Come ready to rally.

Before you play

• Bring a positive, friendly attitude and be willing to play with everyone in the club, including players who are still developing their skills.
• Choose the level that honestly reflects your current game. Ask an OTC representative if you are uncertain.
• Eye protection is highly recommended for every player.

Court footwear

• Badminton and squash require indoor court shoes. For everyone’s safety, you cannot play without them; badminton, squash, and volleyball shoes may be used interchangeably.
• Tennis requires outdoor court shoes.
• Pickleball requires indoor or outdoor court shoes appropriate to the listed surface.

Racquets, paddles, and balls

• Bring your own racquet or paddle.
• Plastic or nylon birdies are provided for intermediate badminton leagues and drop-ins. Advanced and competitive players coordinate feather-bird purchases through the facilitator.
• Tennis players bring their own tennis balls or coordinate a group purchase with their league.
• Pickleball players bring balls appropriate to the surface and location, whether indoors or outdoors.

Attitude and courtesy

• Competitive spirit is encouraged, but everyone is here for fun and exercise. Be respectful and encouraging on and off the courts.
• Thank your partner and opponents after every game. A handshake, fist bump, or gentle racquet touch is customary.
• Share the court fairly, avoid back-to-back games, and play with people beyond the friends you arrived with.

Calls, coaching, and movement

• The player closest to where the birdie lands usually makes the call. If you are unsure, ask your opponents, replay the point, or award it to your opponent.
• Give welcomed tips and coaching from the sidelines so play and court rotations are not delayed.
• For everyone’s safety, stay aware of players and courts when walking across the gym floor.

If etiquette is not followed

The OTC representative responsible for the session has discretion to respond to an etiquette violation, including removing a player from the premises. The OTC Committee may review the incident and take further action.