Pickleball Australia Introduces Participant Code of Behaviour for Sanctioned Events

Pickleball Australia (PA) is proud to announce the release of its Participant Code of Behaviour Policy (Events and Tournaments), a key governance initiative designed to strengthen the integrity, inclusivity and enjoyment of pickleball across Australia.

Effective at all PA Sanctioned Tournaments and Leagues, the Code of Behaviour establishes clear expectations for conduct both on and off the court, ensuring that all participants can compete, officiate, volunteer, work and spectate in a safe, respectful and welcoming environment.

PLEASE NOTE - POLICY WILL BE IN PLACE FROM 1ST MARCH 2026

Why a Participant Code of Behaviour?

As pickleball continues to grow rapidly across Australia, so too does the diversity of its participants, events and competitive pathways. While the official rules of pickleball govern how the game is played, many other factors influence the experience of participants at events including behaviour, communication and sportsmanship.

The Participant Code of Behaviour provides a consistent national framework that:

• Protects the SPIRIT of Australian Pickleball

• Promotes fairness, respect and inclusivity

• Supports officials and event organisers in managing conduct

• Preserves the reputation and integrity of the sport

The Code applies to all participants at PA sanctioned events, including players, referees, officials, coaches, volunteers, parents, guardians and spectators.

The SPIRIT of Australian Pickleball

At the heart of the Code is the SPIRIT of Australian Pickleball, which reflects the core values that 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.

Pro Events and Competition Integrity

For Pro Events and competitions involving prize money, the Code includes additional provisions to protect competitive integrity, including rules around:

• Playing multiple events simultaneously without approval

• Late withdrawals or failure to compete

• “No shows” for scheduled matches

Repeated breaches may result in disciplinary points, defaults, suspensions or referral to a Complaint Tribunal.

Penalties and Disciplinary Framework

The Code introduces a transparent, national disciplinary framework that includes:

• On-court technical warnings and faults

• Code Violations

• Event Violations

Disciplinary points are accumulated on a 12-month rolling basis, with escalating consequences as points increase. Outcomes range from formal notifications and reprimands through to on-court suspensions and, in serious or repeated cases, referral to a Complaint Tribunal, which may impose further sanctions including extended suspensions, fines, loss of ranking points or mandatory education programs.

Managing Conduct at Events

Officials, referees and tournament directors are empowered to manage conduct on site, including issuing violations, directing participants to leave venues, suspending matches or referring matters for further review.

Serious breaches may result in immediate match defaults or expulsion from an event, with post-event reporting and review conducted by the PA Operations Team.

Complaint Tribunal and Appeals

The Code outlines a clear and independent process for:

• Reviewing serious incidents

• Determining additional penalties where appropriate

• Allowing limited rights of appeal in defined circumstances

This ensures decisions are made fairly, consistently and transparently, while upholding natural justice principles.

Raising Concerns and Participant Protection

Pickleball Australia encourages all participants to raise concerns about inappropriate behaviour early and through appropriate channels. PA is committed to protecting participants who report concerns in good faith and ensuring complaints are handled confidentially and without disadvantage.

A Shared Responsibility

The Participant Code of Behaviour Policy is not about limiting passion or competitiveness — it is about ensuring that pickleball remains a sport where competition and respect coexist.

By introducing this Policy, Pickleball Australia reaffirms its commitment to creating environments where everyone can participate safely, confidently and with pride in the sport they represent.

All participants attending PA sanctioned events are expected to familiarise themselves with the Policy and uphold its principles at all times.

Click here to read the Policy