Pickleball dispute sparks brawl at Florida country club

Pickleball dispute sparks brawl at Florida country club

Authorities reported a heated altercation that erupted during a pickleball match at a country club in central Florida. The conflict began when a rule disagreement escalated into physical violence, with one player striking his opponent in the face using a paddle and subsequently punching him while he was on the ground. Others soon joined the fray, according to an arrest affidavit.

The 63-year-old man and his 51-year-old wife were both charged following the incident. The man faces two counts of felony battery against a person aged 65 or older, while his wife was charged with a single count of the same offense. The altercation occurred in Port Orange, where the couple was playing against another married pair.

“The players exchanged insults, and the dispute intensified after the 63-year-old man criticized his opponent’s wife during the match,” the affidavit stated.

The argument centered on whether a shot had been legally taken in the “kitchen,” a designated area adjacent to the net. By regulation, players are only allowed to hit the ball in this zone once it has landed there; otherwise, they must stay out. The clash culminated in the man attacking his male opponent, prompting the involvement of up to 20 players in the brawl.

Matt Thompson, the man’s attorney, did not reply to an email seeking comment at the time of the report. The incident highlights how rule interpretations can lead to unexpected confrontations in recreational sports settings.