Frequently Asked Questions
I’m brand new to Pickleball. Do you offer Beginner Lessons?
Our Club is extremely lucky to have an experienced and very passionate volunteer run FREE Beginner Lessons throughout the year. In the summer, these sessions are typically offered once a month at the outdoor courts. In the fall/winter, contact Leslie to get on the registration list. When she has enough interest, she will offer a weekend session and introduce you to the basics of pickleball. In no time, you’ll be ready to join in one of our 2.5 Round Robin sessions (which start in October and January).
OK. I’m a member. Now what?
You should have received a Welcome email with start-up information. If not, let us know and we’ll make sure we have your correct email address. Short answer? It will depend whether you sign up during the outdoor (May through September) or indoor (October through April) season. Here’s a recap:
How do Round Robin sessions work? Do I need a partner?
Pickleball is a great way to meet new friends! No partner needed. When you arrive at a Round Robin session, you write your name on the player list beside a number. There will be a schedule for the total number of players in your session. Look for your number on the first match. Top numbers go to the “top” of the court (typically “north”) and bottom numbers go to the “bottom”. With this setup, you get to play with and against different players for every match. Your Captain will use a timer (or a different method) to track how long each match will go. When time is up, everyone comes in for a water break, checks their next court assignment and away you go. Confused? Don’t worry! Just ask your Captain…they will gladly help you out 😊
Where do I find the Outdoor Round Robin Schedule?
Check under Play/Schedule to find our outdoor Round Robin Schedule. Note that evening sessions start a little earlier in the spring and fall to account for early sunsets (6:30-8:30 vs 7:00-9:00). The posted schedule will always be current.
You can also click on the icon (at the top of the page) on your What’s App group on your phone. The schedule is posted there as well.
How do I know what’s happening with the Club or with my level?
If you have a print out or screen shot of a valid Club evaluation, you will need to submit that to our Membership Coordinator. Please note that we do not accept DUPR ratings at this time.
I think I’m ready to move up to the next level. How do I get “rated”/”evaluated”?
The Pickleheads honor evaluations from Edmonton Pickleball Club only (west or south facilities). Check out their website for more information.
Please note that evaluations are in place to make sure every player plays at a level that is fun for everyone. You can only participate in Round Robins and registered programs in your proven level (or below; you cannot play “up”.)
I hear I’m supposed to volunteer at least 4 hours every year. What if my schedule doesn’t allow for that?
Four hours over the course of a year should be manageable for every member of our Club, especially since our volunteer opportunities happen weekdays, weeknights, weekends, throughout the entire year. And after all, if you have time to play, you should have time to help out!
Many of our members help out much more than 4 hours, but if every member contributed a minimum of 4 hours, there wouldn’t be a heavy load on some of our most dedicated volunteers. If you prefer, how about donating a silent auction item or snacks for a tournament? Contact [email protected] to discuss.
Why should I read your Bylaws and Policies?
It’s not just jargon. These documents tell you everything you need to know about how our Club operates, etiquette reminders and expectations. Whether you’re new or renewing your membership, there’s a lot of important information in those documents.
Our Club is extremely lucky to have an experienced and very passionate volunteer run FREE Beginner Lessons throughout the year. In the summer, these sessions are typically offered once a month at the outdoor courts. In the fall/winter, contact Leslie to get on the registration list. When she has enough interest, she will offer a weekend session and introduce you to the basics of pickleball. In no time, you’ll be ready to join in one of our 2.5 Round Robin sessions (which start in October and January).
OK. I’m a member. Now what?
You should have received a Welcome email with start-up information. If not, let us know and we’ll make sure we have your correct email address. Short answer? It will depend whether you sign up during the outdoor (May through September) or indoor (October through April) season. Here’s a recap:
- When you become a member, you’ll be sent a link to join a What’s App group (download the app on your phone) where you’ll be kept up to date with everything related to your level. This is also a way to connect to your new playing buddies. Feel free to ask questions in that group chat. Someone will always step up and help out! Please note that there is not much activity in this group through the fall/winter.
