Club Rules
Official rulebook of the Panama City Pickleball Club.
1. PURPOSE OF THE RULES
The purpose of these rules is to establish standards for conduct, organization, and participation within the Panama City Pickleball Club, promoting a safe, competitive, respectful, and recreational environment for all members and guests.
The club seeks to promote:
- •Respect among players.
- •The responsible practice of pickleball.
- •Healthy competition.
- •Camaraderie and inclusion.
- •The athletic development of members.
2. GENERAL RULES
2.1 Conduct and Interaction
- •All members, guests, and participants must maintain respectful conduct both on and off the courts.
- •Insults, verbal aggression, threats, discrimination, and unsportsmanlike conduct will not be permitted.
- •Players, organizers, referees, administrative staff, and spectators must be treated with respect.
- •The club promotes a family-friendly, welcoming, and sports-oriented environment.
2.2 Cleanliness and Order
- •Throwing or leaving trash inside or outside the facilities is prohibited.
- •Each player must help keep the common areas clean.
- •Bottles, containers, and waste must be placed in the appropriate receptacles.
2.3 Clothing and Equipment
- •Appropriate athletic clothing is required.
- •The use of shoes specifically designed for court sports is recommended to help prevent injuries.
- •Running shoes are not recommended because they provide less lateral support.
- •Each player is responsible for keeping their athletic equipment in good condition.
2.4 Use of Cell Phones
- •Players are encouraged to keep their cell phones on silent or vibrate during matches.
- •Cell phone use should be limited to necessary situations to avoid interruptions and delays.
2.5 Health and Injury Prevention
- •Warming up before beginning matches is strongly recommended.
- •Stretching before and after playing is recommended.
- •All players must remain hydrated throughout the playing session.
- •Each player participates under their own physical and medical responsibility.
3. COURT RESERVATIONS AND USE
3.1 Attendance Confirmation
- •When a player confirms participation in a reservation, the player assumes the commitment to attend.
- •When unable to attend, the player must either:
- ◦Cover the corresponding payment for the absence; or
- ◦Find a replacement to take their spot.
- •This measure is intended to ensure accountability and respect for the other players.
3.2 Maximum Number of Players
- •For the following sessions:
- ◦One court for one hour: a maximum of six players.
- ◦Two courts for one hour or more: a maximum of 12 players.
- •The administration may adjust these limits depending on the format of the event or tournament.
3.3 Court Payments
- •Payment for the courts must be made before play begins.
- •The cost will be divided equally among all participants.
- •Punctuality and responsibility are requested to prevent delays.
3.4 Punctuality
- •Players must arrive at least 10 minutes before their reserved time.
- •Repeated lateness may affect future reservations or participation in organized activities.
3.5 Rotation and Playing Time
- •When players are waiting, the rotation system established by the club must be followed.
- •No group may extend its playing time in a way that affects subsequent reservations.
4. GUESTS
- •Each member may bring up to two guests per playing day.
- •Guests must comply with all club rules.
- •The member will be responsible for their guests’ conduct, participation, and corresponding payments.
- •The administration may limit guests during special events, tournaments, or internal club activities.
4.1 Guest Protocol
- •Guests must be entered in advance on the official waiting list published by the club several days before each playing session.
- •Registration priority will always be given to active club members.
- •When spaces are still available at 6:00 p.m. on the day before the playing session, and no additional members have registered, guests on the waiting list may be added in the order in which they registered.
- •Final confirmation of a guest’s participation will be provided by the administration or the game organizers.
- •Guests who have not been registered in advance on the corresponding list will not be admitted.
- •The hosting member must ensure that their guests are familiar with and comply with the club rules.
5. RULES ON THE COURT
5.1 Score Announcement
- •The score must be announced aloud before each serve to prevent confusion.
5.2 Respect During Play
- •Spectators must avoid:
- ◦Shouting;
- ◦Distracting players;
- ◦Interrupting; or
- ◦Making comments during points.
5.3 Sportsmanship and Courtesy
- •At the beginning and end of each match, players must greet one another courteously.
- •The greeting may consist of:
- ◦Tapping paddles;
- ◦Shaking hands; or
- ◦Any other respectful sporting gesture.
- •This applies to:
- ◦Opponents;
- ◦Partners; and
- ◦Referees, when applicable.
5.4 Disputes and Decisions
- •Disputed points must be discussed only among the players participating on the court.
- •Honesty and good faith are expected when making line calls.
- •Differences of opinion must be handled respectfully and courteously.
