Effective October 1, 2026

As court demand continues to increase, we are making some changes to our court reservation and open-play procedures to help provide a fair, organized, and enjoyable experience for everyone.

Beginning October 1, 2026, all courts will be first come, first served, and only paid reservations will be booked and confirmed. A reservation is not considered secured until payment has been received.

During open play, we will use a paddle rack system to determine who plays next and keep court rotations fair and consistent.

Find all the details below!

 

Why Are We Making This Change?

As pickleball continues to grow in our community, while tennis remains a favorite for many of our players, we want to make sure our court-use policies work well for everyone.

With increased demand for court time, we are updating our reservation and open-play procedures to create a fair, clear, and consistent process for all players. Our goal is to give everyone a fair opportunity to enjoy the sport they love while keeping court use organized and efficient.

Court Reservations

Courts are available to reserve at the ARC Front Desk for $25 per hour.

Reservations must be paid in full at the time of booking to secure the court. Only paid reservations will be booked and confirmed.

 

What Is a Paddle Rack System?

A paddle rack system is a simple, first-come, first-served method used during open play to determine who plays next.

Players who are ready to play place their paddles in the designated rack or holder near the courts. As a court becomes available, the next four paddles in line rotate onto the open court.

The paddle rack creates a visible order that everyone can follow. It helps eliminate confusion, prevents players from saving spots for friends, and ensures everyone has a fair opportunity to play.

 

How the Paddle Rack Works

1. Rack Your Paddle
   • When you arrive and are ready to play, place your paddle in the designated paddle rack.
   • Each player should rack their own paddle. Your position in the rack determines when you will play and who you will play with. 
2. Wait for Your Turn
   • Once your paddle is in the rack, stay aware of the courts and be ready when your turn comes up.
   • When a game ends, the next four paddles in line will rotate onto the available court.
   • If you are not ready when your paddle reaches the front of the rack, the rotation may move on to the next available player so games can continue without unnecessary delays.
3. Rotate Off After Your Game
   • When your game ends, please exit the court promptly so the next group can begin.
   • If you would like to continue playing, rerack your paddle at the end of your game and return to the back of the line.

This keeps the rotation moving and gives everyone a fair opportunity to play.

 

Why the Paddle Rack System Matters

As pickleball continues to grow, court space can become limited, especially during peak hours. A paddle rack system helps create a consistent process so everyone knows how court rotations are determined.

The system helps provide:

• Equal access to court time
• A clear first-come, first-served order
• Fair and consistent rotations
• Faster transitions between games
• Less confusion and fewer disputes
• A welcoming environment for players of all skill levels

Open play works best when everyone follows the same process.

 

King’s Court

When pickleball is in play, King’s Court rules will apply.

The paddle rack system and King’s Court format are designed to keep play moving during busy open-play periods while providing fair and equal access to the courts.

Players should be prepared to rotate on and off the court as directed and play with whoever is next in the rotation.

 

During King’s Court play:

• Players will rotate according to the designated court and paddle rack system.
• Players waiting to play should keep their paddles in the designated rack to maintain their place in line.
• When a game ends, players will rotate according to the posted King’s Court rotation.
• Players should exit the court promptly when their game is complete.
• Players may be required to rotate courts based on the King’s Court format and current court activity.
• Players should be prepared to play with different partners and opponents during open play.
• No player may hold a court or save a position in the rotation for another player.
• All players are expected to follow the first-come, first-served paddle rack system.
• During busy periods, players should keep games moving and avoid unnecessary delays.

The goal of King’s Court is to create a fair, organized, and enjoyable rotation so more players have the opportunity to get on the court.

 

Open Play Etiquette

To keep rotations fair and games moving smoothly, please follow these guidelines:

1. Do Not Save a Spot for Friends
   • Adding another player's paddle to the rack to save them a spot goes against the first-come, first-served system.
   • Instead: If you want to play together, both players should enter the rotation according to the paddle rack system.
2. Be Willing to Play With Others
   • Open play means being willing to play with the players who are next in the rotation.
   • Please do not skip players or refuse to play with someone simply because you are unfamiliar with them or have different playing styles.
   • Instead: Play the game as assigned, then decide whether you would like to rerack for another game.
3. Avoid Creating Private Groups During Open Play
   • Pre-forming a group of four and entering the rotation together can prevent other players from getting a fair opportunity to play.
   • Instead: If you are looking for guaranteed group play with specific players, please use a reserved court, designated challenge court, or scheduled group session when available.
4. Clear the Court Promptly
   • Once your game is finished, please leave the court so the next group can begin.
   • Avoid extended conversations, additional rallies, or unnecessary delays on the court during busy open-play periods.
   • Instead: Continue conversations and socializing off the court while allowing the next group to play.
5. What If Someone Isn't Following the Rules?
   • We understand that not everyone may be familiar with the paddle rack system, especially new players.
   • If you notice someone who may not understand the process, please help them out or ask a team member for assistance.
   • Most situations can be resolved with a simple and respectful reminder.

Please Avoid Arguments on the Court

If a disagreement occurs, please avoid heated discussions or confrontations during play. Keeping the environment respectful and enjoyable for everyone is our priority.

If the situation cannot be resolved, please bring the concern to a facility lead or staff member. Staff can help clarify the rules and address the situation fairly and consistently.

 

Be a Great Open Play Partner

Open play is a shared experience, and everyone plays a part in making it enjoyable.

Please remember to:

• Be ready when it is your turn
• Follow the paddle rack rotation
• Be flexible with partners and matchups
• Respect players of all skill levels
• Communicate clearly and respectfully
• Help new players understand the system
• Keep games moving during busy periods
• Respect the court and the players waiting

Our Goal

These changes are designed to make court use fair, simple, and consistent for everyone.

Thank you for your patience, cooperation, and commitment to creating a welcoming environment for all players. By following the paddle rack and open-play guidelines, we can keep games moving and help ensure everyone has an opportunity to enjoy the courts.

 

Questions? Contact Us!