League Rules

A lot of time and effort has gone into building this league, especially since it’s our very first one, and we want it to be fun and fair for everyone. The rules are here to make that happen, so we ask all members to follow them. While it’s fine to have your own opinions, openly challenging the rules can disrupt what we’ve worked hard to create. Members who consistently disregard or openly challenge the rules may be asked to step away, but our hope is that everyone works together to make this first league a great experience for all.

Qualifying Players

  • Only active members of Pickleball Prose who participate in at least one session per month are eligible. Inactive members and non-members do not qualify.

Teams

  • Each team will consist of 6 registered players.
  • Reserve players will be appointed by the league and allocated when needed.
  • Teams are not permitted to provide their own reserves.

Team Captain

  • Each team must elect a Team Captain.

The Home Team Captain is responsible for:

  • Arranging match dates and venues.
  • Booking courts at the venue of Home Team’s choice.
  • Completing and submitting the official League Match Score Sheet to Pickleball Prose.

Fixtures & Team Selection

  • Fixtures can be played in any order
  • A fixture will be contested by 4 players from each team, forming two pairs.
  • Team captains are responsible for selecting players for each fixture.
  • Player rotation: Every registered player must play a minimum of four fixtures during the league season.
  • All fixtures must be completed by the 31st December 2025

Pre-Match Line-Up Submission

  • Each team captain must prepare a score sheet listing their four players numbered 1 to 4 in advance of the match.
  • Both captains must hand their completed score sheet to the other Captain simultaneously before any pairings are revealed.
  • Once submitted, no changes to the line-up are permitted except in cases of injury or absence, which must be reported immediately to the opposing Captain.

Match Format

  • Each pair will play a best-of-three games match.
  • Games are played to 11 points (win by 1).
  • A match is decided as soon as one pair wins two games.
  • If a match score is 2-0 and a third game is played, it is for practice only and does not count toward league scoring.
Matches Home Team Away Team
1 Player 1 & 2  -vs- Player 1 & 2
2 Player 3 & 4 -vs- Player 3 & 4
3 Player 1 & 2 -vs- Player 3 & 4
4 Player 3 & 4 -vs- Player 1 & 2

Scoring & Results

  • Each fixture therefore consists of four  matches (two per pair).
  • The maximum score outcome per match  is 2–0 or 2–1.
  • Points and results will be recorded on the official result sheet and submitted to the league.
  • League standings will be determined by:
  1. Total fixtures won (Points)
  2. Match Difference.
  3. If still tied, head-to-head results.

Respecting Pickleball Prose Sessions

  • Our regular Pickleball Prose sessions on Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday are the heart of our club. To keep these sessions protected, no Ladder or League fixtures are to be scheduled at the same time.
  • Captains, Players or Pairs who arrange Fixtures/Challenges that clash with these sessions will unfortunately be removed from the Ladder/League.

Equipment

  • All paddles must be USPA approved and marked as such
  • Balls to be used are Franklin X40 (A box of six balls will be placed behind the desk at the SSV)