FAQs
Frequently Asked Questions ❓
Please read these FAQs before contacting the club – most questions are answered here!
🆕 Getting Started
I'm new to pickleball. Can I join SUNS?
Absolutely! SUNS welcomes players of all skill levels, including complete beginners. We have sessions specifically designed for new players, plus Open sessions where beginners can learn alongside more experienced players who are always happy to help.
Do I get a trial session before joining?
Yes! You get ONE paid trial session to experience SUNS Pickleball and see if it's the right fit for you. After your trial session, you'll need to become a member to continue playing at SUNS sessions (regardless of whether you plan to play once a week or seven times a week).
Why membership is required:
- Public liability insurance coverage for all players
- Supports club operations, court hire, and equipment
- Ensures all players are committed to our community standards
How do I book my trial session?
- Go to opensports.net/suns-pickleball
- Create a free OpenSports account
- Look for sessions marked "All Skills" or "Beginner-Friendly"
- Book your spot and show up!
After your trial, you'll need to become a member to continue playing.
Why do I need to join the club? Can't I just pay per session?
Insurance Coverage: All players must be SUNS members to be covered by our public liability insurance through Pickleball Australia. This protects you, other players, and the club.
Club Sustainability: Your membership ($80/year) helps us secure court time, maintain equipment, run events, and grow pickleball in our community.
Community Standards: Membership ensures everyone is committed to our club values and policies.
👨👩👧👦 Age Groups & Kids
Are there sessions for kids?
We're working on developing junior programs! Currently, most of our sessions are for adults, but we welcome kids aged 12+ to attend appropriate sessions with a parent or guardian.
Junior membership is available for players 17 and under at $60/year.
Check our schedule regularly or email team@sunspickleball.com.au to express interest in junior programs.
What is the average age group at SUNS?
SUNS has a diverse age range! Our members span from teenagers to retirees in their 70s and 80s. Most sessions have a mix of ages, with the average member being in their 40s-60s. Pickleball is truly a sport for all ages!
🎾 Sessions & Booking
Do you run beginner sessions?
Yes! We offer several options for beginners:
Open Sessions: All skill levels welcome, including beginners
New Player Sessions: Specifically designed for those new to the sport
Drills & Skills Sessions: Some are beginner-focused to teach fundamentals
Check the session description on OpenSports to confirm which sessions are suitable for your level.
Is there a drills session for beginners?
Yes! We run beginner-friendly drills sessions that focus on:
- Serving technique
- Return of serve
- Dinking fundamentals
- Court positioning
- Basic strategy
Check OpenSports for "Drills & Skills" sessions and read the description to see which skill levels are targeted. Note: these sessions run periodically through the year and are not always available.
Do you run lessons for beginners?
Begginer friendly sessions on OpenSports will have a host to show you the ropes! For formal one-on-one or small group lessons, we can connect you with qualified pickleball coaches in our community. Email team@sunspickleball.com.au for recommendations.
How do I know which session is right for my skill level?
Always read the session description on OpenSports! Each session listing includes:
- Skill level requirements (New Player, Standard, Intermediate, Challenger, Advanced)
- Session format (social, drills, competitive)
- What to expect
Starting March 2026, our new grading system will make this even clearer. Learn more about grading →
Can I add a guest or bring a friend?
No, you cannot register a guest on behalf of someone else. Each person must create their own OpenSports account and register themselves for sessions. This ensures:
- Accurate attendance records
- Proper emergency contact information
- Each player accepts terms and conditions
Guests are welcome at trial sessions, but after one trial, they'll need to become members to continue playing.
Can visitors from interstate join our sessions?
Yes! Interstate visitors are welcome to join SUNS sessions for one trial game. If you're from interstate and already a Pickleball Australia member through another club, please mention this when booking – you may be eligible for a member rate.
For visitors wanting to play more than once, membership is required for insurance purposes.
💳 Payments & Refunds
How much do sessions cost?
Most sessions are $5-$15 per session. Premium or extended sessions may vary. The exact cost is shown on each session listing before you book on OpenSports.
What is the refund/cancellation policy?
You will only receive a refund (credit) if you cancel within the time frame specified for that session.
- Cancellation policies vary by session (typically 8-24 hours notice required)
- Check the specific session's cancellation policy before booking
- Refunds are issued as OpenSports credits, not cash
- Credits can be used for any future SUNS session
Late cancellations may not be eligible for refunds, so please cancel as early as possible if your plans change!
What if I cancel too late?
