Prescott Lakes Pickleball Club
Meeting Notes – October 6, 20178
The Club at Prescott Lakes – Falls Room
The Meeting was called to order by President Jim Robak at 1:00 p.m. with over 50 members attending.
Welcome: Jim Robak thanked those in attendance for coming. He then introduced the current Board of Directors, and the Committee Chairs for 2018. He pointed out that it is due to the large number of volunteers, that our Club functions so well.
Election of Board members: Jim Robak reviewed the names of the candidates for office. Because there was only one candidate for each open office, the vote was taken by a show of hands. The vote was unanimous.
Membership and Marketing: Secretary Genanne Davis reported that we have had a 34% increase in membership since January, with the current membership at 237. The greatest increase is in the 1.5-2.5 rating level.
The data collected at the Front Desk through August 31, 2018, was displayed. It shows Pickleball ranking #7 is usage, down from #5 in the spring. Genanne encouraged everyone to check in at the desk when they use the courts.
Budget Report: Treasurer Ron Scott reported projected funds available of $10,549, projected expenses of $6,047, leaving a projected ending balance of $4,803 for the year 2018. He explained we had a larger than anticipated increase in members, and some unbudgeted expenses. In addition, there are some anticipated bills which have not yet been received, so the 2018 ending balance should be around the $2,000 range.
Ratings Committee: Committee Chair Joe Nelson stated that currently 152 members have self-rated. We are completing our first year of ratings and are learning as we go. He explained the process for “challenging up”: 1) finish in the top four, score 70% or more points, or any combination of these two in two Round Robin events; 2) Compete in a “Challenge” in a 6-game round robin match and score at least 42 points. Also a USAPA tournament rated player may “Challenge Up” a level upon request. He recognized the 14 players who have challenged up this year.
Round Robins Committee: Chairman Jean Bowman were held this year from April through October. It is possible 2019 will see Round Robins from March to November. Typically four round robins a month are held—one for each skill level (2.0/2.5, 3.0, 3.5, 4.0+). Jean recognized the volunteers who worked as a team to run the Round Robins this year.
Social Tournaments: Jim Robak explained that originally four social tournaments were planned this year, but by popular demand, a second DinkFest was added. The purpose of social tournaments is to have fun. Each had a different format with players of differing abilities playing together to encourage camaraderie. The 2018 tournaments held were: Valentine Top Hat, February 10; Pickleball 4, April 14; DinkFest, July 7; Sunset Champagne Pickleball Poker, October 6; and DinkFest2, October 27.
2018 Member Skill Level Tournament: Tournaments committee member Jay Davis reported the Pickleball Club held its first ever Skill-Level tournament June 8, 9, and 10, with 40 members participating. Events included Women’s Doubles, Men’s Doubles, and Mixed Doubles, with players competing in four different levels: 2.0/2.5, 3.0, 3.5, and 4.0+. The committee anticipates the number of participants will increase.
Prescott Lakes Senior Pickleball Tournament: Jim Robak reported the Senior Tournament, held August 17, 18, and 19, continued and enhanced our reputation as one of the best pickleball tournaments around. This year combined age and rating, resulting in 149 players and 15 events. Twenty-seven PLPC members participated, taking a total of 17 medals. This year the Club at Prescott Lakes offered complimentary lunch from Café Splash to volunteers, which was greatly appreciated. Melissa McCreary, of Pickleballtournaments.com, reported for the first time in her experience she received zero calls before the tournament started!
2018 Club Championship: Jay Davis described the purpose of the Club Championship is to acknowledge the best of the best. This year’s tournament was held September 28, 29, and 30, with 60 players vying in Men’s Singles, Women’s Singles, Men’s Doubles, Women’s Doubles and Mixed Doubles. The names of winners in each event are displayed on the Pickleball Club Permanent Plaque in the Athletic Center.
PLPC Referee Training: Jim Robak reported that this year the Pickleball Club held a two-session training for PLPC Certified Referees. Taught by Randy Oaks, a USAPA certified referee, it required applicants to pass a rigorous on-line test and be observed in actual game situations. The program resulted in 10 PLPC certified referees. Another training session is proposed for April, 2019. In additions, the PLPC hopes to create teams of Line Judges, who will work together as a team at various events.
Lessons: Joe Nelson reported that a dedicated group of instructors taught 124 students a total of 290 lessons. Chairman Bill Sneen managed a schedule with each level (Beginner, Novice, and Intermediate) being taught once a month. Class size was limited to 12 to allow a 4:1 student/teacher ratio. The curriculum was standardized so that students were working on the same skills regardless of the instructor.