- •In the event of a continuing disagreement, the point may be replayed.
5.5 Crossing Between Courts
- •Anyone who needs to cross another court must wait until the point has ended and ask for permission before crossing.
5.6 Unsportsmanlike Conduct
The following actions are prohibited:
- •Striking the paddle against the floor or surrounding structures;
- •Throwing the paddle;
- •Throwing balls in an aggressive manner;
- •Using offensive language; or
- •Provoking or intimidating other players.
Repeated misconduct may result in disciplinary sanctions.
5.7 Returning Balls
- •Balls must be returned courteously and safely to the opposite side.
6. RESPECT AND SPORTSMANSHIP
- •All players must maintain a positive and respectful attitude toward:
- ◦Their partners;
- ◦Opponents;
- ◦Organizers;
- ◦Referees; and
- ◦Spectators.
The following will not be permitted:
- •Derogatory comments;
- •Mockery;
- •Humiliation;
- •Aggressive behavior; or
- •Discrimination of any kind.
Sportsmanship and camaraderie are fundamental pillars of the club.
7. MIXED DOUBLES AND RESPONSIBLE PLAY
- •In mixed-doubles matches, courtesy, respect, and athletic self-control are expected.
- •No player may intentionally attempt to strike another participant’s body in an aggressive or dangerous manner.
- •The club promotes competitive but safe play for everyone.
8. TOURNAMENTS AND RANKINGS
8.1 Participation
- •Tournaments organized by the club may require advance registration and mandatory punctuality.
- •Players must comply with the formats, schedules, and specific rules of each tournament.
8.2 Rankings and DUPR
- •The club will promote the use of platforms such as DUPR to record results and measure playing levels.
- •Players must enter genuine and verifiable results.
- •The purpose of the ranking system is to encourage athletic development and facilitate balanced competitions in the future.
9. DISCIPLINARY SYSTEM
Failure to comply with these rules may result in:
- •Verbal reminders or reprimands;
- •Written warnings;
- •Temporary suspension;
- •Restrictions on participation in tournaments; or
- •Expulsion from the club in serious or repeated cases.
The administration or Board of Directors will evaluate each situation objectively.
10. MEMBERSHIP, REGISTRATION, AND MONTHLY DUES
10.1 Registration/Annual Membership Fee
- •Every official member of the Panama City Pickleball Club must pay the corresponding registration or annual membership fee.
- •For the 2026 period, the annual membership fee will be B/.25.00.
- •The annual membership fee includes:
- ◦The official club shirt;
- ◦The club’s official logo;
- ◦The sponsors’ logos; and
- ◦The member’s personalized name.
- •The design, color, and specifications of the official shirt will be determined by the club’s Board of Directors.
10.2 Monthly Dues
- •Beginning in 2026, monthly dues of B/.5.00 are established for all active club members.
- •Payment must be made within the first five calendar days of each month.
- •Each member has the obligation and responsibility to keep their payments current.
10.3 Payment Commitment
- •Members must make their payments using any of the payment methods officially authorized by the club.
- •Temporary nonattendance at club activities or playing sessions does not release a member from their financial obligations.
- •When a member is unable to attend for an entire month due to personal reasons, work, travel, health, or other circumstances unrelated to the club, the member must still pay the monthly dues corresponding to that period.
- •The purpose of the monthly dues is to contribute to the club’s operating costs and activities, including:
- ◦The purchase of balls and athletic materials;
- ◦The organization of tournaments;
- ◦Clinics and training sessions;
- ◦Recreational and athletic activities;
- ◦Administrative and operating expenses; and
- ◦Any other club activity or initiative that generates costs.
- •Additionally, a portion of the funds collected may be allocated to establishing a fund for future club activities, improvements, and projects.
10.4 Failure to Make Payments
- •Repeated late payments may result in:
- ◦Temporary suspension of benefits;
- ◦Restrictions on participation in activities or tournaments; or
- ◦Temporary suspension as an active club member.
- •The Board of Directors may evaluate special cases or exceptional circumstances individually.
11. FINAL PROVISIONS
- •The club administration may update these rules whenever necessary.
- •Every member and guest accepts these rules by participating in club activities.
- •Participation in activities organized by the club constitutes full acceptance of these rules.
- •The interpretation and application of these rules will be the exclusive responsibility of the club’s Board of Directors.
- •Any situation not covered by these rules will be evaluated by the club’s Board of Directors.
Rules effective as of April 2026.
PANAMA CITY PICKLEBALL CLUB
Respect • Community • Competition • Fun