Community Playing Groups are designed to help regional and emerging pickleball communities get started, grow participation, and transition toward forming an incorporated club — with the support of their State Member Association (SMA).
They are an important pathway for growing pickleball in areas where a formal club does not yet exist.
What is a Community Playing Group?
A Community Playing Group is a small, unincorporated group of people who come together to play or support pickleball and are temporarily auspiced by their State Member Association (or Pickleball Australia where no SMA exists).
Community Playing Groups:
Are not legal entities
Operate under the auspices and governance support of the SMA
Can exist for up to 12 months
Are expected to transition to an incorporated club or association within that timeframe
iqmrrvrkobgl1vv5
Why do Community Playing Groups exist?
Community Playing Groups allow new or regional communities to:
Start playing pickleball safely and legitimately
Access insurance and governance support
Build membership numbers
Learn what is required to operate a formal club
Transition smoothly into an incorporated association
They are particularly suited to regional towns, rural communities, and new playing locations.
Key Features of a Community Playing Group
No affiliation fee during the Community Playing Group period
Players must become financial members of Pickleball Australia
The group operates under the auspices of the State Member Association
The group must demonstrate intent to incorporate within 12 months
At least three group representatives must be current PA members
iqmrrvrkobgl1vv5
Insurance & Player Protection
As long as participants are current financial members of Pickleball Australia, they are covered by:
Personal Injury Insurance
Coverage at PA-sanctioned and recognised playing sessions
Coverage when playing within the rules and policies of PA and the SMA
iqmrrvrkobgl1vv5
Community Playing Groups themselves are not incorporated and therefore do not have the same legal protections as incorporated clubs.
Responsibilities of a Community Playing Group
Community Playing Groups are expected to:
Ensure participants become PA members within 4 weeks of trial play
Deliver safe, fair, and inclusive pickleball activities
Follow all PA and SMA policies, including child safety and safeguarding
Promote the growth of pickleball in their community
Work toward incorporation within 12 months
iqmrrvrkobgl1vv5
Transition to an Incorporated Club
Community Playing Groups are temporary by design.
Within 12 months, groups are expected to:
Form an incorporated association under relevant state legislation
Establish governance (committee, constitution, bank account)
Affiliate formally as an Incorporated Pickleball Club with their SMA
State Member Associations will provide guidance and support during this transition.
Who is this pathway best for?
Community Playing Groups are ideal for:
Regional and rural communities
New pickleball groups without existing clubs
Communities testing long-term viability
Councils or venues trialling pickleball participation
Community Playing Groups in South Australia
Ardrossan
Copper Coast (Wallaroo)
Port Augusta
How to get started
To discuss forming a Community Playing Group, contact your State Member Association or Pickleball Australia.
