Important rule when in court

As pickleball is a popular sport here at the Markham Wesley Centre, and that we also have badminton players on the court from time to time, safety considerations are increasingly critical by day. At the Centre, we want to make sure all parties can enjoy their games safely. Kindly read the following rule and implement them so that we ensure a safe environment for everybody.

**Badminton players, this is as important for you too because you may get injured should you not be aware of what is happening around you.**

In pickleball, a crucial safety rule is the requirement to stop playing when a ball from another court rolls into your court or your ball rolls into another court. This rule is designed to prevent accidents and injuries by ensuring that players aren't distracted or tripped by an unexpected ball.

Ball on Court Rule:*

1. *Immediate Stop of Play:*

  • If a ball from another court rolls into your court, any player should immediately call out "Ball!" or "Ball on court!" to alert all players.
  • Once the call is made, play stops immediately. This is a safety measure to prevent players from tripping or being distracted by the loose ball.

2. *Replay the Point:*

  • The point in progress is considered dead and must be replayed. This ensures fairness, as the ball could have influenced the outcome of the point.
  • No one is penalized when a ball rolls into the court; the situation is treated as a neutral event requiring a replay.

3. *Responsibility to Clear the Ball:*

  • After the play is stopped, the ball should be promptly removed from the court before resuming of the game.
  • Players should make sure the ball is safely returned to the correct court or placed out of the way to prevent future interruptions.

 

Importance for Safety:*

- Prevents Accidents: The rule is primarily for safety, reducing the risk of players tripping over a stray ball, which could cause injuries.

Following this rule helps maintain a safe and fair environment on the courts (specifically for pickleball)!!!

 

Updated MWC Court Booking Policy Effective 2024

a. Eligibility and Court Usage:

      • Courts in the gymnasium are open for booking by MWC members only.
      • Applicable for sports or games deemed appropriate by MWC, including badminton and pickleball.

b. Block Booking:

      • Courts may be blocked by Staff from time to time for running MWC programs, or for other reasons.

c. Session Limits for each member (effective as of March 2024):

      • Maximum 2 courts, up to 2 hours, per day.
      • Maximum 10 court-hours per week.

d. Duration of Court-Hour:

      • A court-hour rental is 55 minutes long, from: 00 to: 55 of the hour.

e. Cancellation Policy:

      • Cancellations must be made 48 hours prior to the booked time slot.

f. Advance booking (effective as of March 2024):

      • Advance booking can be made up to 30 calendar days ahead.

Court Rental Fees:

      • Determined by MWC, subject to adjustment without prior notice.
      • Different rates for Non-Prime-Time (Weekdays 10 am – 6 pm) and Prime-Time (Saturday 9 am – 6 pm, Weeknights 6 pm – 10 pm). Current court rental rates are $20 for non-prime time and $25 for prime-time rentals.
      • MWC offers “Court Rental Credits” that converts $75 into $100 credit towards court rentals only.
      • “Court Rental Credits” can only be used for individual court rentals, but not for the whole gym.

Special Contract booking effective as of March 2024:

      • Members can book courts at specific time slots consistently for up to 3 months each time.
      • Renewable within 30 calendar days before expiry.
      • Full upfront payment required at the time of booking.
      • No cancellations for individual sessions or remaining contract (48 hours’ notice does not apply to contracts).
      • Subject to other applicable court booking rules.

Thank you for being a valued member of the MWC community. We look forward to seeing you on the courts!