If you cancel outside the refund window, you will not receive a credit. This policy:
- Encourages timely cancellations so others can book
- Helps hosts plan appropriate numbers
- Keeps session costs low for everyone
Pro tip: Add sessions to your calendar and enable OpenSports notifications so you remember to cancel if needed!
📋 Bookings & OpenSports
How do I book a session?
All bookings are made through OpenSports:
- Go to opensports.net/suns-pickleball or download the app
- Create your account and join SUNS Pickleball club
- Browse available sessions
- Click "Book" and complete payment
- Show up and play!
Can someone else book a session for me?
No. Only the person attending can register for that session on OpenSports. Admins and hosts cannot register you for sessions. This ensures:
- You see and accept the session details
- Your payment information is secure
- Emergency contacts are accurate
- Cancellation policies are acknowledged
I'm having trouble with OpenSports. Who can help?
For OpenSports technical issues:
- Contact OpenSports support directly through the app
- Email: support@opensports.net
For SUNS-specific questions:
- Email: team@sunspickleball.com.au
🏆 Player Grading System (Starting March 2026)
What is the grading system?
Starting March 2026, SUNS is introducing a structured grading system to ensure everyone plays with members at similar skill levels. This means better-matched games and more fun for everyone!
The five grades:
- 🟢 New Player (1.5-1.99 DUPR)
- 🔵 Standard (2.0-2.49 DUPR)
- 🟡 Intermediate (2.5-2.99 DUPR)
- 🟠 Challenger (3.0-3.49 DUPR)
- 🔴 Advanced (3.5+ DUPR)
How do I get graded?
Three options:
Option 1: Submit your DUPR rating (60%+ reliability) for automatic grading
Option 2: Attend monthly grading sessions where assessors observe your play
Option 3: New to pickleball? You'll start as a New Player
Why do some sessions have skill level requirements?
To ensure everyone has competitive, enjoyable games! When skill levels are too varied:
- Beginners feel overwhelmed
- Advanced players can't play their natural game
- Nobody has as much fun
Grade-specific sessions let you play competitively while still learning from similarly skilled players.
What if I disagree with my grade?
You can:
- Request a review with evidence (DUPR rating, match videos)
- Attend another grading session to demonstrate your skills
- Build your DUPR rating through leagues to show your level
Grades aren't permanent – as you improve, you'll progress!
How do I move up to the next grade?
DUPR Pathway (all levels):
- Play in DUPR-rated leagues
- Reach the DUPR threshold for your target grade (100% reliability)
- Submit upgrade request
- Grade updated within 5 business days
Assessment Pathway (New Player → Intermediate only):
- Attend monthly grading session
- Demonstrate skills for target grade
- Receive outcome within 3 business days
🏓 Equipment
Do I need my own paddle?
For your first few sessions: No! SUNS has paddles available to borrow for free while you're getting started.
Long-term: We encourage members to purchase their own paddle for hygiene, consistency, and to find the right paddle for your playing style.
Where can I buy pickleball equipment?
SUNS members save 10% at Pickld.com.au!
Pickld.com.au is Australia's premier pickleball retailer offering:
- 🏓 Premium paddles from all major brands
- 🎾 Indoor and outdoor balls
- 👕 Apparel and accessories
- 📦 Fast Australia-wide shipping
- 💯 Expert advice from passionate players
Use code: SUNSMEMBER at checkout for 10% off
Not sure what paddle to get? The Pickld team can help you choose based on your skill level, playing style, and budget.
What else do I need to bring?
For every session, bring:
- ✅ Paddle (or borrow from club)
- ✅ Water bottle (stay hydrated!)
- ✅ Appropriate court shoes (non-marking, indoor court shoes)
- ✅ Comfortable athletic clothing
- ✅ Optional: sweatband, towel, extra shirt
Balls are provided by the club at all sessions.
What are "appropriate court shoes"?
Indoor court shoes with:
- Non-marking soles (won't leave black marks on court)
- Good lateral support
- Cushioning for pickleball movements
Not suitable:
- Running shoes (not enough lateral support)
- Outdoor shoes (may leave marks)
- Basketball shoes (too heavy)
Tennis, squash, badminton, or dedicated pickleball shoes all work great!
📍 Venue & Location
Where do you play?
SUNS operates at multiple venues across the Hornsby and Ku-Ring-Gai region!
Our sessions take place at various quality indoor and outdoor courts throughout the area. Each session listing on OpenSports includes:
- 📍 Specific venue address and location
- 🗺️ Directions and parking information
- 🏢 Court type (indoor/outdoor)
- ℹ️ Facility details and amenities
Always check the session details on OpenSports for the specific location, as some special sessions may be held at alternative venues.
