[twoplanekid]

Are we going to wear gloves, face masks, more body covering materials, bring our own drinks and be required to sign up to play? And, then there are the considerations of the winter busy times and the heat during the summer. While some changes are easy and will take place, other changes will be very difficult for most players to implement. And then there is the challenge for those playing when a person shows up with un-accepted gear.

I suppose at some time rubber/Nitrate/latex gloves will become available to wear while playing the game. If disposable, I would hope they can last through one days’ worth of play. Some have already been wearing gloves but it’s unlikely they are the kind that offers much protection from a medical protection standpoint. I have not been wearing gloves for the past several years.

As they say a lot of the transmission is airborne, masks might be a requirement. However, many and I included have a hard enough time breathing without using a mask which would not help this issue. And, in some conditions the masks can lead to fogging up of glasses/eye protection which makes play that much more difficult.

Unfortunately, the common on court water dispenser may be history. Some already bring their own containers which are hit and spilled. I hope players will do a better job in the selections of containers and the label on it so other don’t drink out of the wrong one. And some area or storage for the drink containers should be considered. Are we still going to need benches to sit on that take up a lot of space if we need six feet of separation?

Are we going to wear more body clothing that covers more to lessen the risk of another’s body sweat droplets from contacting our unprotected skin? In the wintertime this extra covering might be feasible to stay warmer and in the summer for sun ray protection. Yet, the weight and breathing abilities of current designs don’t seem to be used by many in my observations of past players using them. The lighter and less restricted I am the better I seem to play.

How would they handle signups to play on a court and who would do this as long lines will probably be frowned upon. I have taken advantage of the Play & Drill at Rohan for the past couple of years where one does need to sign up for the next week’s session. However, that’s one day of the week for two hours at one location. And, it’s being done by a volunteer, Steve. During the summer, the courts are less full. For the winter months, scheduling would be a night mare. Who’s going to pay for and do this scheduling? On the other hand, it would be nice to have an app where one could locate a slot to fill to be able to play for a couple of hours.

I am sure things will work out in the end. Some changes will be welcome and be helpful while others will not be looked upon as being fun things to do. What are your thoughts as mine way be well off-base or in the kitchen.

Please note that I stopped playing pickleball three weeks before the Villages stopped it and am anxious to resume playing this wonderful game. It helps keep me in shape and I enjoy the comradery.