Foam Pickle Balls to Reduce Noise & litigation

People can sue for anything and anytime. Does not mean they have a "case". Many may fall under the "frivolous lawsuit" category. Which means they get tossed out of court before anything happens. Plus just because someone says the word "Sue" doesn't mean you jump. You jump when you get the paperwork in your hand and served. Just ask one of our congressmen.. (Bad Mo Brooks joke).

So the foam balls sounds like a good idea to try out. It should also be noted that if someone buys a home next to a tennis court, pool, or playground they should not have any expectation of "quiet". Which is what the court will most likely take into account. Now playing outside of the allowed hours is punishable. However, within the playing hours not so much.

Here's some additional info I've found. This regarding litigations is perhaps the most unequivocal legal opinion I've ever seen : https://hoalaw.tinnellylaw.com/pickleball-installation/

Here's an excerpt: The owners of the surrounding homes will be routinely battered with the noise emanating from the pickleball courts. This will no doubt result in substantial frustration to those residents, may have a negative impact on their property value, and will, almost certainly, result in a nuisance lawsuit for the association.

The nuisance created by this loud sport has resulted in various lawsuits and settlement agreements costing associations tens of thousands of dollars and has severely harmed many associations’ financial wellbeing. This, in turn, is then passed back to the membership by way of increased assessments.

As for the noise problem, these folks have done several noise mitigation projects in HOAs
https://www.acousticalnoise.com/noise-control/why-are-your-pickleball-courts-receiving-complaints-from-neighbors/

Agree with LetA. A lone tennis court is pretty quiet. As we can see, pickle ball is completely different. (I know nothing about it)

Sounds like a tough one, Terry. Can your Board make rules that'll quiet down this situation?

1. Set hours of play?

2. limit number of resident in this (presumably) enclosed area?

3. Limit it to residents only?

I agree with KerryL1 on setting hours of play. Also, eliminate the alcohol. Beyond that, let the people have their fun.

We have had complaints from a small group next to our courts. I'm not sure what people expect when they buy a home next to an athletic court and then don't want any noise.

We have folks who move to our community from detached homes on larger, isolated plots of land. They come to our community, saving a good bit of money on the cost of the home, they don't read any of the rules or bylaws and then expect everything to be the same as it was when they lived in isolation.

I dunno about foam balls, I'm guessing the dynamics of game play change and people will use regular PB balls.

Address the alcohol consumption and attendance by guests and the Pickleball situation will calm down. You need established community hours.

Add the alcohol and folks get louder (usually the same folks). They don't mean harm yet they violate the "quiet enjoyment" promises made in the HOA covenants.

Thanks Tim, looks like you've been to this rodeo- What's the story behind your research?

I've seen most but not all of these so appreciate your reply. I sure wish our previous board had done due diligence & found that 2016 HOAtalk thread.

The link to the S&W Acoustics study has a more complete explanation of sound level adjustments they use which is helpful. S&W has a blog on the subject on their web site that's useful.

But the reported effectiveness of drilling holes in paddles is very helpful.

Thanks again!