Play Schedule: The play schedule was revised this year to allow more opportunities for play with others of like ratings. It began in July and was monitored for a month. The new schedule is working well.
Court Etiquette: Peter Grant noted that 60% of court time is Open Play. He explained the “next up” concept. He remarked that Level-Based Play increased by 1 day a week, and that Social Play is for people to use the courts when Open Play Level-based Play is not in effect. He encouraged everyone to observe the guidelines for the benefit of everyone using the courts.
Social Committee: Betty Remlinger acknowledge the Social Committee and reiterated the purpose of social events is to have fun and encourage camaraderie among Pickleball Club members. Club members and their guests are welcome at all social events. Four events this year included an mixer at The Finn restaurant, a Party on the Terrace at the Club at Prescott Lakes, a Pickleball Club Pot Luck and Thumb Butte, and an afternoon buffet at Granite Creek Vineyards. The Social Committee welcomes ideas for 2019.
PLPC Orientation: Jim Robak discussed a new program in 2018—PLPC Orientation. The purpose is to answer questions and listen to input. Especially good for new members, it is open to all members. The next date is October 17 at 10:00 a.m. at the courts. The plan is to offer it quartly.
Questions and Comments: The floor was open to questions and comments. Bill Meardy, asked about the potential for new courts. Jim Robak explained the process for acquiring new courts. Long-Range Planning sets the priorities, governed by funds available and member demand. He emphasized that is why checking in at the Front Desk is so important, so there is hard data about court usage. For an item to get to that point, the Athletic Committee makes a recommendation to the Board of Governors, who then make a recommendation to Major Decisions, which consists of two representatives from Prescott Lakes and two representatives from Arnold Palmer. A major problem is land, followed by money and timing.
The 7:00 a.m. start time was discussed. Jim Robak reported the proposal for a trial in June, July and August, 2019, was discussed at the Athletic Committee meeting in September and won unanimous approval. It goes to the Board of Governors in October where approval is expected.
Ben Scianna suggested more Round Robins be held on Saturday in consideration of working PLPC members. It was suggested that an email be sent to the membership to determine interest in Round Robins, whether they are employed, and rating.
Adjournment: The meeting was adjourned at 2:00 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Genanne Davis, Secretary
Prescott Lakes Pickleball Club
Meeting Notes – October 6, 20178
The Club at Prescott Lakes – Falls Room
The Meeting was called to order by President Jim Robak at 1:00 p.m. with over 50 members attending.
Welcome: Jim Robak thanked those in attendance for coming. He then introduced the current Board of Directors, and the Committee Chairs for 2018. He pointed out that it is due to the large number of volunteers, that our Club functions so well.
Election of Board members: Jim Robak reviewed the names of the candidates for office. Because there was only one candidate for each open office, the vote was taken by a show of hands. The vote was unanimous.
Membership and Marketing: Secretary Genanne Davis reported that we have had a 34% increase in membership since January, with the current membership at 237. The greatest increase is in the 1.5-2.5 rating level.
The data collected at the Front Desk through August 31, 2018, was displayed. It shows Pickleball ranking #7 is usage, down from #5 in the spring. Genanne encouraged everyone to check in at the desk when they use the courts.
Budget Report: Treasurer Ron Scott reported projected funds available of $10,549, projected expenses of $6,047, leaving a projected ending balance of $4,803 for the year 2018. He explained we had a larger than anticipated increase in members, and some unbudgeted expenses. In addition, there are some anticipated bills which have not yet been received, so the 2018 ending balance should be around the $2,000 range.
Ratings Committee: Committee Chair Joe Nelson stated that currently 152 members have self-rated. We are completing our first year of ratings and are learning as we go. He explained the process for “challenging up”: 1) finish in the top four, score 70% or more points, or any combination of these two in two Round Robin events; 2) Compete in a “Challenge” in a 6-game round robin match and score at least 42 points. Also a USAPA tournament rated player may “Challenge Up” a level upon request. He recognized the 14 players who have challenged up this year.
Round Robins Committee: Chairman Jean Bowman were held this year from April through October. It is possible 2019 will see Round Robins from March to November. Typically four round robins a month are held—one for each skill level (2.0/2.5, 3.0, 3.5, 4.0+). Jean recognized the volunteers who worked as a team to run the Round Robins this year.
Social Tournaments: Jim Robak explained that originally four social tournaments were planned this year, but by popular demand, a second DinkFest was added. The purpose of social tournaments is to have fun. Each had a different format with players of differing abilities playing together to encourage camaraderie. The 2018 tournaments held were: Valentine Top Hat, February 10; Pickleball 4, April 14; DinkFest, July 7; Sunset Champagne Pickleball Poker, October 6; and DinkFest2, October 27.
