Open Play Rules & Guidelines (Club members only) 

Open Play is designed to be welcoming, organized, and fun for all skill levels. These guidelines help keep games moving smoothly and ensure everyone gets a chance to play. Remember, be kind to all players and others using the City facilities. 

Please see the schedules below for time and locations of play!

Court Levels & Layout

Please choose courts that match your skill level when possible to keep games fun for everyone. 

Spring Canyon Courts

• Courts scale from West to East in ability with more beginner friendly courts on the West, moving up in ability to the East. 

Troutman Courts

• For Non-Advanced Open Play, West = Advanced, Eastern Courts (2x) = Intermediate, North Court = Beginner. 

This structure allows players to find games that match their skill level and keeps play enjoyable for everyone. Court assignments may shift depending on city scheduling or club needs, but the general principle remains the same.

Paddle Stack System (How Rotation Works)

Open Play uses a paddle stacking system to keep games fair and organized.

How to Stack

• Place your paddle in the rack in pairs (two paddles together), left to right.

• When you arrive, simply add your paddle to the next available pair.

Rotation Rules

• The default rotation is 2‑in / 2‑out.

• When 6 or more paddles are waiting, rotation switches to 4‑in / 4‑out to keep games moving.

• After each game:

• The winning pair may stay on the court (together or split).

• The next pair(s) in the stack rotate in.

• After two consecutive games, even if you win both, please rotate off to allow others to play.

Game Format

• Games are played to 11, win by 1.

This ensures reasonable wait times and more pickle-fun times!

Skill Level Guidance (DUPR)

Because DUPR rating divisions aren’t standard across all clubs, here’s the club’s general guideline to ensure fun and engaging play:

• Beginner: up to 3.0

• Intermediate: 3.0–3.5

• Advanced: 3.5–4.0

• Expert: 4.0+

If you’re consistently winning at your current court level, consider moving to a high level court. If you’re consistently losing, try a lower level court. This keeps games competitive and enjoyable.

Play Safely & Respectfully

Safety and kindness are core values of the Fort Collins Pickleball Club.

Please:

• Avoid hitting power shots at players.

• Do not aim at or near someone’s head.

• If you cannot control a hard shot, please refrain from using it.

• Do not target weaker players.

• Treat all players and park users with kindness and respect.

• Be welcoming to new players and help them understand the rotation system.

Nets & Equipment

If no one is waiting to play, please help put away the net — even if time remains in the Open Play session. This keeps the courts tidy and shows respect for the shared space.

General Etiquette

• Keep games moving and rotate promptly.

• Communicate clearly and call scores loudly.

• Be patient with beginners.

• Remember: Open Play is recreational — not tournament play.

Club Motto

Please be kind to all players — grow the community! 

FAQs

1. How do I know which court to play on?

Please choose courts that match your skill level to keep games fun for everyone. 

Spring Canyon Courts

Courts scale from West to East in ability with more beginner friendly courts on the West, moving up in ability to the East. 

Troutman Courts

For Non-Advanced Open Play, West = Advanced, Eastern Courts (2x) = Intermediate, North Court = Beginner. 

2. What if I’m new and don’t know my skill level?

Start on the beginner-friendly courts. As you improve, you can move toward lower-numbered courts.

3. How does the paddle stack system work?

Place your paddle in the rack in pairs. The next pair in line rotates onto the court when a game ends. If the rack has 6+ paddles, rotation switches to 4‑in / 4‑out.

4. Can I stay on the court if I win?

Yes — the winning pair may stay together or split. After two consecutive games, please rotate off to let others play.

5. What if courts are open on the beginner side?

If two or more beginner courts are open, non-beginners may set up a net and play. If beginners arrive and are waiting, those courts must be given back immediately.

6. Do I need to bring my own net?

Some courts require portable nets. If you use one, please help put it away when no one is waiting to play.

7. What if someone isn’t following the rules?

Offer a friendly reminder — most people simply don’t know the system yet. If issues persist, contact the Fort Collins Pickleball Club through the website.