Pickleball

Eye Protection is Mandatory Effective March 31 2024

A Game for All Ages

About image
The Nanaimo Pickleball Club is registered as a society whose purpose it is is to promote the game of Pickleball in the community and schedule play and events onto the indoor courts as they become available. We currently play most of our indoor games at the Nanaimo Regional Community Center at Oliver Woods. We also play some games at local schools depending on the demand and availability of gym time.  There are a number of Community outdoor facilities of which Beaufort Park is the most prominent.

The club was created in late 2010 by a few players who needed an affiliation of some sort in order to rent space from our local Community Centre. It was incorporated as a Society in October 2023 and now currently has 300 plus members and has been growing annually.  

To contact the Nanaimo Pickleball Club please fill out and submit the form below.


2024 TOURNAMENT SCHEDULE

For a list 2023 tournaments happening on the Mainland and on Vancouver Island, click (Note, this will be updated in May 2023) HERE.


PADS Event - April 20, 2024 (More Information Coming Soon)

More information will be available soon. 


Nanaimo 10th Annual Indoor Tournament  - July 13/14 Oliver Woods Community Centre

More information will be available soon. Mark you calendars for July 13/14 2024 at Oliver Woods


Mexican Madness - Aug. 31, 2024 Oliver Woods Community Centre

Mexican Madness Information coming soon: 

RESULTS


9th Annual Indoor Tournament - July 2023

For the results of the  Nanaimo 9th AnnualIndoor Tournament please download the file below.


2022 Mexican Madness Event

A Few Fun Pictures

Our Hosts - Ronnie and Dee


Nanaimo 8th Annual Indoor Tournament

For the results of the Nanaimo Indoor Tournament please download the file below.


June 18 Ukraine Charity Tournament

For the results of the Charity Tournament please download the file below.


 90 MINUTE TOURNAMENT - AUGUST 27, 2021

LADIES DOUBLES:

1st: Alice Mather & Michelle Guidone (center)

2nd: Denise Hogg & Gail Horley (right)

3rd: Mia Tremblay & Lindy Arnold (left)


MENS DOUBLES:

1st: Trevor Ruel & Tristan Ruel (center)

2nd: Neil Rich & Andy Daniel (left)

3rdTom Hunt & Josh Mitchell (right)


MIXED DOUBLES:

1st: Melissa Ruel & Trevor Ruel (center)

2nd: LeeAnn Mitchell & Josh Mitchell (right)

3rd: Mia Tremblay & Ramash Madhava (left)

90 Minute Tournament Participants - Ladies Doubles

90 Minute Tournament Participants - Mens Doubles

90 Minute Tournament Participants - Mixed Doubles




RESULTS – “Welcome in the New Year” 3.5 Mixed Doubles Tournament, Jan 3, 2020



FLIGHT ‘A’ 
GOLD       Alice Mather & Murray Serjeant
SILVER     Darshan Stevens & Alex Hornby
BRONZE   Annie McCartie & Werner Mollenhoff




FLIGHT ‘B’
GOLD      Michelle Guidone & Alejandro Mujica
SILVER    Sue Fraser & Dennis Peters
BRONZE  Sally Morten & Lyle Evans

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RESULTS – 2019 Nanaimo Indoor Pickleball Tournament, June 22-23


WOMEN’S DOUBLES 4.5+
GOLD Damaris Brix & Kerry Savory
SILVER Colleen Crowder & Lissy Rauber
BRONZE    Pauline Davidson & Dawn Dueck 

WOMEN’S DOUBLES 4.0
GOLD Anna Edgar & Barb Lawrie
SILVER Glenda Sharpe & Barb Bradford
BRONZE     Lori Murray & Marg Vanveen-Hill

WOMEN’S DOUBLES 3.5
GOLD Inga Makepeace & Susan Newell
SILVER Carolyn Francoeur & Marilyn Oldfield
BRONZE    Patti Hawkins & Deborah Houston
WOMEN’S DOUBLES 3.0
GOLD Deb Marshall & Bonny Sheepwash
SILVER Michelle Guidone & Angela Lorenz
BRONZE    Sam Doumont & Sam Soon
MEN’S DOUBLES 4.5+
GOLD Peter Brix & Wayne Russell
SILVER David Kim & John Savoy
BRONZE    Thomas Rauber & Karl Stelting
MEN’S DOUBLES 4.0
GOLD Neil Rich & Clayton Toresdahl
SILVER Andy Daniel & Pete Korvin
BRONZE   Mauke Mauke & Mike Newton
MEN’S DOUBLES 3.5
GOLD Ross Matthews & Trevor Ruel
SILVER Murray Serjeant & Dave Sheepwash
BRONZE  Werner Mollenhoff & Randy Nobel
MEN’S DOUBLES 3.0
GOLD Jon Dominy & Kim Brunt
SILVER Matthew Landells & Nick Landells
BRONZE  Larry Frieson & Gordon Petley-Jones
MIXED DOUBLES 4.5+
GOLD Lissy Rauber & Tom Rauber
SILVER Kerry Savory & Wayne Russell
BRONZE  Dawn Dueck & Wade Dawe
MIXED DOUBLES 4.0
GOLD Deb Simpson & Mauke Mauke
SILVER Lori Murray & Randy Oben
BRONZE  Evie MacDonald & Del Materi
MIXED DOUBLES 3.5
GOLD Mia Tremblay & Werner Mollenhoff
SILVER Inga Makepeace & Ross Matthews
BRONZE  Jim Scott & Nancy Barnes
MIXED DOUBLES 3.0
GOLD Janet Ruest & Jim Stearne
SILVER Bonny Sheepwash & Dave Sheepwash
BRONZE  Sam Soon & Marv Orth

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DUNCAN DAZZLE FUN TOURNAMENT 2018

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MEXICAN MADNESS FUN TOURNAMENT 2018

Many thanks to Dee and Ronnie for another successful tournament.

