Open Play & Etiquette

For Open Play Only!

Determining Rotation to Play:

Courts will no longer be designated for different skill levels of play.

Paddle Saddles are to be used to determine how players rotate on and off the courts.

There are 3 paddle saddles: Novice, Intermediate, Advanced.

Players should self-assess their level of skill and use the appropriate paddle saddle.

After finishing a game, all four player will come off the court and put their paddles in the appropriate Paddle Saddle.

Using the Paddle Saddle:

Determine which paddle saddle you are using (novice, intermediate, advanced).
Place your paddles in the saddle:
1. Above the “next” sign (if there are no paddles there), or,
2. To the immediate right of the “next” sign in the next available tube (if there are paddles above the next sign)
When four player remove their paddle from the saddle:
1. Move the “next” sign to the right so that the next four players know that they are next.
2. When the “next” sign is at the far right position, the sign will need to be moved to the far left (in the first position) and the process repeats.

ETIQUETTE

Best NOT to do the following; they are downers and hurt relationships

Criticize opponents or your partner’s play.
Give suggestions or advice on partner’s or opponent's style/technique of play unless asked or welcomed.
Coach players from off the court unless feedback is requested.
Argue about a line call – players call the ball the best they see it and this is ‘fun’ recreational play so keep it fun.
Walk thru the courts during play; wait until the play stops between serves.
Use abusive language; verbal comments of any detrimental nature during a game is unacceptable.
Gloating or applause for an opponent’s mistake; its unsportsmanlike
Remove a paddle out of the ‘slot’ it has been placed in by the owner – mix in with waiting players, be courteous to the players wishing to sit out a game or two.

Things to DO MORE OF; they are uppers and create friendships

Introduce yourself if you do not know one of the team players
Compliment your opponents or partner for a well-made shot. These are always acceptable.
Talk about “calling your shots” to eliminate confusion over whose ball it is to return
Be helpful to new players; be willing to share rules and strategy for novice players
Be courteous if players want to play up a level to test their skills
Use the paddle saddles; especially when there are several players waiting to play
Give feedback to RAPA board when you have concerns, questions or ideas
Volunteer to help out when there are duties to do to support RAPA

The most important rule is to HAVE FUN!

What is your skill level???

Level 1

Learning how to serve consistently.
Strives to be more consistent with return shots.
Sustains short/medium rallies with players of equal ability.
Demonstrates the basic shot strokes – forehand, backhand, volley, overhead and the serve but is not yet consistent.
Familiar with court positioning in doubles play.
May have difficulty moving to return shots.
Level 2
More consistent with the serve and service return.

Demonstrates better understanding of court coverage and positioning, including working with partner.
Makes longer lasting rallies.
Makes most easy volleys and uses backhands but needs more work on developing shot

selection, including dink and drop shots.
Demonstrates improved skills with all the basic shot strokes and shot placement but lacks control when trying for direction, depth or power on their shots.
Is aware of the soft game but may struggle to use it.
Beginning to approach the non-volley zone to hit volley
Level 3

Consistent and dependable strokes including directional control and depth on both forehand and backhand shots.
Reliable serves, lobs, overheads, approach shots and volleys and can use spin shots with some success.
Displays sound footwork and moves well enough to get to the non-volley zone whenever required.
Does not over rely on power game but begins to master the soft game, the dink and dropshots.
Beginning to master the 3rd shot and uses it consistently.
Plays a significant portion of the game from the non-volley zone line.