League Rules & Guidelines

League Format

Each league match consists of 9 games. Games alternate between Men's/Women's divisions and Mixed Doubles divisions according to the published lineup.

Each game is played using rally scoring to 21 points, and teams must win by 2 points.

Rally Scoring Rules

This league uses rally scoring, which differs from traditional pickleball scoring.

Rally Scoring

Every rally results in a point. The team that wins the rally receives the point regardless of which team served, and that team serves the next point.

Unlike traditional pickleball scoring, players do not switch court positions based on points scored. Players remain on their starting side throughout the game, and the server is determined by whether the team's score is odd or even.

Serving Position

Players remain on the same side of the court for the entire game. The player starting on the right side serves for all even team scores: 0, 2, 4, 6, etc. The player starting on the left side serves for all odd team scores: 1, 3, 5, 7, etc.

When a team wins a rally and earns the next serve, the correct server is determined by the team's current score. Players do not switch sides after winning points as they would in traditional pickleball scoring.

Switching Sides & Sidelines

Teams switch sides when the first team reaches 11 points. This is the only time during a game that partners may switch court positions with each other.

The side switch is also the only time players may speak with people on the sidelines for coaching or advice. People on the sidelines may not make line calls, and they may not coach during live play or between rallies.

Freeze Rule

When a team reaches 20 points, that team becomes frozen and may only score points while serving. The trailing team may continue scoring through rally scoring until they also reach 20 points.

Once both teams reach 20 points, rally scoring resumes normally for both teams. Play continues until one team leads by 2 points.

Standard Pickleball Rules

Unless specifically modified by these league rules, standard pickleball rules apply.

This includes the two-bounce rule, kitchen rules, legal serves, court boundaries, net faults, and common pickleball etiquette.

Players may not volley while touching the kitchen or its boundary line, and players may not contact a ball across the plane of the net before it has crossed to their side of the court.

Any rule not specifically addressed here follows standard pickleball rules.

Match Winner

The winning team is determined by:

1. Most games won
2. Overall point differential

If teams are tied in both games won and point differential, the organizer will determine the tiebreak procedure based on available court time and scheduling constraints.

Warm-Up & Late Arrivals

Players may warm up for the first 15 minutes following the scheduled court rental start time. Matches are expected to begin immediately after the warm-up period.

If a player is not present after the warm-up period, any game involving that player may be forfeited, adjusted, or substituted at the organizer's discretion. Providing advance notice of lateness is strongly encouraged and may allow accommodations to be made.

Injuries & Substitutions

Injured players may be replaced by a substitute. Because league matchups are designed to be as balanced as possible, the organizer may modify remaining lineups as necessary to maintain competitive fairness.

Paddle Requirements

Only paddles approved by USA Pickleball or UPA-A may be used during league play.

Players are responsible for ensuring their paddle appears on at least one approved paddle list.

Line Calls

Out Balls

• Out-of-bounds calls are made by the team receiving the shot.
• A player who clearly sees a ball land out may call it out.
• If one receiving player calls the ball out and the other receiving player clearly saw the ball land in, the ball is considered in.
• If only one receiving player had a clear view of the ball, that player's call stands.
• When players are genuinely unsure, the benefit should be given to the opposing team and the ball should be considered in.

Kitchen & Service Faults

Kitchen violations and service faults may be called by either team. If players disagree on a kitchen or service fault call, the point will be replayed.

Score Disputes

If all players lose track of the score, play will resume from the most recent score that all players agree upon.

Balls Entering the Court

If another ball enters the court, players may choose to stop play and replay the point if they believe it affected the rally.

If an outside ball creates a safety hazard, including rolling near a player's feet or striking a player, the ball is immediately dead and the point must be replayed.

Weather Policy

The league's priority is maximizing playing opportunities for all participants.

Severe weather may result in matches being postponed or rescheduled. Whenever possible, matches will be made up at a later date.

Providing opportunities for players to compete takes priority over standings considerations.

Sportsmanship

Good sportsmanship is expected at all times.

Examples of unacceptable behavior include, but are not limited to:

• Excessive arguing
• Abusive language
• Unsportsmanlike conduct
• Harassment of players, spectators, or organizers
• Repeated refusal to follow league rules

Players may be removed from a game, substituted out, or disqualified from league play at the organizer's discretion.

Clothing Recommendations

Players should avoid wearing clothing that closely matches the color of the ball, particularly shirts.

Shirts that blend with the ball can make it more difficult for opponents to track shots and react safely, especially during fast exchanges near the head and shoulders.

Organizer Authority

The organizer has final authority on all league matters, including:

• Rule interpretations
• Scheduling decisions
• Lineup adjustments
• Sportsmanship issues
• Tiebreak procedures
• Any situation not explicitly covered in these rules

Players may respectfully provide additional context or clarification when a ruling is being made. All discussions should be conducted respectfully. The organizer's final decision is binding.