KPC Junior Participants Policy

Katoomba Pickleball Club

Junior Participants Policy

Dated: March 2026

1. Purpose

Katoomba Pickleball Club is predominantly a club for adult participants however, it allows junior participants over the age of 10 and under the age of 18 years to be part of our club under specific guidelines. These guidelines fulfil our obligations as an affiliated club with Pickleball Association NSW and Pickleball Association Australia as well as the relevant Child Safety policies. This policy outlines the requirements for adult supervision and participation restrictions for children under 18 years of age at our club. All committee members, hosts and volunteers must provide a Working with Children Check (WWCC). This can be either a PAID or VOLUNTEER card.

2. Requirements for Junior Participants:

• Only children aged 10 years and above are permitted to participate in any Katoomba Pickleball Club pickleball sessions, coaching, or events under specific conditions as outlined below:

• 10 years and younger:These junior participants are not permitted to participate in any Katoomba Pickleball Club sessions. These junior participants may attend club sessions only as spectators, provided they are under the direct supervision of a responsible adult (18 years or older) at all times.

• 10 years of age - under 15 years of age: Junior participants must play under the direct supervision of a parent or legal guardian at all times during any Katoomba Pickleball Club sessions. If they are not a paid Katoomba Pickleball Club member, a waiver must be signed prior to each session.

• 15 years of age - under 18 years of age:Junior participants can participate in any Katoomba Pickleball Club sessions independently. If they are not a paid Katoomba Pickleball Club member, a waiver must be signed prior to each session.

• Supervising adults are fully responsible for the child’s conduct, safety, and welfare while on club premises.

• Children under 9 years and younger must remain in designated spectator or seating areas and are not allowed on the courts or to interfere with games, equipment, or players.

• All participants aged 10 to over must pay the standard club member or casual participation rate.
  
  

3. Expectations of Junior Participant Conduct, Maturity and Playing Readiness

Katoomba Pickleball Club is a predominantly adult sporting club. While we are proud to provide opportunities for junior players aged 10 to under 18 years, participation occurs within an adult playing environment that is structured, competitive, and self-managed.

Junior participation is therefore conditional upon demonstrated maturity, behavioural readiness, and sufficient physical and skill capability to safely and effectively integrate into adult sessions.

3.1 Maturity and Communication in an Adult Environment

Junior participants must be able to engage appropriately within an adult sporting context. This includes the ability to:

• Communicate confidently, clearly, and respectfully with adult players, session hosts, coaches, referees, and committee members;

• Understand and follow verbal instructions delivered in a fast-paced adult group setting;

• Independently manage scoring, rotations, and match procedures without additional supervision;

• Accept line calls, referee decisions, and competitive outcomes respectfully;

• Demonstrate emotional regulation and sportsmanship consistent with adult play;

• Maintain appropriate personal and conversational boundaries when interacting with adults.
  
  

Katoomba Pickleball Club sessions are designed for adults and operate under standard competitive and social play structures. Junior participants must be capable of integrating into these formats without requiring modification to session delivery.

3.2 Physical Capability and Skill Readiness

In addition to behavioural maturity, junior participants must possess sufficient physical ability, court awareness, and pickleball skill to safely and effectively participate alongside adults.

Junior players must be able to:

• Sustain rally play at an adult recreational or competitive pace;

• Demonstrate consistent understanding of scoring systems and rules of play;

• Exhibit adequate strength, coordination, and mobility to safely engage in rallies, transitions, and net play;

• Maintain situational awareness to avoid collisions, interference, or unsafe court positioning;

• Participate without significantly disrupting the competitive balance or flow of structured adult sessions.

As Katoomba Pickleball Club sessions are not modified junior sessions, they are not adjusted in speed, intensity, or structure to accommodate developmental skill gaps. Junior players must be physically and technically ready to participate within the standard adult format.

3.3 Behavioural and Playing Standards

All junior participants are held to the same behavioural and playing standards as adult members. This includes:

• Respectful conduct at all times;

• Compliance with club policies and safety requirements;

• Responsible use of facilities and equipment;

• Fair play and adherence to the rules of pickleball;

• Positive contribution to the session environment.

3.4 Suitability and Ongoing Participation

Participation of junior players in adult Katoomba Pickleball Club sessions is a privilege, not an automatic entitlement based solely on age. The Committee reserves the right to determine whether a junior participant demonstrates sufficient:

• Emotional maturity;

• Behavioural suitability;

• Physical readiness;

• Skill competency; and

• Ability to integrate safely into adult-format play.

Where concerns arise, the Committee may:

• Require parental supervision (where age permits);

• Provide guidance regarding skill development prior to continued participation;

• Recommend alternative development pathways where available;

• Temporarily or permanently restrict participation in Katoomba Pickleball Club sessions.

Katoomba Pickleball Club remains committed to supporting junior development pathways while preserving a safe, respectful, and appropriately structured adult sporting environment for all members.

4. Responsibility for Supervision

• Katoomba Pickleball Club staff, coaches, and volunteers do not assume responsibility for supervising children.

• Children found unsupervised will be escorted from the facility and the responsible adult may be asked to leave or may face restrictions on future attendance.
  
  

5. Unsupervised Children

• If a child 9 years and younger is found unsupervised at the venue, staff or club officials will immediately attempt to locate the supervising adult.

• If a responsible adult cannot be located within a reasonable timeframe, the child will be removed from active areas and kept safe in a designated waiting area.

• The child's parent, guardian, or emergency contact (if known) will be contacted and asked to collect the child immediately.

• In cases where a parent/guardian cannot be reached, or if there are concerns for the child's welfare, the club may contact local authorities for assistance.

• Repeated breaches of this policy may result in the supervising adult and/or family being suspended or banned from attending Katoomba Pickleball or venues.

6. Alignment with Child Safety Standards

• Defining children as individuals under 18 years of age;

• Working With Children Check (WWCC) requirements for club staff, coaches, and volunteers;

• Proper reporting of suspected risk of harm to children;

• Safeguarding both children and adults from unsafe or questionable interactions.
  
  

The Katoomba Pickleball Club is committed to maintaining a safe, welcoming, and child-safe sporting environment, ensuring compliance with all relevant child protection laws and standards.

7. Policy Review

This policy will be reviewed annually or as required to reflect updates to child protection legislation, Pickleball Association of NSW guidelines, and best practice standards.