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Beaufort Today
By the People, for the People
LowCoast Sports Association Sues Dill Dinkers Over Pickleball Training Program
Nonprofit claims competitor copied its 'Road to' player development system without permission.
Apr. 1, 2026 at 3:36pm
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LowCoast Sports Association, a Hilton Head-based nonprofit pickleball organization, has filed a civil lawsuit against Dill Dinkers alleging false designation of origin, false advertising, and unfair competition related to a structured player development program. LowCoast claims it developed its 'Road to' progression system over two years, offering skill-building tracks from beginner to tournament-level play, but that Dill Dinkers later launched a substantially similar program under its own branding without permission.
Why it matters
This lawsuit highlights the challenges nonprofit sports organizations can face when trying to protect their intellectual property and program innovations, especially when working with for-profit partners who may seek to capitalize on their work. The outcome could set an important precedent for how pickleball training systems and curriculum are developed and shared within the rapidly growing sport.
The details
According to the lawsuit, LowCoast developed its 'Road to' player progression system over two years, offering structured skill-building tracks from beginner through tournament-level play. The program was designed to be accessible and affordable, and was delivered on courts where Dill Dinkers provided facility space. After the relationship with Dill Dinkers concluded, LowCoast claims the competitor launched a substantially similar program under its own 'Path to' branding. LowCoast issued a cease-and-desist letter, but the program continues to operate.
- LowCoast developed its 'Road to' program over a two-year period.
- The lawsuit was filed on April 1, 2026 in the Court of Common Pleas, Beaufort County, South Carolina.
The players
LowCoast Sports Association
A Hilton Head-based nonprofit pickleball organization that developed the 'Road to' player progression system.
Dill Dinkers
A for-profit company that LowCoast claims launched a substantially similar 'Path to' pickleball training program without permission after previously providing facility space for LowCoast's program.
Michelle Ruby
Director of LowCoast Sports Association.
What they’re saying
“Our Road to system was built on court, with real players, over time. We are pursuing this matter through the appropriate legal channels.”
— Michelle Ruby, Director, LowCoast Sports Association
“Dill Dinkers didn't ask to use it. They asked their lawyers if they could take it.”
— Michelle Ruby, Director, LowCoast Sports Association
What’s next
The judge will decide whether to grant an injunction to stop Dill Dinkers from continuing to operate its 'Path to' program while the lawsuit is pending.
The takeaway
This case highlights the importance for nonprofit sports organizations to carefully protect their intellectual property and program innovations, especially when working with for-profit partners. The outcome could set a precedent for how pickleball training systems are developed and shared within the rapidly growing sport.
