Member FAQ's

Wear comfortable sports clothing that allows you to move freely. Lightweight activewear and non-marking court shoes or tennis shoes are best. They provide the lateral support needed for quick side-to-side movement on pickleball courts. Running shoes are generally not ideal because they are designed mainly for forward movement. For outdoor sessions at Avalon, a hat, sunscreen and water bottle are also highly recommended.

No. Beginners are welcome to borrow a paddle during Introductory Lessons and Beginner Trial sessions. Once you become a regular player, we recommend purchasing your own paddle that suits your playing style and skill level. ABPA highly recommends Six Zero paddles. Click here for an automatic 10% discount.

Absolutely. Pickleball is one of the fastest-growing sports among older adults because it is low impact, social, and easier on the joints than many other racquet sports. Players of all ages and abilities are welcome at ABPA (subject to the Club's Health and Safety Policy).

Yes. Pickleball improves cardiovascular fitness, balance, coordination, reflexes and mobility. It is also an excellent social activity that supports mental wellbeing and community connection.

Most people can learn the basic rules and scoring within one or two sessions. Developing consistency and strategy takes longer, but beginners are usually able to enjoy social games very quickly.

Yes. Pickleball is suitable for children and teenagers provided they can safely participate and follow court etiquette. Our club's minimum age requirement for membership is 14 years.

Please refer to the following pages for information about joining our club:

Click here if you have never attended a comprehensive Introductory lesson.
Click here if you are an experienced player.
Click here if you are visiting from overseas, interstate or another NSW suburb.

Introductory Lessons are designed to teach new players the basics of pickleball, including:

• Safety and court etiquette
• Basic rules and scoring
• Serving and returning
• Court positioning
• Simple rallying skills

The sessions are relaxed, supportive and beginner-friendly.

A Beginner Trial session allows newer players to experience real gameplay in a friendly environment before joining regular club sessions. Club hosts and experienced players help guide beginners through scoring, positioning and rotation systems.

Definitely. Many members had never played a racquet sport before trying pickleball. The game is easy to learn and our club focuses on creating a welcoming and supportive environment for beginners.

All session bookings are managed through OpenSports. Once you become a member, you can book into available sessions using the OpenSports platform.

If a session is full, you can usually join the waitlist through OpenSports. Places often become available when players cancel.

When a player withdraws from a full session, the next person on the waitlist is automatically offered a place. It’s important to monitor your notifications and emails.

Please arrive at least 10–15 minutes before your session begins so you have time to check in, assist with putting up the nets and to warm up.

Yes. If you cannot attend, please cancel your booking as early as possible through OpenSports so another member can take your place. 

Outdoor sessions may be cancelled depending on weather conditions and court safety. Members are notified through the OpenSport app. Session fees are credited to attendees' OpenSports account.

ABPA uses a hosted rotation system designed to ensure fair play and a welcoming social environment.  

Not usually. Social sessions focus on mixing players fairly and inclusively. While occasional requests may be possible, players should generally expect to rotate partners throughout the session.

Session lengths vary depending on venue and event type. Please refer to OpenSports for current session times and durations. The sessions generally go for 1 1/2 to 2 hours.

Please notify the session host immediately. Members are covered by insurance when playing in club sessions at approved club venues.

Yes. Members are insured when playing at approved venues organised by the club. 

Combined Liability Policy
Personal Accident Policy

Sessions may be modified or cancelled during extreme heat to protect player safety. Members are notified via email and through the OpenSports app and session fees are credited to attendees' OpenSports account. Please note that emails are sometimes delayed.

Outdoor sessions may be suspended or cancelled if courts become unsafe due to rain, lightning or slippery conditions. Members are notified via email and through the OpenSports app and session fees are credited to attendees' OpenSports account. Please note that emails are sometimes delayed.

Many people with previous injuries enjoy pickleball, but players should consult a medical professional if unsure about their ability to participate safely.

Please stay home if you are unwell to protect other members and avoid unnecessary health risks, but remember to cancel your booking to give people who are on the waitlist an opportunity to play.

ABPA uses a grading system to help place players into sessions that best match their current skill level and experience.

Yes. As your skills improve through practice and match play, your grading may be updated. Members should email mail@avalonbeachpickleball.org.au if they wish to be considered for an upgrade. 

Grading involves feedback from experienced players, hosts and the Grading Committee.

You are welcome to discuss your grade with the club committee or Grading Committee. The aim is always to create balanced, enjoyable and safe sessions for everyone.

Some social sessions are for all grades, but most sessions are organised to provide enjoyable and competitive games for players of similar ability.