The Scorer!! Registration with Senoritas Susan and Anna!! A fun day of pickleball with a twist. That is what you get when you enter Nanaimo’s MEXICAN MADNESS tournament. Of course, you do get to play pickleball and you do start the tourney with a partner…..BUT….your partner’s name (opposite gender if enough of each) is drawn out of a sombrero!!! Once you and your partner get on court, you play a rally point game to 25 points (combination of both teams….i.e. 13-12 or 22-3 or 10-15, etc. – It really works on the math skills of the team!!). Once you finish one game you switch partners and play another rally point game to 25. Points are collected individually on a scoresheet and sent to the Padre who is tabulating the scores. This year we had some awesome Mexican guests (Emmanuel, Alexandra and Anna) who were welcomed to our area with Canada backpacks filled with some fabulous Canadian toys. We also saw an OOPs (Out of Province) team of George and Brenda from Lethbridge, Alberta. Thanks so much to all of you for traveling so far to have some Mexican Madness fun! Congratulations to the Teams in all categories for highest & lowest points. Results are as follows:
RED TEAM PRIZE WINNERS
George Strange & Diane Wilkommen – Anne Mander &Lucy Williams
YELLOW TEAM PRIZE WINNERS
Piet Komen & Emmanuel Sanchez- Alex Clarkson & Deborah Houston
GREEN TEAM PRIZE WINNERS
Les Pearson & Elaine Levell – Doug Runchey & Angela Lorenz
BLUE TEAM PRIZE WINNERS
Dave Eaton & Susan Hawkes – Howard & Anna SanchezA ……HUGE thanks to Dee & Ronnie Pitcher who organized this 7th Annual fun tourney and all their volunteers who helped them out. Check nanaimopickleballclub.org and mark your calendar for next summer so you don’t miss this fun pickleball day.Hola,Senorita Nancy SternRonnie & Dee Pitcher, the brainchild of Mexican Madness!!!Brenda & George (OOPs-Out Of Province team) with Ronnie and NancyBeautiful Mexican fiesta lunch put on by Dee & sister LorraineMacarena warm up!!Our Mexican visitors – Alexandra, Anna & Emmanuel – with welcome to Canada gifts.
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2018 NANAIMO INDOOR PICKLEBALL TOURNAMENT

June 23-24, 2018 @ Oliver Woods Community Centre
Results:
3.0 Ladies Doubles
Gold: Sally Morten and Elaine Levell
Silver: Barb Struch and Chris Becker
Bronze: Mary Jo Woolgar and Darshan Steven
3.5 Ladies Doubles
Gold: Evie McDonald and Elizabeth Folk
Silver: Inga Makepeace and Siena Van Brabant
Bronze: Barb Bradford and Susan Hawkes
4.0 Ladies Doubles
Gold: Pauline Davidson and Dawn Dueck
Silver: Lissy Rauber and Claudia McLean
Bronze: Jane Rich and Debbie Simpson
4.5 Ladies Doubles
Gold: Kerry Savory and Lori Murray
3.0 Mens Doubles
Gold: Alex Hornby and Peter Woolgar
Silver: Len Doumont and Owen Seeton
Silver: Robin Pedersen and Kim Brunt
3.5 Mens Doubles
Gold: Daniel Audet and Gurmail Aujla
Silver: Wayne Andrews and Richard Carton
Bronze: Andy Daniel and Lyle Kuchmak
4.0 Mens Doubles
Gold: Randy Oben and Scott Davis
Silver: Clay Toresdahl and Neil Rich
Bronze: Joe McNeill and Del Materi
4.5 Mens Doubles
Gold: Peter Brix and Joe Wong
Silver: Wayne Russell and Barrie Hill
Bronze: Ryner Wilson and Thomas Rauber
3.0 Mixed Doubles
Gold: Len Doumont and Marilyn Oldfield
Silver: James and Laurey Vasey
Bronze: Robin Pedersen and Elaine Levell
3.5 A-Division Mixed Doubles
Gold: Neil Martin and Jen Hlannon
Silver: Neil Rich and Jane Rich
Bronze: Richard Carton and Siena Van Brabant
3.5 B-Division Mixed Doubles
Gold: Mark Lucier and Barb Bradford
Silver: Tom Hunt and Lee-Ann Mitchell
Bronze: Andy Daniel and Evelyn Kaatz
4.0 A-Division Mixed Doubles
Gold: Pete Korvin and Anna Edgar
Silver: Randy Oben and Lori Murray
Bronze: Del Materi and Evie MacDonald
4.0 B-Division Mixed Doubles
Gold: Clay Toresdahl and Debby Simpson
Silver: Mauke Mauke and Marie Randall
Bronze: Ronnie Pitcher and Trudy Pitcher
4.5 Mixed Doubles
Gold: Peter and Damarais Brix
Silver: Wayne Russell and Kerry Savory
Bronze: Thomas Rauber and Bev De Haitre


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2017 MEXICAN MADNESS

Fun filled day of pickleball was had by all. Gracias to Dee, Ronnie, Nancy and crew for a wonderful day.
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2017 Nanaimo Indoor Pickleball Tournament – Non Sanctioned

Saturday, June 24 & Sunday, June 25 Results:
LADIES DOUBLE:
  • Gold: Vicky Strandlund – Kerry Savory
    • Silver: Pauline Davidson – Claudia McLean
  • Bronze: Jane Rich – Debbie Simpson
MEN’S DOUBLE:
  • Gold: Randy Oben – Clay Elmquist
  • Silver: Thomas Rauber – Clay Thoresdahl
  • Bronze: Barrie Hill – Wayne Russell
MIXED DOUBLE:
DIVISION ‘A’
  • Gold: Kerry Savory – Wayne Russell
  • Silver: Beverly Bennett – Bill Dumper
  • Bronze: Jane Rich – Neil Rich
DIVISION ‘B’
  • Gold: Gem Chang-Kue – Albert Pozar
  • Silver: Kathy Thomson – Dave Kalyn
  • Bronze: Evelyn Kaatz – Vaughan Allin
SINGLES MEN:
  • Men: Gold: Ryner Wilson
  • Silver: Colin McCartie
  • Bronze: Wayne Russell


This Months Calendar

We Doubles play at Oliver Woods Community Center and Island Connect School 


Members must agree to the Member's Responsibilities and the Agreement Waiver. For more information on these agreements click HERE 

To book any of these sessions click HERE and you will be taken to CourtReserve to logon. The cost of the session is dependent on the playing time. All fees are shown in CourtReserve at the time of booking. A copy of our refund policy can be found by clicking HERE

 

To see our current schedule of play sessions just click on Calendar on the Menu


Become A Pickleball Referee!!


