What you need to know … about Ladders & Leagues

CURRENT and NEW PLAYERS should familiarize themselves with these Rules on a periodic basis as updates will take place.

The Grand Pickleball Club provides both non-competitive and competitive events for its members. Ladders is a competitive event.

Software, by Court Reserve, is used to run each of these events and is provided for all members as part of the club membership.

Joining a Ladder:
Each event you wish to attend, can be joined by going to the Leagues section, chose the Ladder you would like to join, and clicking “Register” on your Court Reserve account. Once you have registered, you can “Opt-In” for specific “Game Days” when they become available (7days in advance).

All Competitive events are for club members only and you must have registered for the appropriate ladder if you wish to participate. (It is recommended that you have a smart phone and bring it to the courts with you. It helps a lot – but is not mandatory.)

Ladder Captain runs each event and may modify rules and expectations if needed. They can be contacted by sending an email to scheduler@grandpickleball.org

Requirements for Ladders and Shootouts*:

  1. Self-Rating Rule – Each player must enter and save, a self-rating in their Court Reserve Account
  2. 15 Minute Rule – Each event requires that you be present at the courts and checked in, 15 minutes prior to the start of play.
  3. 2 Hour Rule – You must opt for the event 2 hours prior to the event.
  4. No-Show Rule – You must remove yourself from the event at least 3 hours prior to the event.
  5. Conduct Rule – You must play according to the rules of the game and the event and contribute to the enjoyment of the group.
  6. Finish-All-Game Rule – All players are expected to finish all games. If you have concerns about your ability to finish playing all 3 or 4 games, you should not sign up.
  7. Level Rule – Check the event for a level requirement – all will require at least a solid 2.5 or above level of play.

*Noncompliance with any of the above rules will jeopardize your participation.

Ladder and Shootout Process:
Once you have registered for the event, opted in for the game day, and have arrived 15 minutes prior to play – the following is a process you will become familiar with.

  1. Check In: Use your CAM Card to Check-In at the Kiosk when you arrive at the courts. If you have trouble checking in, check in with the Event Captain.
  2. Instructions: Warm up and listen for the Event Captain to announce any last minute instructions.
  3. Starting Play: Once seeded, the Event Captain will start the event. Players will receive a notification on their smartphone as to which court they go to and who they are playing with.
  4. Game Play: 4 player courts will play 3 games to 15 – win by one. 5 player courts will play 4 games to 11 – win by one.
  5. Enter Scores: Immediately after each game, one player on the court should accurately enter the scores for that game. Once entered, the information for the next game will show up on each player’s phone. (Remember to add the scores of the last game prior to leaving the courts.)
  6. Game Sequence: Players will receive a notice on their phone of their first player-pairing, opponents and an indication of which team serves first. (first-choice team). Subsequent pairings will be available immediately after scores are entered for the previous game.
  7. Out Calls: All calls during the game should be generously made – like you would want the call made if you hit the ball.
  8. Disagreements: Any disagreements or conflicts that arise during an event should be brought to the attention of the Event Captain – their decision is final.
  9. Exceptions: Captains may ask you to shorten a game if time or weather becomes an issue. On games to 15, for example, if you’re asked to change and play to 11, both the winners and losers would add 4 points to the scores they enter. If a game was to 11, and you’re asked to change and play to 9, you would add 2 points to each score added.

Initial Player Placement:
For your first ladder of the season, Court Reserve to place you within 3 courts of your correct position by using your self-rating. From then on, your play in the ladders will determine your placement. Please discuss your placement concerns with the Event Captain.

Ranking Information:
Your step ranking is determined by your win-loss record. The ranking algorithm will be 1-up/1-down.

Remember that your pickleball skill is only part of the equation. How well you adjust to playing with different partners will also affect your performance. Smart choices, safe play, and teamwork are all your friends in competition.

Each player can see their ranking by clicking on Standings under the Leagues section of their Court Reserve Account.