2018 Member Skill Level Tournament: Tournaments committee member Jay Davis reported the Pickleball Club held its first ever Skill-Level tournament June 8, 9, and 10, with 40 members participating. Events included Women’s Doubles, Men’s Doubles, and Mixed Doubles, with players competing in four different levels: 2.0/2.5, 3.0, 3.5, and 4.0+. The committee anticipates the number of participants will increase.
Prescott Lakes Senior Pickleball Tournament: Jim Robak reported the Senior Tournament, held August 17, 18, and 19, continued and enhanced our reputation as one of the best pickleball tournaments around. This year combined age and rating, resulting in 149 players and 15 events. Twenty-seven PLPC members participated, taking a total of 17 medals. This year the Club at Prescott Lakes offered complimentary lunch from Café Splash to volunteers, which was greatly appreciated. Melissa McCreary, of Pickleballtournaments.com, reported for the first time in her experience she received zero calls before the tournament started!
2018 Club Championship: Jay Davis described the purpose of the Club Championship is to acknowledge the best of the best. This year’s tournament was held September 28, 29, and 30, with 60 players vying in Men’s Singles, Women’s Singles, Men’s Doubles, Women’s Doubles and Mixed Doubles. The names of winners in each event are displayed on the Pickleball Club Permanent Plaque in the Athletic Center.
PLPC Referee Training: Jim Robak reported that this year the Pickleball Club held a two-session training for PLPC Certified Referees. Taught by Randy Oaks, a USAPA certified referee, it required applicants to pass a rigorous on-line test and be observed in actual game situations. The program resulted in 10 PLPC certified referees. Another training session is proposed for April, 2019. In additions, the PLPC hopes to create teams of Line Judges, who will work together as a team at various events.
Lessons: Joe Nelson reported that a dedicated group of instructors taught 124 students a total of 290 lessons. Chairman Bill Sneen managed a schedule with each level (Beginner, Novice, and Intermediate) being taught once a month. Class size was limited to 12 to allow a 4:1 student/teacher ratio. The curriculum was standardized so that students were working on the same skills regardless of the instructor.
Play Schedule: The play schedule was revised this year to allow more opportunities for play with others of like ratings. It began in July and was monitored for a month. The new schedule is working well.
Court Etiquette: Peter Grant noted that 60% of court time is Open Play. He explained the “next up” concept. He remarked that Level-Based Play increased by 1 day a week, and that Social Play is for people to use the courts when Open Play Level-based Play is not in effect. He encouraged everyone to observe the guidelines for the benefit of everyone using the courts.
Social Committee: Betty Remlinger acknowledge the Social Committee and reiterated the purpose of social events is to have fun and encourage camaraderie among Pickleball Club members. Club members and their guests are welcome at all social events. Four events this year included an mixer at The Finn restaurant, a Party on the Terrace at the Club at Prescott Lakes, a Pickleball Club Pot Luck and Thumb Butte, and an afternoon buffet at Granite Creek Vineyards. The Social Committee welcomes ideas for 2019.
PLPC Orientation: Jim Robak discussed a new program in 2018—PLPC Orientation. The purpose is to answer questions and listen to input. Especially good for new members, it is open to all members. The next date is October 17 at 10:00 a.m. at the courts. The plan is to offer it quartly.
Questions and Comments: The floor was open to questions and comments. Bill Meardy, asked about the potential for new courts. Jim Robak explained the process for acquiring new courts. Long-Range Planning sets the priorities, governed by funds available and member demand. He emphasized that is why checking in at the Front Desk is so important, so there is hard data about court usage. For an item to get to that point, the Athletic Committee makes a recommendation to the Board of Governors, who then make a recommendation to Major Decisions, which consists of two representatives from Prescott Lakes and two representatives from Arnold Palmer. A major problem is land, followed by money and timing.
The 7:00 a.m. start time was discussed. Jim Robak reported the proposal for a trial in June, July and August, 2019, was discussed at the Athletic Committee meeting in September and won unanimous approval. It goes to the Board of Governors in October where approval is expected.
Ben Scianna suggested more Round Robins be held on Saturday in consideration of working PLPC members. It was suggested that an email be sent to the membership to determine interest in Round Robins, whether they are employed, and rating.
Adjournment: The meeting was adjourned at 2:00 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Genanne Davis, Secretary
Prescott Lakes Pickleball Club