Rules & Code of Conduct
Gowanus, Brooklyn, New York
Effective: 2026 • All Members, Guests & Bar Patrons
These Rules and Code of Conduct govern all activity at PKLYN Pickleball Club, including the courts, bar, lounge, and all common areas. They apply equally to members, non-member guests, and bar patrons. By entering PKLYN premises or signing the PKLYN Waiver and Release of Liability, you agree to abide by these Rules in full.
PKLYN management reserves the right to update these Rules at any time. The current version is always posted at the facility and on pklyn.com.
THESE ARE THE “RULES” REFERENCED IN THE PKLYN WAIVER AND RELEASE OF LIABILITY. ALL PATRONS ARE BOUND BY THESE RULES AS A CONDITION OF ENTRY AND PARTICIPATION.
1. General Code of Conduct
The following standards apply to all persons on PKLYN premises at all times:
- Every patron is responsible for knowing and complying with the current PKLYN Rules and Policies. Ignorance of the Rules is not a defense.
- All patrons must treat every person — players, staff, guests, and bar patrons — with respect, dignity, and courtesy, regardless of age, gender, ability, race, cultural background, religious beliefs, or sexual identity
- Proper language and etiquette are required at all times. Excessive profanity, yelling, or disruptive behavior is prohibited in all areas of the facility.
- Physical, verbal, and sexual abuse, harassment, bullying, or intimidation of any kind will not be tolerated. This includes gestures, threats, slurs, and conduct that creates a hostile or unwelcoming environment.
- Making or repeating false statements about any member, guest, or employee is strictly prohibited.
- Interference with the play or enjoyment of other patrons, including unsolicited coaching, criticism, or filming on the courts, is prohibited.
- Adults are responsible for the behavior of children in their care at all times while on premises.
- No firearms, weapons, or dangerous items of any kind are permitted on PKLYN premises.
- No illegal drugs or controlled substances may be brought onto or used on PKLYN premises. Smoking, vaping, and tobacco use are prohibited inside the facility. Designated outdoor areas may be designated at management’s discretion.
- Any person who witnesses unsafe conditions, hazardous situations, or policy violations should immediately notify PKLYN staff.
Violation of any conduct rule may result in immediate removal from the premises without refund. Repeat or serious violations may result in permanent ban from PKLYN.
2. Bar & Alcohol Policy
PKLYN is a licensed bar and beverage service is a privilege, not a right. All patrons who choose to consume alcohol do so voluntarily and accept full personal responsibility for their actions and conduct.
- All patrons must comply with applicable New York State laws governing the consumption and service of alcohol.
- Alcohol may only be consumed in designated areas.
- PKLYN operates a Zero Tolerance policy for underage drinking. No person under the age of 21 may purchase, possess, or consume alcohol on PKLYN premises. Minors who violate this policy will be removed from the premises and may be permanently banned. Adults who provide alcohol to minors on premises will be immediately removed and banned.
- PKLYN staff reserve the right to refuse alcohol service to any patron at any time, for any reason, at their sole discretion. This includes, but is not limited to, visible intoxication, disruptive behavior, or failure to present valid ID.
- Intoxicated patrons will be asked to leave. Staff may call law enforcement and/or arrange safe transportation as needed.
- Never leave alcoholic beverages unattended. Keep all beverages out of reach of minors.
- Patrons who consume alcohol and then participate in court play do so at their own risk and accept full personal liability for any resulting injury to themselves or others.
- No outside alcohol may be brought onto PKLYN premises.
3. Dress Code
Proper attire is required at all times on PKLYN premises for the safety and hygiene of all patrons.
- Court shoes with non-marking soles are required on all pickleball courts. Flip-flops, sandals, open-toed shoes, cleats, and bare feet are not permitted during play.
- Clothing bearing offensive graphics, slurs, hate symbols, or language that is degrading to any individual or group is not permitted anywhere on PKLYN premises.
- Hats with offensive illustrations or language are not permitted.
Management reserves the right to require patrons to change clothing or to deny entry to those not in compliance.
4. Youth Policy
- Patrons under 14 years of age must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian (or supervising adult member age 18+) at all times, unless enrolled in a designated Youth Program.
- A parent or guardian must be on the same court and actively supervising any child under 14 at all times during court play.
- Youth ages 14–17 who are unaccompanied must have a parent or guardian sign the Youth Waiver and Release of Liability on file before participating.
- Exceptions to age minimums may be granted at management’s sole discretion for minors who demonstrate exceptional skill and knowledge of court etiquette.
5. Food & Beverages
- No outside food or beverages may be brought onto PKLYN premises.
- Personal, sealed, non-alcoholic beverages in reusable containers are permitted for the individual’s own use and may not be shared or distributed to others.
- Food and drinks may only be consumed in designated areas.
6. Facility Rules
- PKLYN is not responsible for personal injury sustained on premises. Use of the facility is at each individual’s own risk.
- Any person who willfully or negligently damages PKLYN property is fully responsible for all repair and replacement costs. Parents and guardians are responsible for damage caused by minors in their care.
- PKLYN is not responsible for lost or stolen personal items. Lost items found on premises are held for up to 30 days and then discarded or donated.
- Patrons consent to photography, video, and digital media captured on premises being used in PKLYN marketing and promotional materials, consistent with the Image and Likeness Release in the PKLYN Waiver.
7. Enforcement & Sanctions
PKLYN is committed to maintaining a safe, welcoming, and enjoyable environment for all. Management and staff are empowered to enforce these Rules immediately and without prior notice.
Grounds for Immediate Removal
Any patron may be asked to leave the premises immediately, without refund, for:
- Physical assault, fighting, or threatening behavior toward any person
- Verbal abuse, harassment, intimidation, or hate speech targeting any patron or staff member
- Visible intoxication or impairment that poses a safety risk or disrupts the environment
- Underage drinking or providing alcohol to minors
- Possession or use of illegal drugs or weapons on premises
- Continued or egregious disregard for any Rule after a staff warning
- Any behavior that, in management’s judgment, threatens the safety or wellbeing of others
Progressive Discipline for Non-Immediate Violations
For conduct violations that do not require immediate removal, PKLYN may apply the following progressive steps:
- Step 1: Verbal warning from PKLYN staff
- Step 2: Written notice of violation and formal warning
- Step 3: Temporary suspension of court access, membership, or bar privileges
- Step 4: Permanent ban from PKLYN premises
PKLYN management retains full discretion to skip steps or impose a permanent ban for any single serious violation. The progressive steps are a guide, not a guarantee.
Membership Termination
Membership may be terminated by PKLYN management for any violation of these Rules, including but not limited to: repeated code of conduct violations, non-payment of fees, conduct detrimental to the club community, or behavior that creates legal liability for PKLYN. Members subject to termination will be notified and given the opportunity to respond before a final decision is made, except in cases requiring immediate action.
PKLYN management reserves the right to refuse, revoke, or terminate access and/or membership privileges to any person who violates these Rules and Policies. Persons who are asked to leave must do so immediately upon request. Failure to comply may result in law enforcement being contacted.
8. Governing Law
These Rules and Code of Conduct, and all matters arising from a patron’s use of PKLYN facilities, shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of New York. Any legal disputes shall be resolved in the courts of New York County, State of New York.