Introduction/Orientation to Pickleball 

This is geared towards those who are brand new to the sport – an introduction and general orientation to pickleball, ie learning the rules and etiquette of playing. Lee Macdonald also offers an Introduction to Pickleball for up to 4-5 participants per session. For further information please contact Lee at the email address under Private Lessons or the Club at nanaimopickleball@gmail.com The Introduction to Pickleball Sessions cost $25 for non-members and $10 for members. If non-members join the Club within 30 days of taking the session, a $15 credit will be applied to their account.

Nanaimo Pickleball Club offers an Introduction to Pickleball to new and prospective members, and skill and drills for all members. Private lessons are offered by the individuals listed at the bottom of this page.

Private Lessons

If you’re interested in taking private lessons, please contact the following coach/coaches directly for more information. 

Lee MacDonald, IFP certified coach, offers Levels 1, 2 and 3 classes. Contact info: leemacdonald1951@gmail.com

Pete Korvin and Anna Edgar, Professional Pickleball Registry Certified Pro, offers POW Clinics and private lessons. Contact info: annaoct@hotmail.com   

Performance Based Ratings and Skill Assessments for Novice Players

The Nanaimo Pickleball Club (NPC) is pleased to offer three opportunities for novice players to move up and play on more competitive courts in Club play sessions. For a copy of our ratings policy please click HERE

1) Pickleball Brackets (PBB) - The Club introduced Pickleball Brackets in April 2022 in all of our Novice play and some advanced ladder play sessions. Pickleball Brackets is the software the Club will use for Novice players to attain a Performance Based Rating based on their performance in Novice play sessions. Team scores will be entered into PBB and a 4 digit rating will be calculated. Once a novice player attains a 3.0 rating and maintains it for a period of time, the Club will elevate them to a higher level of play within the Club. There is no cost for members to create an account with PBB. You can click on the following link to go to PBB and create your account but read the instructions below on creating a PBB account first. Click HERE to go to PBB.

Instructions on creating an account in Pickleball Brackets can be found below. 

2) Skill Based Assessment - The Club has partnered with Lee MacDonald, an IFPTA Certified Level 1 Coach to provide a Skill Based Assessment of a players' skill level for 2.0-3.0 level players. Lee has provided pickleball training at three progressive levels over the past seven years for more than 3700 hours and therefore is well qualified to provide an assessment of a players skill level at this level. The Club will accept Lee's assessment of a players skill level and will move players to more competitive courts based on Lee's recommendation. There is a fee for this service assessment and is for NPC Use Only. Complete details can be found in the attachment below. 

3) Enter in a sanctioned or non-sanctioned tournament at a higher level that you are currently rated and place at that tournament. For full details see our rating policy above.

Ratings for Members 3.0 and above

The Club is introducing Pickleball Brackets (PBB) in some of our ladder play sessions for players rated 3.0 and above to attain a Performance Based Rating within Pickleball Brackets. This rating will be calculated within PBB based on the players performance in those ladder play sessions. A players rating will fluctuate based on the number of games played, your performance in those games and the skill level of the other players. Your PBB performance rating will be more accurate with the more games you play, the more players you play against and the skill level of the other players. There is no cost to signup to PBB but you must have an account with PBB to play in these ladder sessions. For instructions on how to create an account in PBB please see the file located in the section above under ratings for Novice players. For play sessions using PBB please see our event calendar on our website.

CANADIAN TOURNAMENT PLAYER RATING’S (CTPR) BREAKDOWN

The CTPR system has been in effect since January 1, 2022, and is a very reliable, objective and dynamic system. 

What is Pickleball Brackets?

  • A Pickleball software solutions provider for player ratings based upon captured game results data from tournaments anywhere in the World.
  • Canada, USA and Australia are examples of Countries are using this software system.
  • Currently the most used and advanced software able to produce ‘performance-based’ ratings.
  • Uses algorithms to first assess the probability of the higher rated TEAM (combined partners rating) winning over a lower rated TEAM in every game.
  • Uses algorithms to predict probable point spreads based upon team ratings.
  • Uses the actual outcome of each game to calculate rating points won or lost.
  • Is a very transparent performance-based system (actual win/loss results) available for all to see, game by game, tournament by tournament.

What happens to your Canadian Tournament Player Rating (CTPR) in a PCO sanctioned tournament?

  • Your CTPR will move up and down, based on the results of each game.
  • Every game point matters. Results are calculated based the on probability and actual sores based on overall team ratings.
  • Each game will result in each player going into the very next game with a new rating.
  • Over 9400 active Canadian players are in the CTPR system.
  • We are on track to have 70 sanctioned tournaments in Canada in 2023, and game data is being amassed at a record rate.
  • We are well beyond requested ratings changes and resets and need to allow the system to provide reliable ratings over time and frequency.
  • Players are better positioned to move their ratings higher by playing in the skill level of their current CTPR, or by playing up .5 skill level.
  • The CTPR will start with a self-rating only if you do not have game results first recorded in a non-sanctioned tournament. If you have a PBR rating, then that will be the rating used in your first CTPR event.
  • Results are uploaded based upon the tier level of the sanctioned tournament. Smaller tournaments results are uploaded at 70% or 80% while Nationals, Regionals and Provincials are all at 100%-point results. https://pickleballcanada.org/tournaments/sanctioned-tournaments/

Pickleball Canada’s CTPR Policy:All participants in a sanctioned tournament must have a Canadian Tournament Player Rating (CTPR).

  • PCO policy on the use of CTPR must be followed for all Sanctioned Tournaments. Should both players choose to, they may play up ONLY a 0.5 rating level from their current CTPR. The only exception is for 4.5+ or Open events, where all players must have a minimum 4.5 CTPR rating to play in that event. Tournament Directors will ensure this policy is adhered to.
  • If a tournament has a 4.0, 4.5 and 5.0(Open) event, a 4.0 player can play up into the 4.5 event but not into the 5.0/Open event. 5.0/Open events are for 4.5 and above skill level players only.
  • If a tournament has a 4.0 and 4.5+ event without a 5.0/Open event, a 4.0 player cannot play up into the 4.5+ event as it is for 4.5 and higher skill players only. In this case, the 4.5+ event acts in the same way as the Open.
  • Open Category – is only open to advanced players with a minimum skill level of 4.5. It is acceptable to substitute “5.0” terminology instead of “Open” if tournament directors choose to.
  • PCO implemented this CTPR to standardize sanctioned tournaments across Canada.
  • All Sanctioned Tournaments are now being reviewed to ensure all sanctioning criteria are being followed, all pickleball brackets events are setup to adhere to CTPR policy & sanctioning criteria, proper silos are used in tournament setup, and ensuring all tournament directors are on the same page.
  • The end goal will see all players playing in their proper categories based on their accurate skill level, will create more competitive events and ensure CTPR’s move up or down more effectively.
  • PCO is standardizing all its sanctioned tournaments to ensure they are well-organized, consistent, fair, safe, and provide an overall better player experience.

