OPEN PLAY
SMPC OPEN PLAY COURT LAYOUT
This information applies only during SMPC permitted times and can change without notice. Not all courts are reserved at all times.
Monday – Friday, 8:00 a.m.- 12:00 p.m.
Court 1: We generally aren’t able to reserve this court, but that may change in the future.
Court 2: This court may only be available until 11:00am. When reserved, all four (4) nets are Open Play unless used for SMPC Clinic or LiveBall. Occasionally, we will split the court: 2A and 2B for SMPC Clinics; 2C and 2D for SMPC Open Play.
Court 3: All four (4) nets are Open Play unless used for SMPC Clinic or LiveBall. Often only available until 11:00am.
Court 4: Net 4C is Beginners; Net 4B is Advanced 3.5+ Players; Nets 4A and 4D are for all other players (No Beginners and No Advanced 3.5+ Players). These designations may be changed by an Ambassador based on the number/level of players.
When courts are full and players are waiting with paddles down, players must relinquish the court at their game’s natural completion. Courts are only to be used for games and possibly a quick warm up when players are waiting.
Waiting players may place paddles into a pickleball paddle rack if one is set up, or if one is not set up, place next to the net of a game in play. When the game is over, players will relinquish the court to those waiting as follows:
4 paddles down: All players leave court to those waiting.
3 paddles down: One player from the winning team may remain on the court; the other three players must relinquish the court.
2 paddles down: The winning team may stay on.
1 paddle down: The winning team may stay on as well as one player from the losing team.
Double stacking of paddles (playing a game while having a second paddle waiting on another court) is not permitted. If you double stack you may be asked to leave SMPC Open Play.
All games are doubles played to 11, win by 2, switch sides if desired at 6. Due to crowding, Ambassadors may declare games to 8 and win by 1.
SMPC permitted courts are available for open play on a first come, first served basis; unless being used by clinics, round robins, challenge courts or other purposes of SMPC.
As to courts not reserved by SMPC, the City of Santa Monica rules apply; including that Court 4 is always Open Play.
SMPC OPEN PLAY RULES
CHALLENGE COURT RULES
All games on the Challenge Court are doubles played to 8 and win by 1, switch sides if either team desires at 4.
After five straight wins players/team must relinquish the court. They may put paddles down at the end of the line.
The winning team may stay on the Challenge Court until they are defeated or until they play/win five games in a row, whichever occurs first.
At the end of each game, players with the next 2 paddles at the Challenge Court will take the court as challengers.
When the winning team relinquishes the court, either after winning 5 straight games or any time before if they choose, the next 4 paddles will take the court.
SMPC reserves the right to turn the Challenge Court back into Open Play at any time.
LADDER CHALLENGE COURT RULES
Watch for SMPC news alerts with information about special Ladder Challenge Court days/times.
The Ladder Challenge is for 3.5+ players only. Please do not play if you are not at this level.
It takes place on Court 4.
The court order is: 4C to 4D to 4A to 4B (see diagram).
All four nets will be initially populated by the first 16 players. The first four take Court 4B, next four Court 4A, next Court 4D, and next Court 4C.
Once 16 players are on the Ladder, all other players line their paddles up at the starting net, Court 4C.
All games are to 8 points, win by 1 (i.e., the first to 8).
Court 4C winners move up to Court 4D. Court 4C losers, join the end of the line of paddles at Court 4C.
Court 4D winners move up to Court 4A. Court 4D loser, join the end of the line of paddles at Court 4C.
Court 4A winners move to Court 4B. Court 4A losers, move down to Court 4D and play Court 4C winners.
Court 4B winners stay on Court 4B and play the winners of Court 4A. Court 4B losers, move down to Court 4A and play the winners of Court 4D.
There should only ever be 16 players on the courts. Waiting players should all be lined up at Court 4C.
Runaway Balls
If a ball comes onto your court, shout “Ball on” and immediately stop play.
If you hear someone shout, “Ball on” stop play immediately.
If you hit a ball onto another court, shout “Ball on.”
All “Ball on” points get replayed.
“Ball on” shouts are to prevent players from tripping, falling, or twisting an ankle on runaway balls. Do not ignore the call. And remember, you are responsible for alerting other courts of your errant balls; shout “Ball on!” immediately to help your fellow players.
Additionally, do not run onto a court after your runaway ball until all players have stopped playing.
Know your limits
Don’t overplay your current physical condition. “One more game” has caused way too many accidents.
Wet Courts
Do not play on wet courts. The courts get very slippery when wet.
Hydrate
This is so important in our climate, drink plenty of water before, during, and after play. Drink before you are thirsty.
If you see a player display signs of dizziness, feels weak, or has trouble concentrating, keep an eye on them. Recommend a time-out if you think it’s necessary for their safety.
SMPC recommends proper eye protection, the wearing of proper clothing, and court shoes for pickleball. And stretching prior to play is helpful in preventing injuries.
SMPC does not assume any liability for injury or damages because of pickleball play.
Memorial Park courts are public, if you notice a situation that is dangerous, please do not play on the courts and notify the City of Santa Monica.