My son was visiting friends recently and happened upon some strangers playing doubles pickleball. Of course, he had to stop and say hello and eventually join in their games. What he related later was interesting and something I hadn’t run across before.

The folks playing pickleball in this park didn’t play by the rules. By that, I mean the established USAPA rules. They knew the rules – but, for whatever reason, they played differently. By choice.

My son said he didn’t mind the idea of localized rules – people should be able to play the game any way they like. But he said it was difficult for him to enjoy playing with them because he spent so much time trying to figure out what was going on and kept having to work at doing it their way.

I was intrigued when he related this story to me since I realized again what a great service the folks at the USAPA are doing (and have done) for this sport. Some USAPA members (or anyone who plays by their set of rules) may gripe about this rule or that. But having one set of rules that we can all abide by (and strive to have changed if, in fact, the rule should be different) makes for a much better playing experience. No matter where you go in the U.S., you can assume the rules will be the same. When they’re not, you have written examples you can point to that will help others understand how most people (and our “ruling body”) feel the game should be played. The hours and hours the members of the USAPA rules committee spend hashing out the whys and wherefores of the smallest of points makes every game we play together with others a better experience. Thanks to all of you.

When my son related this story to me, he said these players also didn’t follow some common rules of etiquette and safety (for example, they never called “ball” when one of their balls strayed into an adjoining court). He asked me to include the subject of safety on the court in an upcoming blog, and so I’ll do that here. (All of these and more can be found in my book, The Art of Pickleball.) The unwritten “rules” regarding courtesy and safety on the court are as follows (they’re unwritten no more!):

• As said above, when your ball strays into an adjoining court where play is in progress, it’s essential that you call “ball” loudly enough that those people who are playing can hear it. Unlike tennis balls, pickleballs do not flatten out much, and when they’re stepped on, they roll and can cause people to fall. If there’s even a chance that someone might step on a ball, holler. When you’re the one playing and you hear someone call “ball,” stop playing and stand still until you locate the ball. Then retrieve and return it.

• Don’t walk through another’s court when they have a game in progress. That means not even between points. It’s not that much further to walk around (in fact, it’s good exercise).

• Don’t bring breakable items onto the court. Make sure all items are safely stowed away from the playing area.

• Don’t use profanity (excessively). Keep your temper. Treat the others on the court with respect.

• If the courts are slippery, don’t play. Check an outdoor court surface by pressing down with your toe. If moisture comes up, wait until it dries more. Indoor courts can be wiped down before play.

• I can’t believe I even have to write this: Don’t cheat. If you see a ball is in, call it in. If you’re not sure, call it in. Your honor is worth more than the extra point you might get by cheating.

Having written rules and points of etiquette and safety such as these help to make our playing experience a better one. If you’re playing alone, there’s no need for etiquette. When you play with others, it’s essential.

You can find the current set of rules that are standard in the U.S. on the USAPA web site (www.usapa.org). Be sure YOU know the rules before going out to play.