As a part of Erie Pickleball Players Association, bullying of ANY kind will not be tolerated. Whether it is verbal, physical, racial, sexual, or any other form of harassment or intimidation- it has no place in our pickleball community.

This message has nothing to do with ratings, paddle stacking, or game play. It is about being a good human being and treating others with dignity and respect. It has EVERYTHING to do with recent conflict at a public park that escalated to a public safety threat.

Rest assured, the combined will and effort of the board (special shout out to Elena for drafting this and Bill for always championing a necessary cause) with my full support, has been put into reaching out to local law enforcement and ensuring that the necessary parties have been informed.

Pickleball should be a place where everyone feels welcome, safe, and included. We are EPPA Strong, and we look out for one another. If you see something, hear something, or witness behavior that does not align with these values, please say something. Silence only allows inappropriate behavior to continue.

If you find yourself in a situation that makes you uncomfortable, please reach out to an EPPA Board Member you trust:

• Andre Francis (dre@nablist.org / 814 720-9665)
• Melissa Hart (hartburn4@gmail.com / 814 490-4001)
• Elena Arnold (e.arnold032@gmail.com)
• Bill Wozniak (814pellets@gmail.com / 814 566-6716)
• Jeremy Spaeder (dukedevil4723@yahoo.com / 814 823-4035)
• Nina Siggia (nsiggia@gmail.com)

While we do not have authority over local parks or public facilities, we will do everything we can to support our members, address concerns, and help create a positive environment for everyone. The local municipalities and law enforcement DO listen to us as we have great standing in the community.

If you are mad because someone won't play with you because he/she is the superior player (in his/her mind)- we have ALL been there at some point and unfortunately can't do much besides keep playing and get better than that person! However, if someone says he/she won't play with you because of your gender, sexuality, race, age, the way you look, etc- that is crossing a line.

At the end of the day, pickleball is for ALL. Let's continue building a community where kindness, respect, and sportsmanship are valued as much as the game itself.

Thanks,
Andre and the rest of the EPPA Board

P.S. on a happier note, don't forget that Donut Day is tomorrow (SaturdaY) 6/6/26 from 9-11 at Zuck, Baldwin, and Whitford parks!!!