Pickleball Newsletter - June 2021 - Avalon Beach Pickleball Association Inc.

NBPA Newsletter – June 2021

President’s Report

Our Club’s Inaugural Annual General Meeting is to be held at PCYC, Dee Why on 14 July 2021 between 11.30 am and 12.45 pm. I encourage all members to attend the AGM. This is an opportunity for members to ask questions of the Committee, to elect Committee members and to have a say in the running of the Club. I look forward to seeing you at the AGM.

We have decided to have a training session for 30 minutes before social play once a month on a Wednesday morning which will include a warm up by Archie from Rebound Health. Each month two different drills will be explained and practised.

9 July 2021 is the cut-off date for those members wishing to participate in the Gold Coast Pickleball Challenge to be held on the weekend of 7-8 August. We currently have 20 interested members for what will be a great weekend.

It is that time of year when you will receive your membership renewal notice. We are hoping that you will all rejoin as soon as possible.

I am pleased to let you know that Northern Beaches Council has upgraded the lighting at Beacon Hill and by all accounts it has made a huge difference. You will now have no excuse for missing the ball.

On the social front, David Jay has very kindly volunteered to be our Social Convener. We are looking for volunteers to assist him with organising approximately 4 social events per year. Your help would be greatly appreciated. If anyone is interested, please contact me or David.

John Fuller
NBPA President
0408 888 695

NSW School Holiday Playing Times

Over the next two weeks there will be no Tuesday, Wednesday or Thursday morning pickleball at PCYC in Dee Why due to school holiday activities. However, keep your eye on the Meetup site as we may be able to organise a couple of evening sessions instead.

Play on Sunday mornings at PCYC will continue as usual as well as at Beacon Hill on Thursday nights and at the Avalon outdoor courts on Saturday mornings. Monday nights in Avalon have been put on hold until such time as the weather warms up.

New Sponsor – Johnson Bros Mitre 10

We are delighted to announce that Johnson Bros. Mitre 10 have agreed to become a Bronze Sponsor.

Supporters of the Northern Beaches community for over 65 years, the Johnson family run both the flagship store in Bassett St, Mona Vale and the newly revamped Avalon Store in Avalon Parade. Both stores carry an extremely comprehensive range of hardware for all trades and home handyman.

San Telmo Wine Tasting

A few weeks ago 13 of our members spent an enjoyable evening tasting wines at San Telmo Cellars in Brookvale. Our valued silver sponsors, Frank and Cecilia, import boutique Argentinian wines which are all made from high altitude vines. To add to the evening’s enjoyment, Klaus, our very own multi-talented pickleballer, entertained us on the piano (video length: 1m 43s).

2021 NSW Open

Congratulations to all the Northern Beaches pickleballers who did well in the 2021 NSW Open held in Wahroonga in April.

Men’s Singles 65+ Intermediate (3.0 – 3.99) – Winner: Ross McDonald

Women’s Doubles 30+ Intermediate (3.0 – 3.99) – Winner: Donna Jay

Women’s Doubles 50+ Intermediate (3.0 – 3.99) – Winner: Kiki Miyajima

Mixed Doubles 50+ Advanced – Runner up: Kiki Miyajima

Women’s Doubles 65+ Intermediate (3.0 – 3.99) – Runner up: Arti Demetriou

If you wish to keep up to date with the goings on at PANSW, you can subscribe to their newsletter by clicking here.

Gold Coast Challenge – 7th & 8th August 2021

There is still time to RSVP!

We’d like to remind everyone about the upcoming weekend of pickleball against the Gold Coast Pickleball Club. So far we have around 20 people attending which is a fantastic response. If anyone else would like to join us, please RSVP by 9 July through Meetup here. It’s advisable to book your accommodation ASAP if you don’t wish to be billeted. It should be a fun weekend!

3 Important Pickleball Rules/Scenarios

1. Distraction Rule

11.J. Distractions.

Players may not distract an opponent when the opponent is about to play the ball. If in the judgment of the referee a distraction has occurred, the referee shall immediately call a fault on the offending team.

Note: In Doubles, team communication shall not normally be considered a distraction. However, loud communication at the time the opponent is about to strike the ball may be considered a distraction. If, in the judgment of the referee, a distraction has occurred, it shall result in the loss of the rally.

2. Line-calling ethics

Players must work to resolve all calls in favor of their opponent. The opponent gets the benefit of the doubt. Only call a ball out if you can do so without a shadow of doubt … in other words, if you can see a clear gap between the ball and the line.
A player can only make a line call on their section of the court.
Spectators may NEVER participate in line calls, no matter how sure you are or how important you think you are.
Players should not question an opponent’s call unless they ask, or unless the player appeals to the referee.
In general, judgment should be left to those who can look straight down the line, instead of looking at it perpendicularly.
Calls must be made instantly, else the ball is considered still in play.

3. Ball Hits Hand

In most situations, when a ball hits a player or anything they are wearing or carrying, it is considered a fault. However, if a player is hit on the hand below the wrist the ball is considered still in play. If the player happens to have both hands on the paddle or is in the process of changing hands, a ball that hits either hand below the wrist is considered in play.

Download the complete 81 page USA Pickleball 2021 Official Rulebook for some light bedtime reading.

Choosing a Pickleball Paddle

There are a variety of pickleball paddles available, including edgeless paddles, wide body paddles and oversized paddles. The most expensive paddle isn’t necessarily the best paddle for you. Focus on weight and grip size first and don’t be distracted by the colours or fancy graphics.

PLEASE NOTE: For paddles to be used at any PAA-sanctioned tournaments, the name of the paddle must be currently listed on the USAPA approved list of the USAPA. (https://equipment.usapickleball.org/). Always check this list before purchasing a new paddle. Some members have been sold paddles which have not been USAPA approved.

Tony Morgan at PB Sports is most helpful when it comes to choosing a paddle. Give him a call on 0424 055 570 for advice on choosing a paddle. What’s more, he will give a 5% discount to NBPA members.

Player Profile – Pippa Gower

How long have you been playing pickleball? I’ve been playing pickleball since March 2019.

How did you first hear about pickleball? I heard about this game from PCYC. When I enquired about playing badminton, they also suggested that I give this funny named game a go, so I did … and have never looked back.

What do you like about the game? Well, I have always liked playing tennis … in fact any racquet ball games. I enjoy the challenge and the skill as well as meeting like minded people, who have become great friends.

Which other sports have you played in your younger years (or are still playing)? I have always been active. In my younger years I swam and played tennis and hockey. After marrying I played squash, but then got involved in veterans hockey for many years.

How often do you play pickleball? I love walking and have a passion for kayaking, but pickleball has become my favourite. I play at least 3 times a week and will keep playing as long as my body holds out.

Thanks to Pippa for sharing her pickleball experience with us.