Frequently Asked Questions
How do I join the club?
Go to website:- www.nrpickleball.net.au/getting-started and follow the prompts
How much does it cost to join the Club?
Membership costs are Adult $86.08 and Senior (over 65) $71.08
These fees cover a 12 month period (from the date of joining) and include registration with Pickleball Australia and Pickleball NSW, insurance cover and merchant fees.
Where do we play?
We play at two indoor venues:
• Ballina Indoor Sports Centre (BISC) – Cherry Street, Ballina (Monday to Friday)
• Southern Cross School (SX) – Chickiba Drive, East Ballina (Friday PM, Saturday and Sunday)
How much do playing sessions cost?
Current Playing Fees: (as of October 2026)
NRP Members $9 (90 mins) or $11 (2 hours)
Non Members & Visitors $13 (90 mins) or $15 (2 hours)
Beginners and Transition $16 per session.
How do I book into a session?
All our Club sessions are booked through the OpenSports app (members only). Once you have become a member of the NRP Club, you’ll receive an email with instructions on how to download the OpenSports App and to join the Club sessions on OpenSports.
If you have problems with joining OpenSports please contact our Membership Officer, Teena Cooper membership@nrpickleball.net.au
Non-members / visitors can play at our open / social sessions and pay on the door (only a few spots are reserved for these). Eg. 4 nets 2 extra players, 8 nets 4 extra players permitted
Note: Non-members are welcome to join our Club’s Open Play or Social Sessions up to three times and are required to complete an Insurance Waiver Form each time.
If you enjoy playing pickleball and would like to continue, we encourage you to become a Club member. Membership provides you with the appropriate insurance cover while participating in ourClub sessions.
All Club members are required to book their play through the OpenSports App.
Why can’t I see any sessions on OpenSports?
Contact the Membership Officer - Teena Cooper membership@nrpickleball.net.au who will assist you with Open Sports. [Note: our OpenSports Graded Sessions are for members only, you will need invite to join]
Do I need to have my own paddle?
No. The Club has paddles you can borrow.
Where can I buy a paddle?
• Local Sport Stores have paddles to buy. *Note: not all paddles in Sports Stores are accredited to play in tournaments.
• Our regular newsletter often has 2nd hand paddles for sale see Newsletters
• Some local coaches have paddles you can try before you buy eg.
• Contact Heather Fletcher, Fair Dinkum Pickleball Joola and Hustl Paddles https://fairdinkumpickleball.com.au/contact-fair-dinkum
• Contact Chen Tay for Obelisk Paddles www.obeliskpickleball.com Use discount code: chen10 or contact Chen via whatsapp on 0403309266
How do I learn the game / get some coaching tips?
The Club holds sessions for Beginners sessions on Friday afternoons 4.00pm to 6.00pm at Southern Cross School. These are open to non-members and paddles are provided. Cost is $16.
At the same time is a Transition to Social play session where Beginners can gain more practice and confidence before joining social play. Cost is $16 each visit.
To sign up for these Beginners sessions, download the OpenSports App
There are some great sites on YouTube, search “beginners pickleball” to learn more.
Where can I get Coaching?
The Club regularly holds Skills and Drills sessions (for members) that you can join on the OpenSports App for your level of play.
There are also coaches in the area you can hire privately. Contact the Secretary for more information secretary@nrpickleball.net.au
How do I know what sessions I can go to?
As a new player you can join either Social or Open Play Sessions. There is a calendar on our Website www.nrpickleball.net.au/calendar
Please check regularly as session times change with the BISC availability.
How do I get into a Graded Group (GG)?
Initially to play in GG2 you need to demonstrate the following:-
• Understand the rules and line calls eg rules around the kitchen.
• Be able to score and to call the score out on serve.
• Be able to play ground strokes and volleys, not always keeping play going for a long rally.
• Working to improve consistency / placement of shots.
• Create a (free) DUPR account (no rating is required) and join NRP club on DUPR (no cost).
The Meet and Greet Coordinator (Trish) or Membership Officer can assess your readiness. Please reach out when you are ready.
The NRP Club’s pathway to Graded Groups can be seen on website: Pathway
How do I move to a higher Graded Group (GG)?
See the Club’s Pathway document
What do I do if I injure myself?
Firstly, get some help from players around you. Ask the M&G / Session Officer for an “Incident Report Form” to complete and get witnesses. Give back to the Session Officer.
If you feel you need treatment, also get a Sports Injury Tracker Form from the M&G / Session Officer to take to your Doctor/Physio for completion. Then return the completed form to the Club’s Secretary.
If you wish to take the matter further under the Club’s Insurance, please contact the Secretary at secretary@nrpickleball.net.au
How do we communicate?
The Club communicates information either via email or through WhatsApp messaging. You will be invited to join a WhatsApp group when you become a member of the Club.
How can I buy Club Apparel?
The Club holds a “pop-up” shop approximately every three months, where you can try on the clothing before you buy. Alternatively, you buy Club T-Shirts, hats, socks etc on our Web Site at www.nrpickleball.net.au/shop
How do I become a Volunteer?
Contact the Volunteer Coordinator -Leanne Trigger committee4@nrpickleball.net.au and let her know your availability e.g. you can be a regular volunteer as a “Meet & Greeter” for social sessions or available for one off events eg. Bunnings BBQ / Tournaments / Social events.
Who is on the NRPC Committee and how do I contact them?
President - Naomi Doncaster president@nrpickleball.net.au
Vice President - Pam Chilman vice-president@nrpickleball.net.au
Secretary - Gayle McCallum secretary@nrpickleball.net.au
Treasurer - Gai Coleman treasurer@nrpickleball.net.au
Membership Officer - Teena Cooper membership@nrpickleball.net.au
Fundraising, Sponsorship and Grants - Pam Chilman committee1@nrpickleball.net.au
Graded Group Coordinator - Robyn Simmonds committee2@nrpickleball.net.au
Publicity and Social Media - Adrian Nelson committee3@nrpickleball.net.au
Volunteers, Club Events and Open Sports Coordinator - Leanne Trigger committee4@nrpickleball.net.au
Feel free to contact a Committee Member with any questions, feedback or concerns!
