadership is always open to new ideas and continues to tweak things to make them better for the pickleball community in Aiken.
Tournaments
Congratulations to those who continue to represent Aiken at Tournaments. We understand that Columbia and Florence are planning to have tournaments in the future. Information about various upcoming tournaments is posted on the website.
Clinics
Mo reported that Mark Calvert, tennis pro employed by the City, will be taking over for Mo and Loretta as instructor of all clinics starting March 1 and running until tournament time in August. Loretta is going to take a break and Mo will provide training and transition to Mark, co-leading some clinics with him in the beginning. There will be clinics for beginners, intermediate, and accelerated level players. Last year the cost was $8; this year the cost will increase to $10 for about an hour and a half session. Clinics will be offered in Gym #1. Interested individuals may sign up for clinics at the Odell Weeks reception desk. This formalization of clinics is in keeping with the growth of the pickleball community in Aiken.
Faith brought up the need to continue beginner practice sessions on second and fourth Wednesdays. Tony will work this into the March schedule.
Our Aiken Tournament - August 18 - 20, 2017
Mike and Jim, tournament co-chairs for volunteers, announced that they will be getting an email blast out to all members of the Pickledilly group regarding volunteer opportunities for this year’s tournament. Volunteers will get lunch and a t-shirt for their work. Mike noted that this is our 5th tournament and that we would like to make it a special one working cooperatively with the City of Aiken. The following general information about the tournament was shared in response to questions from the group:
Loretta and Mo will continue to train the referees that are needed for medal rounds.
We hope to field between 180 and 200 players. Last year 44 Aiken players participated in matches.
Keith and Mo are tournament directors, Mike and Jim are co-chairs for volunteers, and Nelson Spitnale will run the tournament software.
Positives voiced about the Aiken Tournament were that the registration includes a t-shirt (this year there will be a distinction between men’s and women’s sizes) and that lunch is offered on site.
Please put the word out to fellow Pickledillys about the opportunity to play and/or volunteer at our Aiken tournament this year!
Rating System - Continued Discussion
Ron and Tony provided an update on the rating process. Questions posed: How do we reduce the time required to rate individuals? How are we going to get people to ask to be rated? Our goal is to get non-rated players rated so that our court allocation can correctly reflect the number of active players, thus making for fair and balanced access to court time. Discussion will continue.
Pickledilly Social
Nancy Vermilye reported that 31 people attended the Trio’s social. Those who attended congratulated and thanked her for a successful event. Another evening social is planned for late April or sometime in May. Noon potlucks will resume after tax season as rooms at Odell Weeks will be freed up after this time.
Pickleball Scramble with Augusta
Nelson reported that on March 18th from 9 AM - 12 PM there will be a Pickleball Scramble hosted by Augusta. The event will be located at the Wilson Family YMCA (3570 Wheeler Road) and courts will be indoors. Scott Stevens (kscottstevens@gmail.com) will coordinate this event for Aiken. Cost is $20 (tax deductible) and includes lunch and door prizes. See the website for details.
Aiken Area Social Pickleball League
The city is coordinating the league with Mo and Keith. The first match will be March 6th. The Green Boundary Club will also field a team this spring. Interested players should see the website for details.
Next Meeting
The next meeting is tentatively scheduled for Tuesday, March 7, 2017.
Old Business
Rating System Report
Follow up on Safety Issues