Upholding the SPIRIT of Australian Pickleball

Introducing our Updated Code of Behaviour


Effective March 1st, 2026, our enhanced Participant Code of Behaviour for Events and Tournaments will apply to all PA-sanctioned events. This policy ensures that every player, official, coach, volunteer, and spectator can enjoy pickleball in a safe, welcoming environment.

What does this mean for you?

✓ Clarity – Clear expectations for behaviour on and off the court
✓ Fairness – Transparent processes for managing concerns
✓ Protection – A safer environment for everyone
✓ Accountability – Consistent standards across all events

The Code covers:

  • Spirit of the game and safe play

  • Respect for others

  • Fair treatment without discrimination or harassment

  • Appropriate off-court behaviour

  • Clear consequences for violations

Your role in upholding the SPIRIT

Every participant is a custodian of pickleball. Whether you're a player competing for the first time, a seasoned official, a supportive parent, or an enthusiastic spectator – your behaviour matters.

The SPIRIT of Australian Pickleball

At the heart of the Code is the SPIRIT of Australian Pickleball


These core values underpin the sport nationally:

  • Sporting

  • Passion

  • Inclusivity

  • Respect

  • Integrity

  • Trailblazing

All participants are considered custodians of the sport and are expected to uphold these values in their behaviour, decisions and interactions at PA events.

Expected Standards of Behaviour

The Policy sets out minimum standards that apply before, during and after events, both on and off the court.

Key expectations include:

  • Playing fairly, honestly and to the best of one’s ability

  • Knowing, following and respecting the rules of the game

  • Treating all participants with dignity and respect, regardless of background, age or ability

  • Communicating concerns appropriately through referees or event officials

  • Respecting officials, staff and volunteers at all times

  • Promoting pickleball positively through behaviour and social media conduct

  • Acting in a way that prioritises safety for all participants

These standards apply not only during match play, but also at venues, official functions, training sessions, team tours and online spaces connected to PA events.

Unacceptable Behaviour

The Code clearly outlines behaviours that will not be tolerated at PA sanctioned events. These include, but are not limited to:

  • Unsporting conduct or general misconduct

  • Verbal, physical or intimidating behaviour

  • Audible or visible obscenities

  • Paddle, ball or equipment abuse

  • Abuse of officials, players, volunteers or spectators

  • Disruptive or inappropriate behaviour by non-playing participants or entourages

  • Conduct that brings PA, an event or the sport into disrepute

Players are also responsible for the behaviour of their entourage, and misconduct by supporters may result in penalties being applied to the player.

Click here to read the policy

Frequently Asked Questions – Participant Code of Behaviour

The Code applies to everyone involved in PA-sanctioned events - players, coaches, officials, volunteers, spectators, and support staff. If you're at a Pickleball Australia event in any capacity, the Code applies to you.

The updated Participant Code of Behaviour is effective from 1 March 2026 and applies to all PA-sanctioned events from that date onwards.

Yes. Players are responsible for the conduct of their entourage - including family members, friends, and coaches who attend as supporters. If a member of your entourage breaches the Code, penalties may be applied to you as the player. It's worth having a quick conversation with your supporters before event day.

Examples include verbal abuse, intimidating or aggressive conduct, paddle or equipment abuse, audible obscenities, disrespecting officials or volunteers, and any behaviour, online or in person, that brings the sport into disrepute. The full list is outlined in the policy document.

Breaches are managed through a clear process by event officials. Consequences can range from a warning through to removal from the event or further action depending on the severity. The goal is always to resolve issues fairly and consistently.

If you see behaviour that breaches the Code during a match, raise it with the referee or an event official at the time. For broader concerns, you can contact Pickleball Australia directly via integrity@pickleballaus.org

Yes. How you represent yourself and the sport online matters. Posting content that is disrespectful, discriminatory, or brings PA or the sport into disrepute can constitute a breach of the Code, even if it happens away from the court.

PA has an appeals process in place. If you believe a decision was made unfairly, you can submit an appeal through the Appeals Form on the Pickleball Australia website.

 

A good rule of thumb is the SPIRIT values - Sporting, Passion, Inclusivity, Respect, Integrity, Trailblazing. If your actions reflect those values, you're on the right track. When in doubt, treat others the way you'd want to be treated on and off the court.