Deb Marshall

President

Deb Marshall has been a member of the Nanaimo Pickleball Club since 2019. She served on the executive committee for 2 years as a director at large and now been elected to the Presidency of our club.

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Harvey Hall

Vice President

Harvey has been been playing and enjoying pickleball since 2015. Everything he learned he attributes to wonderful patient Nanaimo Pickleball club members.

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Wayne Overton

Treasurer

Although I have been a member of the club since 2018, I have only been playing consistently since 2020. Work pressures have gotten in the way but no more, fully retired now, I’m having a lot of fun playing Pickleball and I realize that the executive and other volunteers have very much helped to make it so. Now I want to contribute in any way that I can. I’m looking forward to working with a great group of people who are like minded and want a better Nanaimo Pickleball Club for us all.

Kim Brunt

Secretary

I have been playing pickleball since 2017 and love the competitive, social, and all-round fun aspects of the game. I joined the Executive as the Club's Secretary in 2024 and look forward to assisting the Club and advancing the sport in any way I can. "Paddles up and hold the line!!".

Lyle Evans

Director At Large

Lyle has been on the executive since 2018 and is currently working with the WEB upgrade Committee and was involved with the selection and implementation or the Club's online booking system CourtReserve

Gary Robbins

Director at large

Gary has been playing pickleball since 2017 , and has been a member of the club since then. 2019/2020 is his first year as a member of the executive. Gary's interests are in the areas of coordinating player play, member skill development and formalized ratings

John Emmons

Director at large

John started playing pickle ball a little over three years ago and found it to be a wonderful sport to be involved in. But most importantly he found a community of people that have become good friends. Pickle Ball is not only a great sport, but it's a wonderful place to meet and establish friendships.

Caron Usher

Director at Large

Caron has been a member of the NPC member since 2017 She has a level 1 coaching certificate and is active in the coaching world for our club. As a new member of the executive she will be involved with new member orientation.

Monte Niver

Director at Large

'Monte has been enjoying the sport of pickleball for several years now. Since joining the executive of the Nanaimo Pickleball Club I’m looking forward to working with the executive and the membership to grow the sport in our area

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Ruth Dougan

Director at Large

Ruth has been enjoying playing pickleball since 2019. Before that she spent 15 years playing badminton. She decided to switch those skills to pickleball and hasn't looked back. She is looking forward to assisting the hard working executive and contributing to the future of the Nanaimo Pickleball Club.

Sally Morten

Director at Large

The Nanaimo Pickleball Club has secured additional playing sessions at Oliver Woods Rec center. See our Schedule page or Calender page for details

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Dee and Ronnie Pitcher of Pitcher's Pantry long time supporters of the NPC, have received their Food Safe Certificates and have had their kitchen inspection.

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Nanaimo Pickleball Club Bylaws

Nanaimo Pickleball Club Mission Statement



 Reports for 2024 AGM 

 Agenda for 2024 AGM


Presidents Report 2024 AGM

Treasurers Report - 2024 AGM

Financial Statements

Bios For New Directors - 2024

Directors At Large Reports

Election Of Officers & Directors

2022 AGM Reports

Please find attached the minutes of the 2022 NPC AGM Minutes

Please find attached the 2022 Financial statements.

Please find attached the minutes of the 2021 NPC AGM Minutes

Beban Park Field House Proposal

Beban Park Field House Proposal

This material is in a Power Point Presentation format requesting that the City of Nanaimo construct a field House at Beban Park to house indoor play for Badminton, Pickleball and Tennis.

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Pickleball is a racquet sport which combines elements of badminton, tennis, and table tennis. The sport is played on a court with the same dimensions as a doubles badminton court. The net is similar to a tennis net, but is mounted two inches lower. The game is played with a hard paddle and a polymer wiffle ball.

The Court


Court Dimensions

The pickleball court is similar to a doubles badminton court. The actual size of the court is 20×44 feet for both doubles and singles. The net is hung at 36 inches on the ends, and 34 inches in the middle. The court is striped like a tennis court, with no alleys; but the outer courts, and not the inner courts, are divided in half by service lines. The inner courts are no-volley zones, and extend 7 feet from the net on either side.

Play

The ball is served underhand starting from the right-hand side of the court and is served diagonally to the opponent’s service zone. Points are scored by the serving side only and occur when the opponent faults (fails to return ball, hits ball out of bounds, etc.). The server continues to serve, alternating service courts, until the server faults. The first side scoring eleven points and leading by at least two points wins. The return of service must be allowed to bounce by the server and partner i.e. cannot be volleyed. Consequently the server’s partner usually stays at the baseline until the first return has been hit back.

  • Baseline — The line at the back of the pickleball court (22 feet from the net).
  • Centerline — The line bisecting the service courts that extends from one side to the other.
  • Crosscourt — The opponent’s court diagonally opposite yours.
  • Dink — A dink is a soft shot, made with the paddle face open, and hit so that it just clears the net and drops into the non-volley zone.
  • Fault — An event that ends with the server giving up his serve to the other side.
  • Foot fault — When ones foot enters into the non-volley zone.
  • Half-volley – A type of hit where the player hits the ball immediately after it has bounced in an almost scoop-like fashion.
  • Let serve — As of January 25th, 2021, service lets have been removed.
  • Non-volley zone — A seven-foot area adjacent to the net within which you may not volley the ball. The non-volley zone usually includes all lines around it.
  • Poach — In doubles, to cross over into your partner’s area to play a ball.
  • Rally — Hitting the ball back and forth between opposite teams.
  • Serve (Service) — The server’s arm must be moving in an upward arc at the time the ball is struck and may be made with either a forehand or backhand motion to put a ball into play at the beginning of a point. 
    • New: **Provisional Rule for 2021** Drop Serve: In addition to the standard serve, players may opt to use the alternate ‘drop serve’ method
  • Server number — When playing doubles, either “1” or “2,” depending on whether you are the first or second server for your side. This number is appended to the score when it is called. As in, the score is now 4 – 2 – second server.
  • Sideline — The line at the side of the court denoting in- and out-of-bounds.
  • Volley — To hit the ball before it bounces.
  • Players – 2 or 4
  • For the 2021 Official Rulebook visit https://usapickleball.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/2021-Rulebook-Indexed-FINAL-12-17-20.pdf

Pickleball SKILLS & DRILLS – by Nancy Stern


Serve & Return of Serve

Two MOST IMPORTANT POINTS:

• Keep the ball in play – can’t win point if you serve or return the serve out.