💰 Membership
How much is membership?
Annual Membership Fees:
- 🎾 Adult: $80/year
- 👴 Senior (65+): $65/year
- 👦 Junior (17 & under): $60/year
Where your membership goes:
- $20 directly supports SUNS operations
- $60 covers Pickleball Australia/NSW affiliation and public liability insurance
What do I get with membership?
✅ Access to 10+ weekly member sessions
✅ Priority booking for events and popular sessions
✅ Public liability insurance
✅ Free equipment borrowing
✅ Affiliation with Pickleball Australia & Pickleball NSW
✅ Tournament and representative eligibility
✅ Join 300+ member community
✅ 10% discount at Pickld.com.au (code: SUNSMEMBER)
✅ Vote at AGM and shape club's future
Do I need to be a member to attend sessions?
You get ONE paid trial session. After that, membership is required to continue playing at SUNS for:
- Insurance coverage (public liability)
- Club sustainability
- Community commitment
I'm already a member of another pickleball club. Do I need to join SUNS too?
If you're already a Pickleball Australia member through another NSW club, you may be eligible for a partial refund on duplicate state/national fees.
Process:
- Select "Returning Member" when registering
- Email membership@pickleballnsw.org with your PAA National Number
- Provide proof of existing membership
Find your PAA Number: pickleballaustralia.org/find-my-id
📞 Contact & Communication
How do I contact the club?
📧 Email: team@sunspickleball.com.au
🌐 Website: sunspickleball.com.au
💬 WhatsApp: Join our member group
🎾 In Person: Chat with any committee member at sessions
Where can I get session updates and club news?
Join our WhatsApp Community Group!
This is where we:
- Announce new sessions
- Share club updates
- Organize games
- Connect with other members
- Get quick answers to questions
I have a question not answered here. What should I do?
Please check:
- This FAQ page thoroughly
- The specific session description on OpenSports
- Our grading system page (for skill level questions)
- Our booking guide (for OpenSports questions)
Still need help?
Email us at team@sunspickleball.com.au – we're here to help!
🎯 Other Common Questions
What's the session format?
This varies by session type:
Social Play: Round-robin format where you rotate partners and opponents every few games
Drills & Skills: Structured practice with coaching elements, focusing on specific techniques
DUPR Leagues: Competitive matches with ratings on the line
Tournaments: Bracket-style competition with prizes
Always check the session description for specific format details.
What if I'm not very athletic or fit?
Pickleball is perfect for you! It's:
- Low-impact (easier on joints than tennis)
- Played on a smaller court (less running)
- Suitable for all fitness levels
- A great way to build fitness gradually
Many of our members started with limited athletic backgrounds and now play multiple times per week!
Can I come alone or do I need a partner?
Come alone! Most members attend sessions solo and are paired up with others. It's a great way to meet new people and make friends. Our community is extremely welcoming to solo players.
What's DUPR?
DUPR (Dynamic Universal Pickleball Rating) is the global rating system for pickleball. It's a number (like 2.7 or 3.4) that reflects your skill level based on match results.
Benefits of DUPR:
- Objective skill measurement
- Used in tournaments worldwide
- Helps match you with appropriate opponents
- Tracks your improvement over time
You don't need a DUPR to play at SUNS, but it's useful for competitive players and for grade progression beyond Intermediate.
Do you run tournaments?
Yes! SUNS runs:
- Internal club tournaments
- Round robins and challenge events
- Annual club championships
- Interclub competitions
Check OpenSports and our WhatsApp group for upcoming tournament announcements.
Can I volunteer or help the club?
Absolutely! We're always looking for volunteers to:
- Host sessions
- Help with events
- Serve on committees
- Coordinate programs
- Promote the club
Email team@sunspickleball.com.au if you'd like to get involved!
📚 Useful Links
Getting Started:
For Players:
Equipment:
Policies:
💡 Quick Tips for New Members
✅ Read session descriptions carefully before booking
✅ Arrive 5-10 minutes early for check-in and warm-up
✅ Join the WhatsApp group to stay connected
✅ Enable OpenSports notifications so you don't miss updates
✅ Cancel early if you can't make it (be considerate!)
✅ Ask questions – everyone was a beginner once
✅ Have fun – that's what pickleball is all about!
Still have questions? Email us at team@sunspickleball.com.au
Let's play pickleball! ☀️🎾
FAQs last updated: February 2026
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