- During the outdoor season, you can participate in Round Robin drop-in sessions for FREE at the Henry Singer Courts in Spruce Grove. Simply arrive 15 minutes before the start time, and you can join in. (See below for how Round Robins work.)
- What session can you join? If you’re new to pickleball or not rated, everyone starts at 2.5 until you get a higher rating (see Ratings below).
- In addition, all members are welcome to attend our free drop-in Drills & Skills sessions outdoors Saturday mornings. These sessions are fantastic for learning new strategies and practicing skills.
- During fall/winter, we have Oct-Dec and Jan-April playing sessions you can sign up for. If you sign up after the start date, reach out to [email protected] to find out if there are any available spots in one of our sessions for your level. If not, you may be able to sub if a session is short players. Stay tuned to What’s App.
- We encourage all of our members to join our Members Only Facebook Page at: https://www.facebook.com/share/g/15d4Crop1a/. Here, you’ll stay in the loop on all things Pickleheads!
How do Round Robin sessions work? Do I need a partner?
Pickleball is a great way to meet new friends! No partner needed. When you arrive at a Round Robin session, you write your name on the player list beside a number. There will be a schedule for the total number of players in your session. Look for your number on the first match. Top numbers go to the “top” of the court (typically “north”) and bottom numbers go to the “bottom”. With this setup, you get to play with and against different players for every match. Your Captain will use a timer (or a different method) to track how long each match will go. When time is up, everyone comes in for a water break, checks their next court assignment and away you go. Confused? Don’t worry! Just ask your Captain…they will gladly help you out 😊
Where do I find the Outdoor Round Robin Schedule?
Check under Play/Schedule to find our outdoor Round Robin Schedule. Note that evening sessions start a little earlier in the spring and fall to account for early sunsets (6:30-8:30 vs 7:00-9:00). The posted schedule will always be current.
You can also click on the icon (at the top of the page) on your What’s App group on your phone. The schedule is posted there as well.
How do I know what’s happening with the Club or with my level?
- When we have important information to share with all members, we typically send an email.
- We use Sign Up Genius for registering for some play groups and volunteer opportunities. We send these out by email, but download the SignUpGenius app on your phone for quick and easy access.
- When you become a member, you’ll be sent a link to join a What’s App group (download the app on your phone) where you’ll be kept up to date with schedule changes, cancellations and get connected to your new playing buddies.
- NOTE: If you don’t receive emails, SignUpGenius invitations or What’s App messages once you are a member, contact our Membership Coordinator.
If you have a print out or screen shot of a valid Club evaluation, you will need to submit that to our Membership Coordinator. Please note that we do not accept DUPR ratings at this time.
I think I’m ready to move up to the next level. How do I get “rated”/”evaluated”?
The Pickleheads honor evaluations from Edmonton Pickleball Club only (west or south facilities). Check out their website for more information.
Please note that evaluations are in place to make sure every player plays at a level that is fun for everyone. You can only participate in Round Robins and registered programs in your proven level (or below; you cannot play “up”.)
I hear I’m supposed to volunteer at least 4 hours every year. What if my schedule doesn’t allow for that?
Four hours over the course of a year should be manageable for every member of our Club, especially since our volunteer opportunities happen weekdays, weeknights, weekends, throughout the entire year. And after all, if you have time to play, you should have time to help out!
Many of our members help out much more than 4 hours, but if every member contributed a minimum of 4 hours, there wouldn’t be a heavy load on some of our most dedicated volunteers. If you prefer, how about donating a silent auction item or snacks for a tournament? Contact [email protected] to discuss.
Why should I read your Bylaws and Policies?
It’s not just jargon. These documents tell you everything you need to know about how our Club operates, etiquette reminders and expectations. Whether you’re new or renewing your membership, there’s a lot of important information in those documents.
