Click  to go the PAO Document on their Website

 The PAO in its’ role of promoting the sport of Pickleball, gives first priority to the safety and well-being of all participants engaged in Pickleball activities. Safety first is a core value of the Association. All members have a role to play in encouraging players to assume responsibility for their personal safety and the safety of others.
The PAO insurance coverage requires that risk management practices be in place at all PAO events and recreational Pickleball sites where player liability insurance coverage is provided through PAO membership. Risk Management is the process of recognizing, assessing and controlling risks or hazards.
In assisting Site Convenors and/or PAO Event Coordinators to identify potential hazards, the following guidelines have been developed to assess practices and control potential risks or hazards that may compromise a player’s health and /or impact the PAO insurance coverage.
 
SLIPS AND FALLS PREVENTION
Does the playing environment have:
  • Uneven or wet surfaces
  • Inadequate lighting
  • Poor maintenance and/or housekeeping practices
  • If yes, for any above risks, the site manager must be notified to correct the problem.
  • A log of reported details and any actions taken to mitigate possible injury is being maintained.
 
EQUIPMENT
  • Players wear court shoes with a sole designed for playing on the respective surface (indoor/outdoor).
  • Players check and clean any debris off their shoe soles before starting to play.
  • Players use Pickleball equipment (racquets/balls) designated for use on the particular playing surface.
  • Players take precautions to avoid risk of injury from competitive partner/opponent paddles and return rallies.
  • Players consider safety approved eyewear/durable lens material that conforms to CSA and/or ASTM F803 standard.
  • Site Convenors review with all players the above risk management expectations for their personal safety and the safety of others.
 
SAFE PLAY & COURT ETIQUETTE
  • Players are discouraged from running backwards when retrieving a ball. Instead the player is encouraged to turn, then run or, arrange with the doubles partner to retrieve respective overhead balls.
  • Players are discouraged from chewing gum, candy or food while playing, to prevent possible logging in the throat or esophagus, if they trip, fall, get hit or bumped.
  • Players are discouraged from retrieving balls close to obstructive barriers (fence, railing, wall etc.) to avoid injury.
  • Players are encouraged to avoid dehydration and fatigue.
  • The Site Convenor or Event Coordinator should be made aware of any medical conditions that might cause a need to stop play.
  • A “Ball on Court” call should be a standard injury avoidance practice to stop play and return errand ball to its’ proper court.
  • Court crossing during play is avoided until the rally is finished.
  • An opponent’s skill level is respected to avoid causing them injury.
  • Safety and etiquette rules are communicated to players and form part of regular play.

​CONCUSSION MANAGEMENT 


  • Site Convenors and/or Event Coordinators or designates are familiar with the Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Sport – Concussion Guidelines and retain a reference copy on site.
  • Site Convenors and/or Event Coordinators or designates takes appropriate action to mitigate further injury if a concussion is suspected.
  • A suspected concussion is assessed immediately post event, by a medical doctor or nurse practitioner.

HARASSMENT
The Association is committed to providing a recreational sports environment where everyone is treated fairly and with respect.
  • Members are expected to conduct themselves at all times in a manner consistent with the values of the PAO – respect, fairness, integrity, honesty, transparency and safety first.
  • Harassment in any form will not be tolerated.
  • Site Convenors and/or Event Coordinators and players are familiar with the PAO Harassment Policy.
 
CLAIMS REPORTING PROCEDURE


  • Site Convenors and/or Event Coordinators are familiar with the PAO Claims Reporting procedure and use the PAO Incident Report Form for capturing all reportable incidents.
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