News

We are now two weeks into our 2020/21 winter program.  Our COVID-19 protocols have been ironed out at all three venues: the Summerland Badminton Hall, the Harold Simpson Memorial Hall and the UNISUS International School.

Establishing a system of 4-6 member pods has proven to be very effective.  Pod Leaders are empowered to ensure COVID-19 protocols are followed and are charged with booking times for their pods.  Our Sign-Up Genius booking application does double duty by also providing COVID-19 traceability reporting.

We currently have 20 pods playing regularly.  Most pods have formed on their own by players recruiting each other based on skill level and compatibility.  In some cases members of the SPC board help newer players find a suitable “home” for the season.

Thank you to everyone who continues to play by the rules while having fun and enjoying each other’s company.

Paddles up and stay safe!

Henry Sielmann – President, Summerland Pickleball Club

SPC Newsletter Sep 28 - Part 2

Highlights of the Board Meeting held on Friday, May 29, 2020 @ 10:30 am

President’s Report:  Brian reported the DOS is still gathering information from various provincial sport organizations to ascertain what protocols are needed for sports clubs to resume their summer programs. The DOS is also waiting for information from their insurance provider to update their lease and booking agreements. Brian will continue to monitor the situation and follow up with the DOS.

A Motion was passed that the SPC request the same dedicated time slots as the 2019 summer season as along with dedicating the entire Peach Orchard court facility during SPC court time as a means of providing safe play as per COVID-19 protocols.

As soon as the DOS allows the SPC to resume its summer program, Carol Hermesh will call a program committee meeting to finalize the summer program schedule.

The SPC Membership to date is 139 paid members.

Mark Siemens has formed a Committee (Brian Christopherson, Henry Sielmann, Carol Hermesh and Dale Jenner) to finalize the design and oversee the eventual construction of the proposed new courts. There are a few issues to be resolved on the existing design (e.g. fencing, ambulance service) and the committee will meet in the near future to provide recommendations to the Board.

Timeline for new courts (from District of Summerland, Recreation Manager) “The report to review the 2020 capital projects which are on hold is going to Council for direction on May 25. The Director of Finance has included the Pickleball Court Resurfacing Project as one of the many projects recommended to be deferred to 2021 due to our current financial situation. Since the courts are now opening, I don’t think there will be a push to complete the work this spring.”

Twenty-six SPC members, a handful of volunteers and numerous spectators enjoyed a morning of Christmas pickleball at the UNISUS International School in Summerland.  Thirteen teams competed in two divisions, demonstrating once again that this sport is not only great exercise, but also fun and entertaining.

This time around we had the privilege of being joined by students of the UNISUS school who not only cheered on the players but also spoiled us with yummy baked goods.  Proceeds from their cookie sale and our entrance fee were donated to a single mother refugee from Sudan, adding Christmas cheer to the occasion.

The Summerland Pickleball Club has conducted five tournaments this year.  Many thanks to the organisers, volunteers, our sponsors, club members and visitors who make these memorable events.

Warm greetings from the SPC Board to all members and friends of the club.  Enjoy a safe and joyous Festive Season!

The SPC Program Committee announces the 2019 Holiday Scramble!

We were fortunate to obtain almost exclusive access to the Harold Simpson Memorial Hall for the better part of the Holiday Season.  Though some sessions may have to be cancelled on short notice, we are happy to present a program of many diverse activities, some of them offered for the first time.  All proceeds minus rental expenses will be allocated to our court construction fund.  In addition participants in the team league competitions will be able to name a charity of their choice for a donation of 1 dollar per participant.

Members can use SignUp Genius to book programs that they are interested in.  Please carefully read the instructions in the comment sections.  Read the summary Holiday Scramble Notes and view the Holiday Scramble Schedule SPC to select sessions for you and your guests.

Have fun!

The Summerland Pickleball Club offers indoor pickleball programs in three different venues:

• The Summerland Badminton Hall (novice, practise, all level social)
• The Harold Simpson Memorial Hall (competitive)
• The UNISUS International School (competitive, all level social).

The entry level Novice Program is supervised by coaches and offers an introduction to the rules of the game and how it is played.

