$250,000 Capital Grant Provided to Vernon Pickleball Association FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Vernon Pickleball Association, Vernon BC, January 30, 2024: The BC Gaming Commission has approved a $250,000 capital grant to the Vernon Pickleball Association (VPA). These much needed funds will help with the construction costs for a reception centre as part of the VPA’s awesome OWA Pickleball Complex. The new reception centre called Herrmann House is dedicated to the late Wally Herrmann, a VPA founding member. The 2300 square foot building is attached to the existing 12 court pickleball enclosure located at Marshall Field in Vernon. The Herrmann House will add permanent washrooms, a registration area, meeting room, office and a footwear change area. The construction project is expected to be completed in early June. The Phase I outdoor facility cost $750,000 and opened in August 2018. In the spring of 2021, the VPA enclosed the pickleball courts to allow year round play. This Phase II cost a further $1,450,000. The Herrmann House final Phase III will cost close to $1,000,000 bringing the total facility cost to $3.2 million. Rob Irving, the grant application author, said “this last phase was required in part because the BC building code required us to have permanent washrooms integral to our building. Secondly, this very active club needs all the other components of the reception centre for its daily operation. With the rapidly increasing cost of construction, we could not complete all the essential components without the $250,000 cash infusion from the BC Capital Gaming grant. The funds are greatly appreciated. The thousands of volunteer hours by our talented members are also essential to the completion of this project and the on-going operation of the club. In addition to the volunteer hours, the VPA members have contributed an astounding $2.3 million via debentures (loans), donations, pre-paid club credits and through court fee & tournament revenues. Most of this funding was done when we had 400 members. Now the membership has ballooned to 1200!” Since 2017, local governments have provided $500,000 towards the project plus the City of Vernon looked after the project’s Development Cost Charges (DCCs). The end result is a tremendous community asset that will serve Greater Vernon younger and older pickleball players for decades to come. Currently 1200 club members and many public players enjoy about 100,000 pickleball playing hours annually in the OWA Pickleball Complex. It’s a busy facility operating 12 hours a day, 363 days a year. Pickleball is an amazing community building, inclusive social sport that is having a positive impact, both physical and mental, on a large number of people in our community. We sincerely thank BC Gaming for this timely funding contribution. The Vernon Pickleball Association was recently voted “Canada’s Best Pickleball Club for 2023”. In July of this year, the VPA will host the Western Canada Regional Pickleball tournament for over 600 of the best pickleball players from Manitoba, Saskatchewan, Alberta and BC. Further information on pickleball, the Vernon Pickleball Association and the Herrmann House Project can be found at: www.vernonpickleball.com Further information on what makes pickleball unique can be found at: https://sportsedtv.com/blog/what-makes-pickleball-different-than-any-other-sport VPA Contact : Brent Bolin, President vernonpickleball@gmail.com. (250) 439-8376 Within five years, China may have 10,000 pickleball courts and 100 million players, according to Seymour Rifkind ("Rif"), US pickleball ambassador, as outlined in a recent The Dink Newsletter story quoted here: ‘Rif’ says in a recent Front Office Sports article that this was a pledge given to him from “top sports officials in China.” If Rif’s prediction is correct, that means China will have outpaced the United States in less than a couple of years, since the APP claimed only 36.5 million Americans played in 2022 (assume Canada is 10% - 15% of this or more?). Sure, America may have the upper hand in terms of total courts built already. But as Front Office Sports points out, China has a dozen cities with larger populations than New York…if pickleball does become popular there, they’ll be forced to build quickly. Imagine the wait times otherwise. China doesn’t just have the numbers to make it the most popular nation for pickleball, it has the engagement to match. According to the article:
