Ball Machine Policy (2026)

The Club’s ball machine is an invaluable resource for skill development. To ensure that every member can enjoy its benefits safely and fairly, please observe the policy below.

1. Eligibility

• Mandatory induction. Before making a first booking, members must receive a brief demonstration from an authorised instructor on how to set up, operate, and pack away the machine.
• Member-only access. The machine is strictly for East Lothian Pickleball Club members; it may not be used by non-members or for private, paid-for coaching.
• Personal bookings. Each member may reserve the machine for individual or group practice.
• Club-organised sessions. The Club may incorporate the ball machine into selected practice nights or coaching classes.

2. Booking Procedure

• Duration. The machine is reserved in one-hour slots.
• Court reservation. The ball machine can be used at QMU or the small hall at Wallyford. If booking at QMU, please contact QMU by email, phone or in person to book two adjacent courts and let them know that you will be using the ball machine. For Wallyford you can only book online (book as a ‘Small Basketball Court’ under ‘Games Hall 2 (Small Hall)’).
• Request. Message Linda Hamilton on Spond with:
• • Desired date, start time and location.
  • Names of any additional members sharing the session.
• Confirmation & payment. If the slot is available, you will receive a confirmation email. Please pay immediately using the reference format “Name BM Date”. For example: John S BM 15 Jun.

3. Collection and Return

• Pick-up. Collect the machine from Linda or directly from the preceding user if bookings are back-to-back.
• Timely return. Return the machine, all 110 balls, and both spare batteries to the agreed location at a time agreed with Linda.
• Accountability. The booking member is responsible for the ball machine from collection to return. Any issues should be reported to Linda.

4. Operating Guidelines

• Use two adjacent courts at QMU and draw the dividing curtain.
• Respect other hall users. Position the machine so balls are aimed away from entry doors to the sports hall. If a ball rolls elsewhere, stop the machine immediately, retrieve the ball, and then resume.
• End-of-session tidy-up. Collect every ball and leave the court exactly as you found it.
• Failure to comply. Complaints from QMU or Wallyford may result in suspension of your booking privileges.

5. Reporting Problems

• Report faults, malfunctions, or unusable balls to Linda Hamilton via Spond.
• Normal wear and tear is expected, but prompt reporting helps us keep the machine in peak condition for everyone.

By booking the ball machine, you agree to follow this policy in full. Thank you for helping us maintain a safe and productive training environment for all members.