• Hit the serve and return of serve deep to baseline (slower return gives you more time to get to the Non-Volley Zone (NVZ)).

Dink Shot at the NVZ & Footwork

Three MOST IMPORTANT POINTS:

• Soft touch – face paddle head to floor and use bowling motion to place ball

• Control – keep stiff wrist and follow through to the target

• Step in & out quickly at NVZ

3rd Shot Drop & Lob

Three MOST IMPORTANT POINTS:

• Keep the ball in play – can’t win point if drop is out or in net

• Target in front of NVZ – make your opponent move

• Lob – Get ball high & control – use height & soft touch (diagonal lob gives more distance for the shot)

Forehand

Two MOST IMPORTANT POINTS

• Patience – you have more time than you think, breathe

• Placement – point shoulder at target and follow through (hit 4 consecutive balls)

Backhand

Two MOST IMPORTANT POINTS

• Patience – you have more time than you think, breathe

• Placement – point shoulder at target and follow through (hit 4 consecutive balls)

Game Strategy

• Get the ball over the net = 50% chance of winning rally

• Hit high % shots to reduce UNFORCED ERRORS, don’t make your goal a winning shot

• Placement over power – think target, where you will put the ball

• Patience Grasshopper – >70% of your points come from opposition error

• Move around court with your partner – think of an elastic band

• Communication – talk to partner (mine-yours-up, etc.)

• Have fun – be a good sport, call lines fairly. If in doubt, ball is in!!

Ten easiest ways to LOSE a game

Here is what Coach “Mo” says are 10 ways to guarantee that you will LOSE more Pickleball games than you WIN.1. FREQUENTLY miss your serve.

2. FREQUENTLY miss your return of serve.

3. HELP your opponents by keeping their OUT balls in play.

4. When your opponent hits a very difficult FAST shot at you, try and hit a low percentage sharp angled shot for a winner rather than a DEFENSIVE shot.

5. Take away your PARTNER’S easy forehand shots, with your weaker backhand shots.

6. Get upset with your Excellent Pickleball partner who has SUCCESSFULLY jumped in front of you to win the point!

7. Do NOT keep the ball at your opponents feet as much as possible.

8. Do NOT play up to the No Volley Zone line.

9. Hit the ball TOO FAST for good placement, and do NOT give yourself enough leeway for error.

10. Take TOO MANY sharp angle shots rather than high percentage shots down the middle of the court that bounces between your opponents.

Steps to Mental Toughness (Adapted from: Dr. Jim Loehr & Ken Wasserman)

1. Focus – pick a spot (i.e. ball)

2. Rituals – examine & practice your rituals

3. Pace – develop sense of pace and follow it

4. Breathe – synchronize breathing

5. Positive Intensity – practice & play with intensity

6. Confident Image – project a ‘fighters’ image

7. Relaxation/Timing – stay loose

8. Managing Mistakes – look the same, replay correct shot

9. No Negative Talk – change thoughts to positive ones

10. Have Fun – enjoy the game, smile

11. Positive Attitude – keep strong positive attitude

12. Paddle Up – stay up emotionally, hold up paddle head

PLAY HARD !!__________________________________What it takes to play High Level Pickleball

A Champion’s Continuous Improvement!


SHOT STRATEGY – PRACTICE WITH A PURPOSE by Nancy Stern

1 – SERVE Strategy:
Make sure you get your serve in. Keep your opponents deep in their court and use a variety of serves to keep them guessing. A deep serve makes it more difficult for your opponents to gain the NVZ advantage. Don’t rush when you serve, use the 2 second rule. There are basically 3 types of serves you can choose to practice.
1 – power serve (low, deep, hard – less time to attack ball, keeps them deep)
2 – high lob (soft, deep – makes opponent generate own power & keeps them deep)
3 – short angle serve (soft or fast – brings opponent up but out of neutral court position)
Remember, your opponents’ skill and court position will help determine the best choice of serve. Do not OVERUSE one choice, it is good to mix up your serve options but be smart, if your serve choice is working, continue, if not change your option.
2 – RETURN OF SERVE Strategy:
In pickleball, the receiving team has the advantage as their partner is already at the NVZ. The player making the ROS needs to hit a shot that enables them to get to the NVZ with their partner. A slower pace on your shot gives you more time to get up with your partner. A high lob return of serve gives you lots of time to get to the NVZ. As well, a ROS that lands deep in the opposition courts makes the 3rd shot more difficult for your opponents. A short serve is good to use occasionally but it also allows opponent to get to NVZ much quicker. There are 3 basic returns of serve that you can practice.
1 – deep to baseline ROS either soft or hard paced – Target area can depend on opposition (middle causes confusion and keeps both players back, forehand/backhand of opponent may be weaker)
2 – deep high lob ROS (this gives you more time to join your partner at NVZ) – Target area can depend on opposition (middle causes confusion and keeps both players back, forehand/backhand of opponent may be weaker)
          3 – short ROS (use after you have sent opponents back on some ROS, good if opponent has mobility issues)
3 – THIRD SHOT DROP Strategy:
The third shot is one of the most important shots in pickleball. The serving team is at a disadvantage as they need to stay deep to see what type of a return the opposition plays. The 3rd shot strategy is to get you and your partner up to the NVZ as quickly as you can. The return of serve will usually dictate the 3rd shot for you to play. There are basically four types of 3rd shots you can choose to practice.
1 – drop shot (when both opponents are at the NVZ) *This is the most difficult to master
2 – groundstroke to deep opponent (when person returning serve does not come up to NVZ)
3 – hard drive (if a mid-court return or when both opponents are at the NVZ and weak at volleying)
          4 – lob (when both opponents are at the NVZ)Remember, your opponents’ skill and return of serve will help determine the best choice of 3rd shot. Do not OVERUSE one choice, it is good to mix up your 3rd shot options but be smart, if your 3rd shot choice is working, continue, if not change your option.
4 – DINKING AT THE NVZ – THE SHORT GAME Strategy:
A good dink/drop shot into the NVZ neutralizes opponents ‘hard or power’ game. It is very difficult to hit a hard, power shot when your paddle is below the net. The dink/drop makes your opponent play from a defensive position rather than offensive. The strategy with dinking is to make your opponent MOVE and to be PATIENT while you wait for an opening to power hit the ball to opponents feet or through the opening.
There are three targets to aim for while you are practicing dinking at the NVZ. Each of these shots is intended to make your opponent move & hit up. Targeting feet pushes opponent back and forces them to hit an ‘up’ ball.
          1 – sideline of near opponent – (forces opponent to regain position)
          2 – middle low to backhand side – (causes confusion for players in middle)
          3 – cross court wide – (pushes opponent out of court & forces opponent to regain position)
Often the shot you choose depends on where you get the ball. A cross court ball that pushes you out of court should be returned cross court to give you more time to reset position. Be careful of dropping to near opponent more than 2 times as they can jump out of court for a hard drive.