DUPR (Dynamic Universal Pickleball Rating) is an international pickleball rating system that tracks player performance. No, ABPA does not use DUPR. We use our own independent grading system. We pride ourselves on being a social club where members can enjoy relaxed, friendly pickleball sessions. 

No. Players can improve their grading through regular club play, skill development and demonstrated consistency.

Membership helps support the operation of the club and provides insurance coverage when playing at approved venues.

Benefits include:

• Access to club sessions
• Insurance coverage at approved venues
• Participation in club activities and events
• Access to the club community and communications
• Eligibility to book regular sessions via OpenSports
• More benefits

Yes. Visiting players are welcome to play with the club on one occasion before being required to join as a Temporary Member. More information.

Yes. New players can attend an Introductory Lesson and Beginner Trial session before applying for membership. More information.

Yes. Temporary membership options are available for interstate and overseas visitors. More information.

Membership fees are generally non-refundable except in exceptional circumstances determined by the committee.

Yes. Memberships require renewal to maintain active status. Currently the renewal fee is $48.

You may have received your username in the Welcome email when we launched our website.

If you cannot find this email, you can have a reminder sent to your email address by going to the Member Login page, and clicking on the "Forgot username" or "Forgot password" links under the login fields.

If you are still experiencing problems, or have a new email address, please visit our Contact Us page to have an administrator assist you.

All passwords are encrypted and the website and the administration area of Member Jungle are all encrypted by SSL in data transit.

Your data is stored in a secured database which is physically separated from the web-server to further protect your data.

Member Jungle has hosted systems for over 15+ years for Australian government and non-government organisations.

Access to specific member data is controlled by the site administrators who can allow (and restrict) individual access and privileges for additional website or system editors.

The website uses Stripe as the online payment gateway. All details entered into the gateway are encrypted and cannot be accessed by anyone other than the card holder. 

Stripe is a certified PCI Service Provider Level 1. This is the most stringent level of certification available in the payments industry. To accomplish this, they use the best-in-class security tools and practices to maintain a high level of security at Stripe.

If you need to update your email address in the system, you will need to login to your "My Account" area, where you can click the "Review and Edit my details" to update your email address and contact details.

If you do not wish to get newsletter communication from the club, you can mute these in your "My Accounts" tab by clicking the "Mute all website Newsletter emails". 

PLEASE NOTE: If you mute newsletter emails, you risk missing out on important club information. The Committee does not have the time to answer questions which have already been covered in our member correspondence. We are all volunteers.

The system will have some membership related emails that are triggered at various stages of your membership that cannot be muted. This is to ensure you are kept updated about the status of your membership with us.

This is a helpful video:

Players are expected to demonstrate good sportsmanship, respect other players, rotate fairly and contribute to a welcoming atmosphere.

Both. ABPA aims to balance friendly social play with enjoyable competitive games across different skill levels.

The club expects respectful behaviour at all times. Serious or repeated inappropriate behaviour may be addressed by the committee under club policies. Please read our ABPA Code of Conduct Policy.

Brief advice is often shared socially, but formal coaching during active games should not disrupt play or other participants.

ABPA organises round robins, social competitions and special events throughout the year as well as our annual Club Championships which are usually held in May.

A session host coordinates rotations to ensure equitable partner and opponent changes throughout social play.

It reflects ABPA’s commitment to inclusivity, volunteerism, friendship, sportsmanship and the shared enjoyment of pickleball both on and off the court.

 Beginners should generally look for a paddle that offers a balance of control, forgiveness and comfort. Lightweight or midweight paddles are usually easiest to learn with.

Yes. Loan paddles are typically available for beginners attending Introductory Lessons or trial sessions.

Outdoor balls are usually harder and have smaller holes to handle wind conditions, while indoor balls are softer and designed for smoother indoor surfaces.

Yes. Many Six Zero paddles offer a strong combination of control, comfort and performance for beginner through advanced players. Click here for an automatic 10% discount.

The club organises occasional social gatherings, special events and community activities throughout the year. Our annual Christmas party is not to be missed! 

Absolutely. ABPA is volunteer-run and welcomes members who would like to assist with hosting, coaching, administration or events.

Yes. The club may organise special events, social round robins and competitive activities during the year. Our annual Club Championships are usually held in May.

From time to time the club may organise coaching clinics, skills sessions or guest coaching events.

Businesses interested in sponsorship opportunities can contact the club through the website contact form.

Members can stay informed through the website, OpenSports, email updates and the Member Jungle app.