In many sports, and padel is no exception, there are unwritten rules of good conduct that go beyond the official rules of the game. These rules of conduct concern how players treat and respect the facilities and equipment.

“Indeed, it is not not always the club’s fault” they explain to us. “Certainly, clubs must do what is necessary to allow players to play in the best conditions. But there are behaviors that raise questions.”

Many clubs in France and in Belgium wanted to highlight this theme.

“Luckily it's not the majority, but there are still too many players who can be careless.” Here are some observed behaviors that dirty, damage or make dangerous the place where you practice your sport:

Leaving trash

Some players may leave water bottles, snack wrappers or ball covers on the track after playing. Not only is this unsightly, but it can also pose a danger to other players.

Litter can vary and include several items:

  1. Bottles of water or energy drinks : Many players bring bottles to stay hydrated during the game. If these bottles are not picked up after the game, they can clutter the track, become an obstacle for the next players and detract from the overall aesthetic of the field.
  2. Snack or energy bar packaging : Players who eat snacks before, during or after a match sometimes leave packaging on or near the track.
  3. Padel ball covers and boxes : Empty lids and boxes can easily be left on the trail.
  4. Grips or other accessories : Some players change the grip of their racket or adjust other accessories, which may result in waste and we may find the edge of the court.
  5. Towels or bandanas
  6. Others : This may include other personal items such as elastic bands, bandages, sunglasses, etc.

The presence of this trash on the track not only spoils the appearance of the terrain, but can also pose a safety risk. For example, a water bottle left on the track can be a tripping hazard for following players.

padel trash cans

To maintain a clean and safe environment, it is essential that players pick up after themselves.

Additionally, clubs can facilitate this by providing sufficient bins near pitches and actively encouraging all players to use them.

Equipment abuse

Hitting the net, gates or windows with a racket is not only potentially damaging, but it also shows a lack of respect for the facilities and other players.

One of the scourges observed is spitting on the padel court, a topic that we will address shortly.

General negligence

This can include things like not turning off the lights or not closing the door, especially in clubs that operate on a self-service basis.

Franck Binisti

Franck Binisti discovered padel at the Club des Pyramides in 2009 in the Paris region. Since then, padel has been part of his life. You often see him touring France to cover major French padel events.