2019 Articles

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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!

Posted onDecember 19, 2019CategoriesAnnouncements

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!

Posted onDecember 14, 2019CategoriesAnnouncements

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.

Posted onNovember 23, 2019CategoriesAnnouncements

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.

Posted onNovember 15, 2019CategoriesAnnouncements

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.

Posted onOctober 10, 2019CategoriesAnnouncements

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: