Section 8: Safety Considerations
Eye Protection
USA Pickleball strongly recommends that all players wear protective eyewear during play. The pickleball ball is small, hard, and can travel at speeds exceeding 40 mph in competitive play. Impact-resistant sports glasses or goggles rated ASTM F803 are recommended. Several professional tours have adopted mandatory eyewear policies.
Footwear
Players should wear proper court shoes designed for lateral movement and traction on the playing surface. Running shoes, sandals, and open-toed footwear are inappropriate and increase the risk of ankle injuries, falls, and foot injuries. Shoes with non-marking soles are required for indoor play to protect gymnasium flooring.
Court Surface Safety
Playing surfaces must be free of cracks, debris, standing water, and other hazards. Outdoor courts are subject to weather conditions; play should be suspended during rain, thunderstorms, or when the court surface is wet. Indoor courts should have adequate lighting (a minimum of 30 foot-candles at court level for tournament play) and sufficient ceiling height.
Heat and Hydration Protocols
During outdoor play in hot conditions, tournament directors are encouraged to implement heat protocols. These may include extended rest periods between games, mandatory hydration breaks during games (at 6 points in a game to 11), shaded rest areas, and suspension of play when the wet bulb globe temperature (WBGT) exceeds safe thresholds. Players are advised to hydrate before, during, and after play and to recognize signs of heat-related illness.
Player Safety on Court
- Players should be aware of their surroundings and the positions of their doubles partner and opponents at all times.
- Players should communicate with their partner on shared shots to avoid collisions.
- Balls from adjacent courts that roll into the playing area should be called out immediately, and play should be stopped.
- Players with medical conditions should inform their opponents and tournament officials before play begins.
- Warm-up exercises before play and cool-down stretching after play are recommended to prevent musculoskeletal injuries.