Ready to rally?

Pickleball is serving up big energy at SportUNE. A fast, fun, and addictive game that’s perfect for anyone keen to get moving, get social, and maybe even get a little competitive.

Grab a partner or come solo and jump into a comp that blends quick reflexes, clever plays, and plenty of laughs. Whether you’re smashing winners or still learning the ropes, it’s all about good vibes on and off the court.

Open to UNE students, staff, and the wider community. No egos, no pressure, just a great game and even better company. All skill levels welcome. Let’s play!

See the Draw

Why get involved?

Quick feet, sharp shots, and a whole lot of laughs. Pickleball is the perfect mix of energy and community. It’s fast-paced, social, and super easy to learn, making it ideal for anyone keen to stay active without needing a full-on fitness regime.

Whether you’re a paddle pro or picking one up for the first time, Pickleball welcomes all skill levels. It’s less about crushing the competition and more about good rallies, great company, and having a hit with mates.

All the details

Registration, Cost & Refunds

Registrations opening soon

Cost TBC*

Refunds

No refunds will be given once the competition begins, except in exceptional circumstances and with approval from the competition Administrator.

Questions

Please contact us at sportcompetitions@une.edu.au

*stating prices are subject to change.

Competition Nights and Times

2025 Competition TBC

Game Duration

  • Play as many games as possible in the 40 minute time-slot. However, up to the first 3 games will be recorded – any additional games will not be counted against official results.
  • Games are won by the first team to reach 11 points, with a 2-point lead required.
  • In the event of a match ending in a draw, this result will stand. No extra time or any other method will be employed to resolve the draw unless in a final.
  • All matches must finish at the designated finish time. There is no stoppage time. e.g. if a game starts late the length of the game is reduced and must finish on time.

Game Rules

Basics

  • Each point starts with an underarm serve from outside the playing area, with play continuing until a fault occurs.
  • The serve should land in the diagonally opposite service square.
  • Only one service attempt is allowed. If the ball hits the net (let) game continues if the ball lands in the court. No reattempt is allowed.
  • For all game play, on the line is IN.
  • A point can only be scored when serving.
  • The 2-bounce rule:
    • Both the serve and the first return should bounce before being hit.
    • After this, the ball can then be played on the full (volleyed)
  • The non-volley zone ‘The Kitchen’
    • You can’t play the ball on the full from within the zone close to the net.
    • You can play the ball from this zone if it bounces.

Scoring

  • Determine who will serve first by a game of “rock-paper-scissors”.
  • The first service of the game should be made from the right side of the court.
  • If the serving team wins, a point is scored, then the same player serves from the left side of the court, and so on until a point is lost.
  • If the receiving team wins, a point is scored, and the player on the right side of the opposition team takes the nest serve.
  • From this point onwards, service should swap from team member 1, to team member 2, then back to the opposing team (player 1, then player 2), as a point is lost on serve.
  • The first team to 11 points, and ahead by 2 points, wins the game.

Play in the spirit of the game – teams are responsible for officiating their own games. If teams cannot agree on the outcome of a point, the point is replayed.

Points System

  • Win – 3 points
  • Draw – 2 points
  • Loss – 1 point
  • Forfeit – 0 points

Forfeit Rules

Players should be warmed up and ready to play at the exact scheduled time.

If a team is not able to take the field after five (5) minutes after the scheduled starting time they will be forfeited.

Teams that forfeit after 12pm on the day of their scheduled game will be charged a $10 late forfeit fee. This fee must be paid before the team can return to the competition.

Jewellery & accessories

  • Players are not permitted to use objects that might endanger them or others, including any kind of accessories, jewellery and glasses.

Player Infringements

Serious foul play offences will receive either a warning or be removed from play depending on the severity of the infringement.

Serious Violent Conduct: The following offences will result in removal from current game and potentially competition/SportUNE facilities.

  • Striking an official or player
  • Spitting at an official or player
  • Threaten an official or player with ball or other object.
  • Pushing an official in any way.

Use of Foul and Abusive Language: the following are cautionable offences with a warning or send-off depending on severity of the infringement.

  • Making obscene gestures
  • Offensive insults or abusive language.

Code of Conduct

All SportUNE competition’s are subject to our terms and conditions including our code of conduct.

CODE OF CONDUCT – PICKLEBALL COMPETITION

INTRODUCTION
The SportUNE Pickleball Competition Code of Conduct provides a set of principles and expectations for all participants to create a safe, fair, and enjoyable environment. By following this Code of Conduct, participants contribute to the positive culture of the competition and help maintain the integrity of the game. All participants are required to abide by the Code of Conduct to ensure that everyone has an enjoyable experience.

GENERAL PRINCIPLES
As a participant in the SportUNE Pickleball Competition, you are expected to:
– Show respect for all players, opponents, and spectators.
– Demonstrate good sportsmanship by playing fairly, following the rules, and encouraging positive competition.
– Respect the official’s calls and respond in a sportsmanlike manner.
– Respect diversity and inclusion by treating everyone with dignity, regardless of gender, ability, background, or beliefs.
– Avoid foul or aggressive behaviour, including excessive arguing, physical altercations, or unsportsmanlike conduct.
– Refrain from using offensive language or engaging in verbal abuse towards others.
– Care for the playing environment, including courts, goals, nets, and equipment.
– Refrain from using performance-enhancing, alcohol or illegal substances.
– Follow all safety guidelines to prevent injury and ensure fair play.

ON-FIELD BEHAVIOUR
By participating in the SportUNE Pickleball Competition, you agree to:
– Play with integrity and respect the spirit of the game.
– Respect official’s calls
– Avoid unnecessary delays, time-wasting, or gamesmanship.
– Shake hands or acknowledge opponents at the end of a match.
– Avoid intentional distractions, excessive celebrations, or any form of taunting.
– Accept both victory and defeat with grace.

CONSEQUENCES OF MISCONDUCT
Breaches of the SportUNE Pickleball Competition Code of Conduct may result in:
– Warnings or cautions from SportUNE staff.
– Temporary or permanent suspension from matches or the competition.
– Forfeiture of matches or competition points.
– Further disciplinary action by SportUNE.

By playing in the SportUNE Pickleball Competition, all participants agree to uphold this Code of Conduct and accept any consequences resulting from violations.

Incident Reporting

All injuries, incidents, and near misses related to Pickleball Competition fall under SportUNE competitions.

All incidents must be reported within 72 hours of occurrence.

COMPLETE INCIDENT REPORT

Casual Pickleball Bookings

Want to book the courts and play casually. Please contact our reception staff to arrange a booking time:

02 6773 3856

Nets, court markings, paddles and balls can be supplied.

Contact the managers

For any other information about Pickleball please reach out to SportUNE;

Phone: 02 6773 5465

Email: sportcompetitions@une.edu.au

LOCATION: New Hall, SportUNE

17
no
SportUNE, Armidale, NSW