Pickleball In Montville: Badge Requirement Coming, Rules You Need to Know

MONTVILLE, NJ - Montville Township's pickleball courts at Metro Park are open for play, but the Recreation Department is reminding players to brush up on court rules, open play format and paddle rotation procedures before their next visit, and to prepare for a new annual badge requirement taking effect this summer.

Courts are open daily from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m., March 1 through November 30. Courts 1 and 4 are designated for advanced play only; courts 2, 3, 5 and 6 are open to all levels. Open play format hours run Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 7 a.m. to noon and 5 to 10 p.m., and Saturday and Sunday from 8:30 a.m. to noon.

During open play, courts operate on a paddle rotation system. Players place their paddle in the rack at their level's gate, stacking left to right. The first four paddles in the rack move to an open court and play a single game to 11 points, win by 2. Losing players return their paddles to the back of the rack; winners stay on court and split up to play with the next two players in the queue. Players must leave the court after two consecutive games. During busy times — defined as eight or more players waiting — all four players leave after each game.

All players must have a valid Montville Township Recreation Pickleball Season Pass Badge to access the courts; badges are registered to individual members and cannot be shared. The yearly badge requirement will take effect this summer, with more details to follow. Courts are currently open and in use under existing rules.

The township is reminding players to clean up after themselves, remove all bottles and personal belongings, and follow posted etiquette. Unauthorized paid coaching, private leagues and tournaments without a permit are prohibited. For information, visit montvillenj.org or call (973) 331-3305.

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