The Practise Sessions are open to all types of players and offer the opportunity to improve strategy, ball handling and team play.  Here experienced players provide feedback and guidance to others.

The All Level Social Program is a great opportunity to play with a variety of players in a relaxed atmosphere.  Basic ball handling skills and knowledge of the rules of the game are a prerequisite.

The Competitive Programs provide the opportunity to share the court with players of specific skill levels.  We are using numerical ranking to indicate the skill level of the typical player participating in each program.  These ranks are based on those established by Pickleball Canada (our members automatically are members of Pickleball Canada) which themselves are derived from the USAPA (USA Pickleball Association).

The USAPA ranks players from level 1 (lowest) to level 5 (highest).  Pickleball Canada has developed specific guidelines and evaluation criteria.  The Pickleball Canada Assessment Guide explains how to go about a self-assessment in order to determine the best program for you (see page 3-5).

Our programs are built around the levels

• Novice
• 3.0 (Plus) – open to everyone except novice
• 3.0-3.45 – open to competitive players that are not yet 3.5s
• 3.0+ Strong – open to strong, competitive 3.0 players and better
• 3.5 Plus – our top level players

The best way to determine where you fit in is by doing the self-assessment available in the Pickleball Canada Guide and keeping track of how you are performing.  If you have mastered the rules of the game and are comfortable handling the ball, register for All Level Social (relaxed game) or 3.0 (Plus) (competitive).  Once you know how to move on the court and want to play competitively at your skill level try out 3.0-3.45.  If you want to play competitively with a variety of experienced players choose 3.0+ Strong.  Once you see yourself winning most of your games register for the 3.5 Plus program.

At this time our club is not using an official skill assessment performed by a certified instructor.  All club members are encouraged to ensure that they register in those programs that best reflect their skill level and playing style. Our program captains are available to provide feedback.

Once in a while our members wish to share information to help other members acquire strategies and improve their skills on the court.  While the SPC cannot verify instructors or endorse courses and clinics offered in our region, we do not want to hold back these kinds of tips.  So if we publish a poster like the one shown below, it is really up to interested members to do their research and compare this clinic with other training opportunities.  And do not forget that we offer coached practise sessions as part of our programming.

 

On September 7, 2019 the Summerland Pickleball Club held a fun and well attended fall tournament.  19 teams were organized in Groups A, B and C with Group A representing the most advanced level.  Not only did the tournament provide hours of fun exercise and socializing, we also raised over $500 towards the construction of new courts.  Winners were (left to right) Angie Milne/Barrie Borrett (Group A), Ken & Dawn Pratt (Group B) and Margaret Wouda/Jerry Flaman (Group C).

Thank you to our sponsors and those club members who developed the program, acted as referees and contributed in many other ways.

Over 70 members and friends either participated or observed and supported the players.  We had a great time and hope to organize a similar event next year.

The Summerland Pickleball Club held a very well attended 2019 Annual General Meeting on September 3, 2019.  The membership fee for the September 1, 2019 to August 31, 2020 period will be $35 and includes a membership with Pickleball BC and Pickleball Canada.

The new Board of Directors was confirmed as follows:

President – Brian Christopherson

Vice-President – Mark Siemens

Secretary – Angela Sielmann

Treasurer – Carol Johnson

Chair Membership Committee – Carol McCabe

Maintenance – Dale Jenner

Chair Program Committee – Carol Hermesh

Director at Large – Sue Simpson

The meeting minutes are here:

Minutes (AGM Sept. 3-2019)

The newly formed 2019/20 Board of Directors held its first meeting on September 19, 2019.  See meeting highlights here.

SPC Board Meeting 19Sep2019 – Highlights

SPC held an Open House at UNISUS school Oct 29. Forty-two members showed up to tour the gym and play on 4 courts. It was an overwhelming success and the exit survey indicated that the members are interested in adding this venue to our playing opportunities.

The program committee has since met and has drafted some requests for times and programs that the Club will now take to the school staff for discussion.

Thanks to everyone who made it happen and to all members who showed up.

AND a big thanks to the UNISUS school for donating their gym to our Club.