By Wayne Roswell
 
I would like to preface my comments by saying that I am not proposing that we immediately start changing the rules of Pickleball.  However, I do believe that players and Pickleball associations should keep an open mind to change.  We know Pickleball is going to evolve as a game the same as tennis. badminton, volleyball and all other sports.  I suggest we be proactive rather than reactive.
 
Since all other racquet/paddle/net sports have now gone to a rally point system of scoring, I feel it is time that Pickleball  players and associations experiment with it.  I know all the negatives.  Don't change the rules to confuse players, it it ain't broke don't fix it, there is no data to prove a change is needed. and players like the way it is.
 
One of my favourite authors Edward De Bono sums up the change scenario very well when he says, "No one likes change except a wet baby."  I think this is more true of seniors than any other group in our population. We have had a lot of experience to support our opinions.  I hate to even mention that we may be set in our ways.
 
De Bono was one of the first to propose the theory of thinking outside the box, in our case, thinking outside the Pickle Jar.  What if the rally point system did improve the game?  What if it made games rotate on and off the courts faster?  And what if players really liked the system?
 
I have published a more complete article at  Pickleball should move with the times and adopt a rally point system of scoring.  I would ask you to read it before closing your mind on the matter.  I encourage centres to experiment with the system and survey the reactions of players.  Maybe if the reaction is favourable, we will have a documented case to present to both Pickleball Canada and the usapa.