 

Basic Etiquette and Safety on the courts – referenced from Pickleball Canada
Pickleball is only a game. It is not a metaphor for life. Nobody makes much money playing pickleball. We need to keep in mind that we are playing a GAME! The following Etiquette and Safety guideline are based on that concept.


Etiquette
  1. Begin each game by acknowledging the other players, introducing yourself if you don’t know them. If you do know them, tip a paddle towards them on the other side or whatever is appropriate to let them know that you know they are there and are saying “hey”.
  2. During open play (mixed skill-levels), players play with all skill levels. No complaints. Good sportsmanship is the rule. If you are a significantly stronger player, if you have limited time available to you, and if there is an “advanced court” option, go wait there for a stronger game. In any event, can the whining. It makes you look older.
  3. If you are playing against a team where there is a significantly stronger player, play against the STRONGER player too. You will forget about who wins a given game tomorrow, but if you play against the stronger player you may learn something.
  4. If YOU are the strongest player of the four, play to the weakest players in a way they can handle and learn from. Sometimes you can even ask people what they are working on (e.g. drop shots, lobs, returning balls hit to their backhands, whatever) and if they tell you, hit them shots they can use to work on those shots.
  5. At the end of each game, find something positive to say to the other team at the net. “Nice game” isn’t always appropriate if in spite of your efforts at sportsmanship you have won 11-0. But “you made some great shots!” or “Thanks for playing with us!” is nice. NEVER leave a game without acknowledging the other team. We also tap the end of paddle handles.
  6. If the ball is out, and it’s on your side, call it out. If it’s close, give the benefit to your opponent. This is hard to do when the game is close but do it anyway. If your opponent does not do it, suck it up and you do the right thing anyway when it’s your turn.
  7. If you step into the kitchen on a volley, or if your partner does, call it on yourself. Be very cautious about calling kitchen or serving faults on others. Most of us are at an age that we would doubt that we can clearly see a serving violation (illegal serve, foot-fault on baseline) – it’s 44 feet away at worst and about 23 feet away.
  8. Never ask for, or accept, line calls from spectators.
  9. If spectators continuously comment on the play itself, while this is normal and fun, ask them not to if their comments are loud, disruptive, argumentative, hostile or combative. Even if they are on your side!
  10. NEVER yell at, swear at, or say a hostile or sarcastic word to your partner or your opponent in anger. We repeat, NEVER!
  11. Trash-talking, which is teasing your opponents in a fun and lighthearted way, is part of pickleball. It’s one of the things that distinguishes us from our more formal and reserved counterparts who play tennis. BUT be careful – don’t trash-talk someone who is sensitive, who you don’t know, who is a weaker player or can’t for any reason trash-talk back. Just be careful.
  12. The corollary to the above is obvious. ALWAYS compliment people on outstanding “hero” shots or on a really great game. (Not on every point, but when it’s most appropriate)
  13. Play your strongest game against better players but work on stuff you need practice on with the weaker players. We will often individually tell our partners “I’m working on (say) placement today” and they know that will mean that we’re not necessarily going to put every shot away. Saying this beforehand gives you a chance to gauge what your partner wants out of the deal.
  14. Do not take advantage of a person’s physical limitations when you play them socially. If someone cannot go back for a lob when they’re at the line because of physical limitations, for instance, why lob over their heads? It’s a cheap shot, you won’t learn anything by doing it, and you certainly will not be respected for it. Anyway, perhaps they have great hands at the line and you could learn something by hitting shots to their strength and trying to make good shots out of their returns. (It’s appropriately a different story in tournaments, believe us, but even there some limitations apply.
  15. DON’T OFFER OBSERVATIONS OR ADVICE on other player’s play. Most people don’t want observations about their play and will not take it well. Even if they ask, be very cautious. See the next point.
  16. Giving advice WHEN ASKED – if you believe that the party is really sincere about wanting it. Everybody handles this differently but we believe we should, at that point, give no more than ONE piece of advice at a time. Let them work on that. Then, some other day, go on to the next thing.
  17. IF OTHERS OFFER YOU UNSOLICITED ADVICE/OBSERVATIONS – if you don’t want it, tell them immediately that you are not interested and are just there to play the game. If you are interested, then listen and incorporate how you see fit.
Safety
  1. Don’t overplay your current physical condition. (“JUST ONE MORE GAME” has caused way too many accidents!)
  2. Hydrate. This means “drink water”. This means YOU. Drink BEFORE you are thirsty. Otherwise it’s too late.
  3. If a ball comes onto your court from another court, immediately YELL “BALL” and STOP PLAY AT ONCE. Same if you hear “Ball On Court!” yelled from another court. STOP.
– Don’t just swat the ball back that rolls into your court. Pick it up and toss it to the player on the other court.– If your ball is going towards another court, do NOT chase it ONTO the other court. Stop, yell “Ball on Court”, and let the other people stop play and retrieve the ball.
  1. If you are crossing an active court to get onto a vacant court or to leave a court, wait until their current point is over.
  2. If a ball breaks, safely remove it from the court.
  3. If ANYTHING falls on the court, quickly remove it.
  4. If you see someone who displays signs of dizziness, weakness, or lack of concentration, keep an eye on them. Recommend a time-out if you think it necessary for their sake.
  5. If you see someone playing with “bad” shoes…sandals, non-court-shoes, leather soles of any kind, stop play. Bad shoes are disaster on the hoof.
  6. If you are near your partner with an overhead slam opportunity where you may hit them, stop play. Let the ball drop. Lose the point. Do NOT hit your partner. Stay conscious of where they are.
  7. If you can go back more safely for an overhead than your partner, (if their mobility is limited), YOU cover the overheads. Likewise let them cover for you if the situation is reversed.
  8. When going backwards for a lob, turn and run backwards, DON’T SHUFFLE BACKWARDS. I have seen SO-O-O many falls happen because someone shuffles instead of turning and running. This is a hard thing to do correctly, btw, and needs to be practiced.
  9. Only a few of us need to be reminded of this one, but don’t dive for balls.
  10. If someone falls on the court, all play STOPS until their needs are addressed. If you have a full-blown pickleball club you should also have a DeFib unit as well as a full-blown first-aid kit. You should also have people trained up on the DeFib and on CPR. Every year, there should be ADDITIONAL people trained up on both processes.
  

