Ball Policy

1. Purpose

Central Highlands Pickleball Club Inc (CHP) recognises that the type and quality of pickleballs used can have a significant impact on the quality, consistency and enjoyment of play.

The purpose of this policy is to ensure that CHP provides appropriate, good-quality balls for Club sessions, competitions and other organised activities.

2. Policy

CHP will endeavour to provide pickleballs that are appropriate for:

  • Indoor and outdoor play.

  • The court surface and playing environment.

  • Social and recreational sessions.

  • Coaching and development activities.

  • Competitive play and tournaments.

  • The general standard and needs of participants.

Different balls may be used for different venues, surfaces, conditions and types of play.

3. Ball Selection

When selecting balls for CHP activities, the Club may consider:

  • Overall quality and durability.

  • Consistency of bounce and flight.

  • Suitability for indoor or outdoor use.

  • Suitability for the particular court surface.

  • Player feedback and experience.

  • Visibility under the relevant lighting and playing conditions.

  • Balls commonly used in competitive pickleball.

  • Pickleball Australia tournament requirements where relevant.

  • Availability and reliability of supply.

  • Reasonable value for the Club and its members.

CHP is not required to use the same ball for every venue, session or activity.

4. Competition and Tournament Play

Where CHP conducts a competition or tournament subject to specific ball requirements, the Club will use a ball that complies with the applicable competition or sanctioning requirements.

For other competitive activities, CHP may give preference to balls commonly used at Pickleball Australia or Pickleball Victoria events so that members have an opportunity to become familiar with balls they may encounter in tournament play.

The Tournament Director or other authorised CHP representative may determine the ball to be used for a particular event.

5. Indoor and Outdoor Play

CHP recognises that indoor and outdoor playing conditions may require different balls.

The Club will endeavour to select:

  • Indoor balls appropriate to the relevant indoor court surface and playing conditions.

  • Outdoor balls appropriate to the relevant outdoor surface, temperature and environmental conditions.

The Club may use different brands or models at different CHP venues where this provides a better playing experience.

6. Ball Colour and Visibility

Where practical, CHP will maintain balls in suitable colours to accommodate different venues, backgrounds and lighting conditions.

The Club may provide a mix of colours where this assists visibility for participants.

Where a particular colour is required for competition or tournament play, that requirement may take precedence.

7. Trialling New Balls

CHP may periodically trial different brands, models or types of pickleball.

This allows the Club to assess:

  • Playing characteristics.

  • Durability.

  • Player feedback.

  • Suitability for CHP venues.

  • Visibility.

  • Availability.

  • Value for money.

The Club is not limited to balls previously used or sanctioned by Pickleball Australia unless a particular competition or event requires an approved ball.

8. Ball Condition

Balls that become cracked, significantly damaged, excessively soft, misshapen or otherwise unsuitable for reasonable play should be removed from use.

Players are encouraged to advise a session manager, coach or other Club representative when a ball appears damaged or unsuitable.

Normal wear or minor differences between balls do not necessarily require a ball to be replaced.

9. Environmental Responsibility

CHP recognises the environmental impact associated with discarded plastic pickleballs.

Where reasonably practicable, the Club will seek to:

  • Reuse retired balls for appropriate non-playing purposes.

  • Participate in suitable recycling programs where available.

  • Dispose of damaged balls responsibly.

  • Consider durability and waste when evaluating balls for Club use.

10. Responsibility

The CHP Committee is responsible for overseeing this policy.

The Committee may authorise or delegate responsibility for selecting, purchasing, distributing and managing Club balls to appropriate:

  • Committee members.

  • Session managers.

  • Coaches.

  • Tournament Directors.

  • Other authorised volunteers.

Expenditure on balls must be made in accordance with CHP's normal financial approval and purchasing processes.

11. Policy Review

This policy will be reviewed annually or earlier where required due to:

  • Changes in available pickleball products.

  • Changes to Pickleball Australia or Pickleball Victoria competition requirements.

  • Changes to CHP venues or playing surfaces.

  • Member or player feedback.

  • Significant changes in ball performance, availability or cost.

Central Highlands Pickleball Club Incorporated (CHP)

Version: 1.0
Effective Date: August 2026
Last Review Date: August 2026
Responsible Body: CHP Committee
Approved by: CHP Committee
Review: Annually or as required