Does this help pickleball achieve inclusion in the Olympics...if China’s interest in pickleball literally funds the sport’s future, how could we complain? Ben Johns in China; demonstrations in China like our PickleballBC upcoming Wellness Show Vancouver; and a DUPR competition Vernon Pickleball Association’s (VPA) New Officiating Program (also posted on Pickleball Canada's site here): The Vernon Pickleball Association (VPA) is located in the Okanagan Valley of British Columbia. The VPA is home to over 1100 members with 300 on the waitlist. In 2023 the association was voted the Top Pickleball Club in Canada by Pickleball Today, as covered by our story here. The VPA runs three one day tournaments and one three-day sanctioned tournament each year. Additionally, they hosted the first B.C. Championships presented by Pickleball BC in 2023 with 620 competitors. In order to successfully run provincials, they utilized 40+ officials. At the time the VPA only had three accredited referees. And so, in preparation for the 2023 Provincial Championships a referee training program occurred that resulted in the number of accredited referees in the VPA reaching 14 by the end of year. There were many bumps and bruises along the way, and lots of learning of what not to do! From this experience the VPA knew that it should create a referee training program that facilitated the development of new referees in a supportive environment in preparation for hosting the 2024 Pickleball Canada Western Canada Regional Championships 26 - 29 July, 2024. Starting in October of 2023 Richard Chambers the Tournament Director at the VPA recruited Shannon McClean and Suzan Ross (both Level 2 credentialed referees at VPA) as coordinators of the referee training program. As well, five Level 1 referees volunteered to act as mentors. On November 2, 2023, the program launched, and seventeen potential referees began training. During the first few lessons they learned the basics of the program such as how to hold a clipboard and how to call the score. These basic steps were taken slowly in order for the new referees to develop confidence in their abilities. From there they started to include the script and brought in time-out and game procedures followed by faults and most recently they introduced disciplinary actions and procedures. “Once people gained more confidence after the first few lessons people really started enjoying it and having fun. They started to realize the impact referees have on their club”, stated Suzan Ross one of the Coordinators for the Referee Program. Many of the referees in training have found this program to be very helpful and appreciate the steps the VPA has taken to create a supportive program that has built their confidence. “I am thrilled the VPA is holding a referee training program. They are making a huge effort to train new recruits for our organization, and they are taking their time to give us a better understanding of what it takes to become a new Referee”, said Ziggy Kreipe, one of the referees in training. This program has not only been a big help for new referees but also for the referee mentors as it puts their knowledge to the test in guiding the referees in training. It assists the mentors in keeping their skills fresh for tournament season. “It has been gratifying to see these trainees grow their skills so that they will be so much more prepared for tournament time. Plus, my own knowledge base has grown, and I too have benefitted as we discuss as a group the game procedures. In my opinion it’s a fun, casual learning environment that has and will benefit everybody”, said Referee Mentor Sandy Vaughan Hastie. VPA's magnificent indoor courts - waiting for the Western Regionals! The PADS charity event is taking shape – April 20, 2024! Expressions of interest have been received from more than 20 clubs across BC so far. Many are going to use their own tried and familiar registration system. Some will use the Pickleball Brackets tournament site that Pickleball BC (PBC) has set up. Some examples: the North Shore Winter Club is registered on the PBC Pickleball Brackets site and if you are going online to register, make sure that you go to the Winter Club "Events" that you wish to play in; Hollyburn Country Club is going with their own booking software which their members are familiar with. It's up to participating club or organization to do what is best for their members!! Walter Knecht, President PBC said: "If your club has not indicated to you that they are planning to participate – bug them, offer to help organize! It is more convenient to participate close to home. If your club is one of those lingering on the side still and you cannot move them – organize 4 or 20 of your friends. Pick a place to play. And one last important point: those who are not Pickleball BC members are welcome to play (depending on club format) and donate – point them to the Pickleball Brackets site. Email me as I will help you set up through