Important Information for New Members. Please read carefully. 

Membership cost is currently $25.00 and is valid until Dec 31 of the current year. Membership cost on or after Oct 1st is $12.50 and is valid until Dec 31st of the current year. If you have any questions, please email the club at nanaimopickleball@gmail.com

To become a new member of the Club you will need to complete the following steps:

1) have a current membership with Pickleball Canada (PCO) and PickleballBC (PBBC). These memberships can be purchased or renewed on our Pickleball Canada website by clicking here and then following the instructions on the website.

2) apply for membership with the Club by going to our member management software CourtReserve and click on Create Account or Pick a Membership. The link to CourtReserve is:  https://app.courtreserve.com/Online/Portal/Index/6576

3) all new members who are rated as novice (2.0 or 2.5) must enroll in pickleball brackets. This software is used to assessment our new members performance to determine when they are eligible to move to more advanced courts. There is no cost to join Pickleball Brackets. Instructions on how to join can be found by clicking on this link Pickleball Brackets

4) As a new member, you were asked to self-assess your pickleball rating on your application. For the playing enjoyment of all our Club members, members of the Rating Committee, Executive Committee and Coordinators will monitor your performance on the courts for several sessions and compare your self-assessment with our assessment to ensure your court performance is similar to other Club members at that skill level. If the Club determines that your performance is not at your self-assessed skill level, the Club at its sole discretion, will change your rating to a rating that better matches your skill level to other members of the Club. If your rating is revised, you will be notified of such change by someone from the Rating Committee.

5) new members who do not have any Pickleball experience must take the Introduction/Orientation sessions or lessons before playing in any regular Club sessions. Please check the availability of these sessions as they are not offered on a regular basis or could be full before joining the Club. If you join the Club and haven't taken the Introduction or lessons, you will be restricted from playing until you do.

     a. At this session, the instructors will determine if you require further training or development before  joining in regular Club play sessions

     b. If it is determined that you require further training you will have the option to:  

  • Take training by an external provider, 
  • take training through Club offered training or 
  • get assistance through Club supported play

     c. To join regular Club play you must be approved by the Instructors that you have attained a certain level of skill. This is to ensure that the games are fun and enjoyable to the new members as well as to our existing Club members. Existing Club members are playing for the fun, exercise and a good game of Pickleball but not to coach, teach or instruct and that is why we require a certain skill level for new members.

     d. New members who have not qualified for regular Club Play cannot prepay for regular Club play sessions until they are approved. To this end, supportive play will be offered for these players when scheduled. However, the Club will strive to find other playing opportunities and/or training opportunities for these members.

6)      For new members that have not attained a certain skill level they will have opportunities to improve their skill through the following means depending on availability.

a.       Club Supported Play – from time to time, 1 court during regular club play sessions will be available for novice/beginner players to improve their skills by supported play by an experienced player. 

b.      Club Training – training will be scheduled from time to time, depending on demand for new members to develop their skills.

c.       External Training – there are individuals outside the Club that provide training for those who would like to take advantage of this opportunity.

d.      Club Recreation Play for Developing Members – the Club will be offering some recreational play time to new members under a certain skill level to work on improving their game. To take these recreational play sessions you must have taken the Introduction to Pickleball session or have had some previous Pickleball experience. This is not a training or teaching session so you need to know the rules and how to play. This is an opportunity for new members to play other members at a similar skill level.

e.      Outdoor and Drop-In Play – new members should use these opportunities for additional play time and improve on their skills 

f.      Upcoming Orientation/Introduction to Pickleball Course (held at Oliver Woods Community Centre or outdoors, weather permitting) – TBA (Email the Club at nanaimopickleball@gmail.com to find next session offerings)


Before you renew your membership you need to renew your Pickleball Canada (PCO) and PickleballBC (PBBC) memberships if they are within 60 days of expiry. Please read the attached document on how to complete your membership renewal. The following is the link to CourtReserve where you can logon to complete your membership renewal. https://app.courtreserve.com/Online/Portal/Index/6576

As a New Member and for Renewing Members when you joined the Club you were asked to agree to the Assumption of Risk Waiver Release Agreement as a condition of your membership with the Club. You can review the complete details of this agree here. 

To download the CourtReserve App for your ios or android device just click on the appropriate button below.



"For Nanaimo Pickleball Club Members Only" 

The items listed here must be related to pickleball and can be items you would like to sell or items you would like to buy. 

 Any inquiries to your listing will be sent directly to you. Upon receiving this notice, the listing member will make contact with the inquiring party.


All sales activities will be conducted by the buyer and seller and not through the Club. The Club assumes no liability or responsibility for the items sold through this page. 

