Caring Pickleball™

A philosophy and movement that puts care for people at the heart of the sport and uses pickleball to do good.

Everyone is welcome to take part.

The definition

What is Caring Pickleball?

Caring Pickleball™ is a philosophy and movement that puts care for people at the heart of the sport and uses pickleball to do good.

It means playing with kindness and integrity, welcoming newcomers, respecting fellow players, and preserving the fun, friendship, and sense of belonging that bring people together. Players can pursue excellence and compete to win while caring about the people they play with.

That care extends beyond the court. Through teaching, sharing equipment, creating opportunities to play, and supporting communities, pickleball becomes a practical way to help others. Everyone can contribute through everyday acts of care or organized initiatives.

Caring Picklers are the people who bring this philosophy to life. Everyone is welcome to take part.

Founded by ANYWHERE Pickleball

Our vision

A worldwide movement of care through pickleball

Our vision is a worldwide Caring Pickleball movement that brings kindness, integrity and care to life through the sport. We want access to play to become a lasting community asset, with people finding friendship and belonging across ages, abilities and backgrounds. Competitive ambition and care for other people can strengthen one another.

Pickleball can bring people together through competitive, recreational and social play. Suitable existing surfaces in schools, parks, gyms and community spaces can provide practical places to begin.

Much of this care already happens wherever people play. We want to recognize it, celebrate it and help it spread, one community at a time.

On the court and beyond

Care in how we play

Care begins with the experience people have on the court. We welcome unfamiliar players, help beginners find their place, make honest calls, encourage partners and treat opponents with respect. We value the friendships and shared enjoyment that can last beyond a game.

Competitive ambition belongs within Caring Pickleball. Players can pursue improvement and compete to win while showing consideration and sportsmanship.

Care through what the game makes possible

Caring Pickleball also uses the sport to improve access and strengthen communities. Someone may lend a paddle, help a beginner, introduce a local coach, make space available, sponsor an activation or support a product with a defined community commitment. Small acts and organized programs share the same purpose.

Definitions

Words we use

Caring Pickleball: The philosophy and movement of care through pickleball, on the court and beyond it.
Caring Picklers: The people who bring the philosophy to life. A Caring Pickler recognizes themselves in the philosophy and expresses it through behavior, across skill levels and stages of life.
The Caring Pickler Pledge: Six commitments that spell CARING: Courteous, Accepting, Respectful, Integrity, Neighborly and Generous.
Caring Pickleball Newsletter: Email for people who choose to stay connected. Subscribing is optional and separate from being a Caring Pickler.
Caring Coaches and Caring Clubs: Coaches and groups recognized for demonstrated care, participation and welcoming practices. Formal recognition is still being prepared.

The Caring Pickler Pledge

As a Caring Pickler, I pledge:

Courteous — I bring good manners to every court and every community, win or lose.

Accepting — I welcome beginners and newcomers, and I make sure they feel they belong.

Respectful — I never bully or take advantage of weaker players; I play to lift them up.

Integrity — I play honestly and make fair line calls, even when it costs me the point.

Neighborly — I value fun, friendship, and community more than winning.

Generous — I believe pickleball can do good, and I give back through the game.

We the Caring Picklers™

Short version

CARING

Courteous — Tap paddles. No eye rolls.

Accepting — Welcome every newcomer.

Respectful — Never bully weaker players.

Integrity — Call lines honestly.

Neighborly — Friendship over winning.

Generous — Give back through pickleball.

Take part

How to take part

Play with care. Welcome someone new, make honest calls, encourage your partner and respect your opponent.
Share the game. Lend a paddle, help a beginner, make space available or introduce a local coach.
Invite people back. Welcome someone, help them enjoy and understand the game, invite them back, and give them an opportunity to help another person.
Stay connected. Subscribe to the Caring Pickleball Newsletter.

Buying, subscribing, obtaining a discount or receiving formal recognition is optional. Everyday acts of welcoming, honest play, teaching, sharing and helping are valid ways to live the philosophy.

← Back

Welcome to the Caring Pickleball Newsletter

Thank you for subscribing. As a welcome thank-you from ANYWHERE Pickleball, use code CARINGPICKLER at anywherepickleball.com for 35% off eligible regular-price items. We the Caring Picklers™

By subscribing you agree to receive the Caring Pickleball Newsletter by email. You can unsubscribe at any time.

Caring Pickleball is a philosophy and movement founded by ANYWHERE Pickleball, the operating brand of Anywhere Pickleball LLC. Taking part is free. Purchases are not charitable donations and are not tax-deductible.
Contact us
We the Caring Picklers™