Friendship and fun are just two of the perks of being in the Johnson County Shuffleboard Club.

Staying active and competing in a game that has been around for centuries are other benefits.

Knocking an opponent’s disc out of scoring position and winning the game, well, that falls in the “priceless” category.

“Our club is very active, and we have a lot of fun,” said group president Don DeHart.

About 25 people participate in the group that meets Saturdays at the Johnson County Fairgrounds, DeHart said.

Members also offer lessons to youths and groups, such as Boy Scout troops.

Now in its third year, the organization is preparing to host a state shuffleboard tournament next week.

The open-draw doubles tournament will be at 9 a.m. Sept. 12 at the fairgrounds’ Herring Hall. The event is open to all ages, and a blind draw the morning of the tournament will determine matchups.

“There’s no minimum age and no maximum,” DeHart said.

The registration fee is $5 a person, and prizes will be awarded.

“Spectators are welcome to come and watch as much as they want (for free),” he added.

The team plays regular matches Saturdays at the fairgrounds, but those will move to First Mount Pleasant Baptist Church in Franklin come October, when Herring Hall will be rented out for winter storage of boats and recreational vehicles.

DeHart’s love for the game means he always has a place to play.

“Once I got bit by the (shuffleboard) boar, I had to have a court in my own yard,” he said of the long concrete court he installed eight years ago.