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FOUR SEASONS BREEZE | SEPTEMBER 2018 55 As we enter the final phases of buildout at Four Seasons Beaumont, we prepare to welcome many new members to our wonderful sport! I remember being a "newbie" just four short years ago, and how it felt to walk in and be so readily welcomed, back in the days when we were still sharing the courts with our paddle tennis friends. Now with over 90 people on our active pickleball roster, it seems appropriate to do an article on the etiquette of pickleball. Remember first of all that pickleball is a recreational game. It is not life and death. It is not your occupation and your career will not be damaged if you lose a game of pickleball. That being said, as you walk on the court to play, say hello and smile before you begin to play. Likewise when you leave, thank each other and touch paddles. On our courts, we will play with many different levels of players. Playing with better players allows you to challenge yourself to a higher level of competition. Conversely, playing with players not as good as yourself offers time to work on skills you couldn't if playing in intense competition. We are lucky to have TWO gates to enter and exit. If players are playing on a "gate Court," please exit by the opposite gate so as to not disrupt a game. Players waiting to play have first priority as a court empties. If you would like to play with your group for a second game, set up a match with the four of you at a later time. Pickleball is fun! We all moved to Four Seasons to have fun, enjoy retirement, meet new friends, learn new things, and enjoy life, right? Then please keep political opinions, snide comments, and personal issues with others off the court where they belong. Although we do have eight beautiful courts, sometimes they get crowded. If you are bringing guests to play, please try to stick to non-prime time hours. Although I could go on and on about etiquette, enough said for now. I'd rather be playing pickleball anyway. See you on the courts! P.S. New summer hours for beginners are MWF at 7 pm. ~ Julie Stayner Pickleball Top: Touching paddles Bottom: New hats