Awful Reports of Sexism in Pickleball: The pickleball community often champions itself as one of the most inclusive sports globally, with descriptors such as “accepting,” “approachable,” and “welcoming” commonly associated with it. However, recent reports suggest that these ideals are not always reflected in practice.
An Alarming Revelation
Several months ago, a Reddit post in r/Pickleball titled “A Note for the Men of Pickleball” surfaced, although it has since been deleted. Despite its removal, the comments remain visible and paint a troubling picture. Women shared experiences of being belittled, receiving unsolicited advice, and encountering inappropriate remarks about their appearance—behaviors that underscore a clear pattern of sexism.
“I’m a lady player and have experienced all of this and complained about it in this forum as well. My husband stands up for me, and I often play with just people I know, but still can’t avoid occasionally playing with weirdos and jerks in open play. I will say there’s a small minority of men who, when confronted, do apologize and try to change their behavior. I appreciate that.”
Making Pickleball More Welcoming
To address these issues, Reddit users have proposed several strategies to foster a more respectful environment, including:
- Avoiding excessive praise for women’s good shots.
- Not over-apologizing for mistakes in competitive settings.
- Refraining from offering unsolicited advice.
- Not assuming that female opponents or partners are less skilled.
- Avoiding assumptions of superior knowledge or experience based on gender.
This list is not exhaustive, and additional suggestions are welcome to enhance the playing experience for everyone.
Pro Pickleball Double Standards
The issue of sexism also extends to professional pickleball. Player Lea Jansen recently drew attention when she responded to a Facebook post that criticized her on-court behavior. The post, which read, “There are few things more entertaining in pro pickleball than watching Lea Jansen lose.” sparked a heated discussion in the comments.
“Glad you tuned in and love all my fans! Let me know where I can catch you on performing at a high level!” – (Jansen)
This comment received applause from other users. Jansen also pointed out the double standards in how female athletes are scrutinized compared to their male counterparts, stating,
“I’ll look forward to your posts about males’ behavior in the future.” – (Jansen)
A Call for Inclusivity and Respect Beyond Political Debates
Recent social media discussions reveal ongoing concerns about sexism in pickleball, with women reporting negative interactions on and off the court. While these issues are sometimes framed politically, the goal here is to address these concerns directly and constructively, without descending into political debates. Highlighting these experiences is crucial for fostering a more inclusive and respectful sport.
News in Brief: Awful Reports of Sexism in Pickleball
Reports from the pickleball community reveal persistent sexism, with women reporting inferiority and harassment from male players. Despite the sport’s inclusive image, many female players have encountered inappropriate behavior. Proposed solutions include avoiding unwanted advice and refraining from gender-based assumptions.
Professional pickleball also faces scrutiny, as shown by Lea Jansen’s response to criticism about her on-court behavior, highlighting the unequal treatment of female athletes compared to their male peers.
