Golf, Tennis & Pickleball Etiquette

Dear Wonderful Cotillion Students,

I hope that you had a terrific Fourth of July! With summer comes summer sports. This week I am going to share some etiquette for pickleball, golf and tennis.

Tennis Etiquette

• Tennis is a game that requires cooperation and courtesy from all participants – players and spectators (aka: be a good sport!)
• When warming up, always hit your balls in such a way that your opponent is also able to warm up.
• Players should compliment each other on good shots. 
• Players make the calls on their own side of the net. Be honest! If you didn’t see clearly if the ball is in or not, you must give the point to your opponent.
• Always give your opponent the benefit of the doubt. Play with integrity!
• Call the score before every point.
• If your opponent hits an ‘obviously out’ serve, don’t hit it back.
• A ball touching any part of the line is good. 99% out = 100% good shot!
• Never enlist the aid of a spectator to make a call on a shot.
• A “let” may be called by either player when a ball from another court enters the playing area. Replay the point.
• If your ball rolls behind a neighboring court, wait until the play stops before retrieving the ball.
• Do not clap or yell during a point, always remain quiet during play.

Pickleball Etiquette

• Always be willing to play pickleball (or any sport) with a beginner. Remember you were once a beginner too! Be gracious, share your knowledge and give them some pointers. If you are the newbie, be sure to thank them for helping you learn about and how to play the game.
• Reply to emails or texts requesting a partner. Don’t not respond. If you have played with them before and you were not an ideal match, that’s okay. Just turn down their offer graciously, and let them know that you are grateful that they asked.
• Play as a team. Don’t take more than your share of the shots, even if you are the better player. 
• Call out the score loudly before serving. 
• Return a ball that comes to your court from another court, make eye contact with the other court before throwing the ball back. 
• Never cross a court (walk through a court) during a match. If you are chasing a ball, call out “ball” so that they are aware of your presence and the situation. 
• Don’t ever call a ball out before it has landed.     

Golf Etiquette

• The overriding principle for golf is that consideration should be shown to others on the course at all times. (I would prefer this to be your overriding principle for your life in general!)
• Golf relies on the integrity of the individual. Golf is a game of honesty, character and sportsmanship. (Although you might think of a way to cheat, DON’T – remember you are better than that!)
• Obey the cart path rules. At certain times of the year, going off the path can do great damage to the course.
• Be careful. Players should take care that they are not standing close by or in a position to be hit by a club or a ball.
• If you lose a ball, you have 3 minutes to recover it. After that take the drop and move on. Prolonged search for your ball can slow down the whole course.
• If a player hits the ball in a direction in which someone is in danger of being hit, the player should immediately shout a warning of “Fore!”
• Be ready when it is your time to hit.
• Stay off your phone, and if you have it with you make sure that it is on silent.
• There should be no moving, talking or unnecessary noise while someone is hitting their shot. 
• Do not stand in the line of a player’s putt, or cast a shadow over the line of their putt. Make it easy for them to do their best.
• Always repair all divots and ball marks. (Leave no trace – leave the course as nice as you found it!)
• Keep play moving. Let faster players play through.
• Don’t ask for or give advice to other players. On the course is not the time for it, unless you are playing with your parent or you are in an instructional situation.

For tennis, pickleball and golf:

• Always be early for your match. If you are late, you impede the play and time of those that will follow you on the court or on the course.
• Remember to shake hands at the conclusion of a match or game and thank them for the game (if your hands are sweaty, wipe them off first), be sure to let them know that it was a ‘good game’ regardless of whether you win or lose. Win and lose with grace, dignity and kindness.
• Remember to always play with good sportsmanship, the loss of a game or match is never worth the loss that comes from not being your best self.

I hope that you have a wonderful summer with lots of fun activities! 

Love,

Mrs. Achiu