PICKLE BALL
Outdoor pickleball remains the only option for CB 55+ addicts of the game. Unfortunately, Saanich is not offering our usual reserved time on Thursday afternoons at McMinn Park because, due to COVID-19, public courts are being used strictly on a first-come, first-serve basis. Saanich is not reserving court time for any special events, lessons or specific community groups. Users must adhere to the rule of limiting play to 30-minutes if others are waiting to access the courts.
Please keep the game enjoyable for all with good sports behaviour and by observing all posted hours and rules.
Our best advice is to form small groups of people who you know well and with whom you will play while keeping a contact list for tracing purposes.
Play at Saanich Commonwealth Place is cancelled for the remainder of the summer. Updates will be posted as they become available.
These are the recommendations from the Victoria Regional Pickleball Association:
l Do not play if you are unwell or have any cold or flu-like symptoms
l Before, during and immediately after play, wash or sanitize your hands and equipment.
l Play only with people you know well, preferably in small groups by arranging in advance.
l Maintain contact information for any person with whom you play
l Maintain social distancing before and after games.
l Only use your own clearly marked balls for serving (suggest each player takes 2 balls on court)
l When necessary, stop play to ask for and safely have balls returned from other courts.
More information is available at https://www.victoriapickleball.org/
Thanks to group leader Pat Bancroft for the update. Pat can be reached at patbancroft1946@gmail.com
Pickle Ball is played on a badminton-size court with the net about the height of a tennis net. We play singles or doubles, depending on the number of people who come. Each person uses a paddle a bit bigger than a ping pong paddle and a wiffle ball. The rules are similar to ping pong. It’s not a strenuous game and we’re there mostly for the fun.
Please wear safety glasses when playing pickle ball. If you do not wear glasses, please consider purchasing a pair of safety glasses. They are available through local sports shops. Your eyesight is very important!