the Pickleball Brackets system if this is what you want to use for bookings, and this is where we will manage the collections for you." Our sincere thanks to those already working to make this a reality, to those about to get started to make it happen and thanks to all those who have already registered! Report From The President of the Quesnel Pickleball Club President and Pickleball BC Director Sharon MacDonald: Last month, Quesnel Pickleball Club held its annual Fun Christmas Potluck and tournament. Liz Sales, our fabulous tournament director provided a point driven fun round robin starting with points awarded to the team who set up the portable nets the quickest. Lots of laughter with a very close finish between the 6 teams. The evening started at our local junior high school with an appetizer potluck and the Club members did not disappoint. It was difficult to even think of playing after indulging in so many culinary delights. Kathy Good, who has taken on the task of being a supplier for Pickleball Superstore, set up a table to display various paddles, accessories and clothing items. We are so fortunate to have a local supplier. Besides food, fun and camaraderie we held a 50/50 draw with proceeds going to a local school charity called Backpacks for Kids. Indoor play continues over the winter season in various schools, halls and the Senior Center. With the temperature dropping it is good to be able to participate in our favorite sport until we can hit the outdoor courts in the Spring. Quesnel PC Members Enjoy Giving Back To Their Community!! Ottawa, ON – January 11, 2024 – "Pickleball Canada is pleased to announce that the Vernon Pickleball Association (VPA) has been selected to host the 2024 Pickleball Canada Western Regional Championship, which will run July 25 – July 28, 2024 in the Okanagan Valley of British Columbia.
The VPA operated Pickleball BC's Provincial Championship in 2023, which involved 620 players from all over the province. The success of this tournament contributed to the VPA being recognized as Canada’s Best Pickleball Club by Pickleball Today in 2023. “Pickleball Canada is thrilled to have the Western Regionals in Vernon at the beautiful Vernon pickleball facility. We look forward to a wonderful event and some great pickleball!”, said Pickleball Canada President Val Vollmin. The tournament will be played on 12 indoor and 12 outdoor courts. Franklin will serve as the official ball for the 2024 Pickleball Canada Western Regional Championship, under their partnership as the official ball and paddle for Pickleball Canada." Congratulations to VPA and we're looking forward to yet another splendid tournament hosted by VPA! Pickleball BC (PBC) Attends The 31st Annual Wellness Show February 3rd and 4th 2024 at the Vancouver Convention Center for the second year with a full pickleball court: With 30+ PBC and local member club volunteers, PBC is setting up a full pickleball court, and will have paddles and balls for attendees 'you try it' opportunities. Walter Knecht PBC's President said "this year's annual Wellness show will attract a forecasted 20,000 visitors enjoying the sounds, sights and tastes of as many as 100 booths/vendors. If you are coming to the wellness show please stop our 'booth', say hi, and watch and play a little pickleball, even if you have not picked up a paddle yet - I promise you will be addicted immediately to this sport as we are!" For more than 25 years the Wellness Show has been bringing new approaches to nutrition, fitness, physical and emotional well-being to help Vancouverites achieve their most holistic, healthiest selves. "We connect like-minded businesses and thought-leaders in wellness. We educate the public on health options as a year-round online resource and as host of Western Canada’s biggest and most established health and lifestyles showcase. 250+ exhibitors, 100+ speakers, cooking and fitness demonstrations, 2 days plus 20K attendees all under one roof." Perfect venue and message for PBC attendance we believe - come and visit us! Last Year's Attendees and Players
The North Shore Winter Club and Hollyburn Country Club have set the pace for the upcoming Paddles for PADS spring charity tournament on April 20th 2024. The two Vancouver North Shore clubs are the first ones to register for the province-wide tournament presented by Pickleball BC (PBC). Paddles Up BC Clubs! PBC is encouraging clubs across the province to join us and with deadlines looming here is what your community needs to know to be part of this event as follows: Tournament Format
Deadline for Club Registration:
Player Registration: Starts January 15th 2024 through your registered Club (as above) PADS Tournament Support For Clubs
