Want to join the elite network of JDC certified pickleball facilities? It takes more than just some courts and a great location. When Ben and Collin Johns put their name behind a facility, they demand excellence in every detail.
"We've seen too many facilities cut corners in areas that directly impact player experience," explains Ben Johns. "Our certification requirements ensure that every JDC facility delivers the exceptional quality our players expect."
Here's an inside look at what makes a JDC certified pickleball facility stand out from the competition.
Non-Negotiable #1: Space Standards That Put Players First
When it comes to space requirements, JDC's standards go beyond just squeezing in as many courts as possible.
At JDC, we require a minimum ceiling height of 18 feet—and there's a good reason for that. When you're in the middle of an intense game, the last thing you want to worry about is hitting the ceiling on a lob shot.
For indoor courts, we require a minimum size of 30 by 60 feet to ensure comfortable, safe play. For the best possible player experience, we recommend a premium court size of 34 by 64 feet, which gives players even more room to move and play comfortably.
But here's what really sets JDC facilities apart: We design spaces for community, not just competition.
JDC pickleball facilities should include thoughtfully planned social areas that transform a collection of courts into a thriving pickleball community. This means comfortable places to watch games, hang out between matches, and connect with other players. These gathering spaces are what turn first-time visitors into long-term members who make your facility their pickleball home.
Learn more about strategic space planning in our Complete Guide to Facility Design.
Non-Negotiable #2: PodPlay Technology Integration
Having the right technology can make or break your facility's success. That's why every JDC facility must use PodPlay, our preferred technology partner
This isn't just about having a modern booking system—it's about making everything easy and smooth for your players from the moment they pick up their phone to book a court.
PodPlay handles everything from memberships and billing to security and instant replay technology. It sets JDC facilities apart in three key ways:
Simplified Operations: By automating routine tasks, PodPlay reduces staff workload by up to 90%. This means your team can focus on creating great experiences for players instead of getting buried in paperwork.
Better Player Experience: Players get easy court bookings, performance tracking, and a seamless experience that matches the premium quality of your facility.
Smart Business Insights: Real-time data about court usage, member activity, and facility performance helps you make better decisions about programming that drives revenue.
Non-Negotiable #3: JDC Build Quality Standard
How well your facility is built directly affects how safe, comfortable, and enjoyable it is to play there. That's why JDC demands excellence in three critical areas:
Custom Lighting Array
Bad lighting isn't just annoying—it can make games unplayable and create safety issues. We've partnered with LSI Lighting to create a custom lighting system that:
Gets rid of shadows and dark spots
Cuts down on glare that can disrupt player vision
Keeps lighting even across entire court
Places lights where they won't interfere with play
Smart Sound Management
The "pop" of pickleball can become a real problem without proper sound control–both for players and neighboring businesses and residents. JDC facilities should use sound mitigation strategies, such as:
Special acoustic panels on walls and ceilings to absorb impact sounds
Sound-absorbing materials that match the look of your facility and branding
Design features, such as double-paned windows with laminated glass and acoustic seals, that keep noise from bothering neighbors
Noise-reducing paddles and "quiet" balls that can reduce noise by up to 50%
Premium Court Surfacing
Court quality makes a huge difference in how enjoyable the game is. We work with Acrytech to ensure every certified facility has:
The right amount of cushioning to reduce player fatigue
Perfectly level surfaces for consistent ball bounce
Durable surfacing that holds up to heavy use
Court colors that make the ball easy to see
Learn more about build-out challenges and solutions and the importance of professional build-out oversight for your pickleball facility.
Ready to Join the JDC Network?
While these three elements are the foundation of JDC certification, they're just the beginning. Every JDC certified pickleball facility becomes part of a network that includes:
Access to JDC's proven strategies for success
Ongoing support from industry experts
Priority consideration for major tournaments and events
Connection to the broader JDC community
"These standards aren't just about creating great places to play," notes Collin Johns. "They're about building facilities that help grow the sport of pickleball."
If you're planning a new facility or want to upgrade an existing one to JDC standards, we're here to help. Contact us today to learn how your venue can be part of pickleball's future.
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