Aiken Pickleball News

Invalid Court Reservations

We are spending numerous hours correcting careless mistakes or senior moments. The past couple of Thursdays approximately 10% of the court reservations have been invalid. Some are as simple as not putting the first initial and last name of two players, or of making two court reservations side by side, but not listing two different players. More serious infractions are when players exceed the two-court limit, thus temporarily taking up a court they are not entitled to.

Currently court time is limited and everyone is in a hurry to get a reservation, but there is no reason not to enter the names correctly. Prior to entering the SUG, go to Docs and type in the names of the players you are playing with in the correct format (first initial, last name) and do a copy. When in SUG select the court you want and hit paste.

Those of you that are having senior moments and exceeding the two-court limit on Thursdays will now have your last entry automatically deleted. Blatant repeat offenders will be referred to the City for code of conduct ethics violations.

Donald Penzien

One of our old pickleball players passed away last Friday - Donald Penzien. Don was a regular at drop in play. Some of you might remember him when you see his photo.

Significant Rule Changes for 2024:

There were 92 rule changes for 2024. Following are two of the most significant.

1. Correcting Server, Receiver, and Player Position Errors (4.B.9) Faults for incorrect server, incorrect receiver, and player position errors are eliminated. All previous points count. Players return to correct positions with no penalty.

2. Catch or Carry Ball on the Paddle (7.L) Rule 7.L now makes catching or carrying a ball on the paddle a fault without having to determine that the catch or carry was deliberately done.

To access a zoom meeting among USAP Ambassadors and the rules committee discussing the changes click the link below.

Link: https://us02web.zoom.us/rec/share/ntihK3yvUQBkIfHD73M1cfETUoVm7qJQbLu27_... Passcode: 7zv*raK5

Lost and Found

With the increase in outdoor play it is not surprising that the Lost and Found at the front desk at Odell is overflowing with items left on the outdoor courts. There are some really nice jackets and a VP pickleball paddle just waiting for someone to claim them. I'd get there before this Friday as that's when the Xmas craft show starts and parking will be difficult.

Storage closet at Odell Weeks

The photo below is how someone left the closet at Odell Weeks today. Notice that the dividers are blocking the entrance to the upstairs door despite the sign that says DO NOT block door. This is a no, no. There is a photo on the front door of the closet that shows how the nets and dividers should be stored. Please follow this guide.

Minutes for November 13th, 2023 Leadership Team Meeting

The minutes for the Leadership Team Meeting held on November 13th have been posted. Items discussed were the USCA Pacer Life Program and Special Olympics, the Round Robin to be held at Gregg Park on Saturday March 9th, Open Scrambles at Odell Weeks and Gregg Park with donations for Toys for Tots and Golden Harvest, new paddle queue for open play starting in January, monthly activities such as Drills with LBJ and New Players Clinic, feedback from player reps and much more. Go to Forums or Click here to read the full report.

Golden Harvest and Toys for Tots thanks you again,

Thanks to all of you that participated in the Open Scramble for Toys for Tots and Golden Harvest this Thursday morning at Gregg Park. Great success. Over twenty toys were donated and we filled the other box with cans of food for Golden Harvest. Hopefully you all enjoyed the scramble.

You guys/gals are the greatest!

Toys for Tots and Golden Harvest Thanks you.

Thanks to all of you that participated in the Open Scramble for Toys for Tots and Golden Harvest this morning at Odell Weeks. Great success. Over thirty toys were donated and we filled two boxes with can goods for Golden Harvest.

The Players that made it happen. Thank you!

Please quit yelling at the front desks employees

We have had recent incidents at both Gregg Park and Odell Weeks with pickleball players being rude to the people manning the front desks. Please be aware that the staff working at the front desks have no authority over pickleball or the courts. Being rude to these people is just unacceptable behavior.

If you have a problem bring it to the attention of your player reps. That's what they are for. There is list of all the player reps on the website under Contact Us. The list includes their names, photos, email addresses and the players they represent by ratings.

The player reps and the leadership team meet once a month. The first item on our agenda is feedback from the player reps. The leadership team is in constant contact with both the Odell Weeks and Gregg Park management teams. Our job is to resolve any issues brought to our attention.

We all get frustrated, but please don't take it out on the personal at the front desks. They are our friends. If you need to yell at someone, yell at us. Thank you.

Last four Drills with LBJ

The last four Drills with LBJ on Wednesday evenings at Gregg are available for sign up. Drills for intermediate players and beginners as follows.

Intermediate: 6-715pm

November 8: Working as a team- where to be together and why. Communication as a key to success.

November 15: The transition to the non volley zone and little tips to get there.

November 29: You made it to the kitchen. Now what? Volleys , dinks and other options.

December 6: King and Queen of the court-king and queen drill and analyzed play. Two winners and pretty darn good prizes. Rest up for this one !

Beginners : 730-845pm

November 8: Working as a team - where to be together and why. Communication as a key to success .

November 15: The Lob- why it’s a great shot, how to hit it AND when to hit it. Also a little synopsis of why people hate it:)

November 29: The third shot! Be it drop, drive or lob; how to execute and why it’s so effective.

December 6: King and Queen of the court- king and queen drill and analyzed play. Two winners and pretty darn good prizes! Rest up for this one!