SUPREME COURT PICKLEBALL AND TEXAS TEAM PICKLEBALL LEAGUE CODE OF CONDUCT
The mission of Texas Team Pickleball League (TTPL) is to promote and facilitate competitive pickleball play at the highest level in the state of Texas in accordance with DUPR Community Guidelines and Fair Play Committee.
General Expectations
All participants, officials, volunteers, and representatives agree to:
- Demonstrate good sportsmanship and respect for others at all times.
- Refrain from unsportsmanlike conduct, profanity, or abusive language.
- Ensure the safety and well-being of all participants.
- Treat facilities and equipment with care.
- Uphold principles of fairness, honesty, and integrity.
- Avoid conflicts of interest or the appearance thereof.
- Comply with all applicable laws and regulations.
- Maintain a drug- and alcohol-free environment during TTPL events.
Commitment to Inclusivity
TTPL prohibits discrimination or harassment based on race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, disability, or any other protected characteristic.
Texas Team Pickleball League is a DUPR club and committed to following DUPR Community Guidelines.
DUPR is committed to creating a safe and fair environment for all players and organizers. The following Community Guidelines were created to help foster and protect our amazing pickleball community. Respect for our community, opponents, coaches, and officials is a critical part of growing the game and an essential principle in the fair treatment of all. Overstepping these boundaries may result in a permanent ban, suspended account, or other restrictions.
DUPR upholds a zero-tolerance policy towards:
- Instances of racism, sexism, discrimination, abusive language, physical abuse, harassment, and any other behaviors detrimental to an individual or the event.
- Instances of cheating, tanking, game-fixing, and any kind of data manipulation, including creating multiple accounts.
- Individuals who fail background checks.
DUPR Players and Organizers are expected to adhere to the following principles and may not:
- Engage in direct or indirect verbal mistreatment of any official, player, sponsor, spectator, or any other individuals present within the event venue.
- Display unsportsmanlike conduct, such as acts of aggression or property damage.
- Use illicit substances at any event.
- Claim the identity of another player and/or impersonate another player/organizer.
- Send inappropriate messages, within or outside, the DUPR platform.
DUPR: Manipulating DUPR ratings, results, or data in any manner is strictly prohibited. This includes, but is not limited to:
- Creating multiple accounts for any purpose, such as using opposite hands, separate coaching accounts, or any other unauthorized reason.
- Injured players are not allowed to create separate accounts to play with their opposite hand.
- Any use of multiple accounts will result in the accounts being merged into one account.
Supreme Court Pickleball and Texas Team Pickleball Code of Conduct:
Coaching and Spectator Behavior
Permitted Times for Coaching:
- Coaching is only permitted between games and during time-outs.
- This includes when players switch ends of the court, as this is now considered a time-out.
Prohibited Times for Coaching:
- Coaching is not allowed at any other time during a pickleball match, especially while the ball is in play.
Forms of Coaching:
- Coaching can be verbal, non-verbal, or even electronic but must come from someone other than the player's partner.
Partner Communication:
- Partners on the court may communicate with each other during play, which is not considered coaching.
Penalties for Improper Coaching:
- If coaching occurs during a match outside of permitted times, the opposing team can issue a technical warning to the violating player or team.
- A second violation results in a technical foul and loss of a point in the current game.
Coaching Qualifications:
- Coaches can be anyone with knowledge and experience in the game; professional certification is not required.
Spectator Behavior
- Spectators must remain quiet and refrain from making any noise during points.
- Spectators are not allowed to provide advice or coaching to players during matches.
- Spectators' electronic devices should be silenced to avoid disrupting play.
- Spectators must not interfere with play or distract players in any way.
Children and Pets
- Unsupervised children or pets are not allowed on or around the courts during match play.
- Children must be supervised at all times before and during play.
- Pets must follow facility guidelines and be supervised at all times.
- If proper supervision is not provided, the player responsible may be asked to forfeit the match.
Electronic Devices
- Players may not use any device capable of receiving communication during the match.
- Smart watches may be worn unless the opponent considers it a distraction.
- Devices that emit noise during play are considered a deliberate distraction.
- Video recording is not allowed during match play.
Sportsmanship
- Players are expected to demonstrate good sportsmanship at all times.
- Physical violence or verbal abuse before, during, or after a match is strictly prohibited.
Players should resolve disputes amicably on court:
- If disputes cannot be resolved among players, team captains may seek assistance from the facility director or league officials.
- For unresolved issues, refer to the Grievance Policy for guidance on submitting a formal grievance.
Violations
- Zero Tolerance for Unsportsmanlike Behavior
- Taunting, trash-talking, or abusive language is prohibited.
- Aggressive behavior toward players, officials, or spectators is grounds for immediate action:
- Penalties may include warnings, ejections from matches/events, suspensions, or permanent removal from TTPL activities.
- Repeated Violations of this Code may result in escalating penalties as determined by TTPL leadership.
Self-Officiated Play
- Pickleball is primarily a self-officiated sport:
- Players are expected to resolve disputes on court amicably.
- Only team captains may approach league officials for clarification or assistance if disputes cannot be resolved during play.
Grievance Policy
Filing a Grievance
- Any player or team with a concern must complete the Grievance Form and include all supporting documentation found on Grievance Policy page.
- Submit the form via email to BethMahler@TexasTeamPickleballLeague.com, including relevant details.
- If necessary, follow up with a phone call to (972) 898-2830, Beth Mahler.
Acknowledgment and Review
- Grievances will be acknowledged within 24 hours of submission.
- The League Ambassadors will review grievances promptly and ensure timely resolution.
- League Director may seek guidance from Triple Team National Advisory Board.
Final Rulings
- All rulings made by League Directors and Ambassadors are final and binding.
The primary goal of TTPL is to promote competitive pickleball while fostering good fellowship and sportsmanship in accordance with league rules and fair play principles.
Violations of this Code may result in warnings, reprimands, suspensions, forfeiting the privilege of playoff or national post season play, or removal from TTPL activities as determined by TTPL leadership.
TTPL is committed to providing an inclusive and respectful environment where all participants can enjoy competitive pickleball at the highest level in Texas.