Listings will be removed after 90 days, if not renewed by the listing member.  (PLEASE INFORM IF THE ITEM SELLS OR IS NO LONGER AVAILABLE, SO IT CAN BE REMOVED) 


If you have anything that you would like to list or have any questions please contact Larry at:

 NANAIMOPICKLEBALL@GMAIL.COM 


Larry will review your posting to ensure it confirms to our policies and that you are a Club member. This webpage is monitored and maintained by Larry and any comments should be directed to Larry at the above noted email address


ITEM 1  (POSTED January 7)  

ADIDAS COURT SHOES....too tight...men's size 8.5....only used a couple of times....$40

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ITEM 2 (POSTED FEBRUARY 4)

GEARBOX CX11 POWER…..asking $100


ITEM 3 (POSTED FEBRUARY 10)

LADIES’ YONEX COURT SHOES…. POWER CUSHION 670…. SIZE 6.5 (23.5 cm)…. ONLY USED TWO TIMES…. $40


ITEM 4  (Posted FEB 15)

WOMEN’S  ASICS  GEL COURT 8 SHOES FOR SALE…. SIZE 9…. WORN  3 TIMES…. PAID $150…. WILL SELL FOR $60  OBO


ITEM 5  (POSTED FEB 27)

FOR SALE:  GILDAN COTTON SHIRT…. NEW (never worn)…. WITH CLUB LOGO…. SIZE LARGE…. ASKING $15 (paid $21)

Link to Pickleball Canada                                             Link to PickleballBC

Link to Rule Changes for 2023 (see page 4)                Link to IPTPA Skill Rating Assessment

Link to BC 55+ Games                                                 Link to Pickleball Rules - 2023

Link to Pickleball Channel                                            Link to Pickleball Videos (Youtube)

Link to Oliver Woods Drop-In Schedule                      Link to Insurance Summary

Link to USA Pickleball (USAPA)                                    Link to A Kids & Beginners Guide to Pickleball

See our Web page titled How to Play Pickleball for a complete description and the rules.
The only equipment you need is a paddle, a pickleball (either indoor or outdoor ball depending where you are playing) and a pair of court shoes. You should wear whatever comfortable attire you have for either indoor or outdoor play. Most players wear a t-shirt or similar top and shorts or jogging pants depending on the weather.

Equipment can be purchased at most sporting stores or on-line at any of the many on-line sites. 
As a member of the Club it is mandatory that you are members of Pickleball Canada (PCO) and PickleballBC (PBBC). As a member of PickleballBC your membership will indicate your support for the development of PickleballBC and the overall goals set out. In the near future, as the organizational structure of PickleballBC is solidified and work begins, some of the benefits a player would have with a PICKLEBALLBC membership would include:

1. A PICKLEBALLBC website that captures information from across the province and links to information outside BC
2. Information on places to play across the Province
3. A network of like-minded people across the Province who are prepared to share their knowledge to promote the sport
4. A schedule of provincial tournaments for those that want a more competitive environment
5. Access to introductory clinics for new participants and skills upgrading clinics for existing players
6. Access to programs for the development of coaches, referees and training resources for all levels of play
7. Access to a process of player rating that is consistent across BC
8. Introduction of the game to schools and other organizations
9. Advice on club start up
10. Access to Third Party General Liability & Medical Expense Reimbursement insurance
11. Information on what’s happening across BC
12. Membership in an organization that is focused on the development of the sport with the goal of being a provincially recognized sport organization and the capacity to access provincial sports funding.
13. Membership in an organization that supports and guides municipalities in infrastructure development
14. Membership in an organization that actively encourages tournament infrastructure
15. Membership in an organization interested in making BC a leader in Canadian pickleball
To join the Nanaimo Pickleball Club please go to the new membership page on our website for instructions and important information for new members. ​https://www.nanaimopickleball.org/new-members​​​ 
If you are a Club member you can go to the member list on your member portal and look for members who are rated at the same level as you are - their contact information is provided. All scheduled Club play sessions are divided into two groups - 1) Under 3.0 and 2) 3.0 and above so you will be more likely to play with someone at your skill level.

Another way to find players is to drop-in at one on the many outdoor public facilities where players of all skill levels meet to play. Beaufort Park has 6 courts and will be your best opportunity to find a game. For a list of all the outdoor play areas see our Web page Places to Play. To play at these outdoor facilities you do not have to be a member of the Club.
Just logon to CourtReserve and go to either the calendar or event list and choose the session based on your skill level that you would like go play in. You can also find instructions on the homepage of CourtReserve.
Yes you can but there are restrictions. If you are new to pickleball and have little to no experience you can still join the Club but, you will be restricted from playing until you take the "Orientation to Pickleball" session. For further detail please go to the "New Membership" page, click on "Lessons and Clinics" for any upcoming events.
The current membership cost for New Members is $25.00 for the Club year (Jan 1 to December 31). The cost for Renewing members who renew for the following year is $12.50 if you renew between Dec 1 to Dec 31 and $25.00 if renew after after Dec 31st.
Currently the new membership rate is at a discounted 50% if you join the Club on or after October 1 and your membership will be good until Dec 31 of that year.
For renewing members, if you renew your membership between Dec 1 and Dec 31 then the current rate is $12.50. If you renew after Dec 31 the rate is $25 for that year.
You can look on our website to see what lessons are currently being offered on the page lessons and clinics. You can also google pickleball lessons as there are many individuals who offer private lessons.
The Club currently has no age restrictions but our membership is mostly adults many of whom are Seniors 55+. There would be limited play with someone their age.
Yes, you can play as a guest. However, you need to also be a current member of Pickleball Canada and have experience playing pickleball. The guest membership costs $5 and is valid for 37 days from the date of purchase. 
Please see our web page for Places to Play. To play at any Club sessions you have to be a member but the outdoor facilities are free and you don't have to be a Club member.
If you can't find your Pickleball Canada (PCO) then just logon to your PCO account and click on My Profile to find your PCO number.
You can find a listing on the Club's play sessions on our web page for "Scheduled Play Session" or on the "Calendar".
Just go to our web page titled Tournaments for a complete list of tournaments on the Mainland and Vancouver Island as well as tournaments outside of BC.
The Club is a non-profit organization run by volunteers and we have no business address or phone number. To reach an Executive member of the Club go to the Contact US page on the website and complete and submit your question there or email the Club directly at nanaimopickleball@gmail.com Someone will get back to you in a few business days.
For a summary on the insurance benefits please click on the following link. ​Pickleball Canada Insurance​​​