From its inception, pickleball embodied a philosophy of inclusiveness. The founders designed the game to foster social interaction, making it a favourite activity for family gatherings and community events. It’s simple rules and modest equipment requirements allowed people from diverse backgrounds to come together and enjoy the sport. Future consultation with the Special Olympics may also result in further guidelines for people with an intellectual impairment.

As Pickleball England develops as a National Governing Body it is the intention that the core values of accessibility and community remain intact. We are committed to exploring ways to grow (AP) and become a leading country in shaping the future of this section of the sport.

It is worth noting that these guidelines should not act as a barrier to participation. If you engage with someone in your environment that might need an adaptation that is different from the suggestions in this guide, then have that positive conversation with the person involved. With the person and the club working together, you can hopefully identify what will work and empower that person to play.

At any point, someone may require the need to consider using adaptive pickleball. The primary focus is on disabled players, however, if within your own club environment, you notice someone struggling with their mobility or unable to engage in a particular way, feel free to make allowances for that individual. When making any allowances within your club, remember they are only relevant in your club setting and with the agreement of those participating.

For disabled players, (AP) offers the opportunity to play within an agreed way at your club but to also make the opportunity to transfer to different clubs or competitions and continue to use the adaptive rules far easier.

This guide will show the considerations and where relevant guidelines for different impairment groups. However, in most club environments the adaptive player could be playing alongside or against non-adaptive players. It is important for these players to be aware of the different rules and additional things to consider.