Our Goal With over 100 established clubs in 110 BC communities the goal of this 2024 charity tournament is to attract as many member clubs as possible to host a tournament and join with us to the benefit of PADS and pickleball in BC. About PADS Pacific Assistance Dogs (PADS) breeds, raises and trains fully certified assistance dogs. Our service (mobility & PTSD) and hearing dogs provide life-changing independence to those with disabilities. Our accredited facility dogs work with community professionals such as teachers, RCMP and psychologists to help support healthy communities. PADS is a fully accredited member of Assistance Dogs International. About Pickleball BC (PBC) Founded in March 2017, PBC is dedicated to the growth, development, promotion and enjoyment of pickleball in BC and elsewhere. We encourage people of all ages and skill levels to experience pickleball and discover the enjoyment of friendship and participation in an active lifestyle. In conjunction with the Pickleball Canada affiliation, PBC is now the B.C. Provincial governing body for pickleball. We are beyond pleased to support PADS by way of this tournament, which at a forecasted 3,000+ players across BC, will be the largest tournament in Canada to date Together we can make a larger community impact by combining PADS,
Pickleball BC, our BC Clubs and our great game! [pictured above: Walter Knecht (left) with the Burnaby Pickleball Club and PADS' Assistance Dogs and Management] For the third year in a row, the Vernon Pickleball Association (VPA) held its annual food drive in support of the Vernon Salvation Army Food Bank during the month of December: Members brought non-perishable food items and toiletries to the Okanagan Wealth Advisors (OWA) Pickleball complex when they came to play, placing the food under the twinkling lights of the 15’ high pickleball Christmas tree. The food was weighed prior to being delivered, and an impressive 1194 pounds were counted. Combined with the previous two years, that’s more than 3,000 lbs of food helping the Vernon community through the Salvation Army Food Bank/ House of Hope. VPA member, Marco Longley, has spear-headed the initiative for the last three years, and is also the creator and builder of the pickleball Christmas tree consisting of over 800 broken pickleballs. The spirit of giving at Christmas time, and throughout the year, is what makes the Vernon Pickleball Association a very special Pickleball community with a strong sense of belonging, sportsmanship and friendship. For more information about the Vernon Pickleball Association, please go to www.vernonpickleball.com Pictures courtesy of Anne Longley: Left (top on mobile) a picture of us at the Vernon Salvation Army Food Bank after dropping off the food. L to R VPA members: Bob Tutush, Anne Longley, Marco Longley and Bruce Imrie Center (middle on mobile) at the courts weighing the food with Winston Seto and Marco Longley Right (bottom on mobile) Marco with the talley!! New year, new rule changes. The 2024 USA Pickleball rule book is now available, and it brings a few notable changes to the sport's dynamic - from The Dink Newsletter: "Correcting Server, Receiver and Player Position Errors (4.B.9) In last year's rule changes, players were told to ask "Am I good?" to clarify their position or server status to avoid incorrect server/returner error faults. Now, faults for incorrect servers, receivers, or wrongful player positions are eliminated. If a rally in progress is stopped to correctly identify a player/position error, the rally shall be replayed. If a player/position error is identified after the rally has played out, the rally shall stand. The ref is now responsible to correct any player errors before calling the score. Catch or Carry Ball on the Paddle (7.L) This change essentially removes the responsibility from a ref to determine if a player intended to carry the ball on a paddle. If a carry occurs, it's an automatic fault. Wait, what's the difference between a carry and a double-hit, you ask? Good question:
Paddle Specifications (2.E.2/2.E.5.a/2.E.5.c) Responding to the many paddle controversies over the last year, USAP has added language that condemns “any objects or features that allow a player to impart excessive spin on the ball." Of course, there’s no immediate guideline as to what counts as “excessive spin.” But there are guidelines regarding prohibited surface & mechanical features that do often impact spin. Those prohibited features include:
We cover some more important rule changes you won’t want to miss in our full article." Pickleball Canada has yet to adopt the new USAP rules, but since they most often certainly do, let's see! |
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