Player ratings are used to group players by ability levels so that players can compete in tournaments or leagues with other players of similar ability. Keep in mind that this will never be a perfect system, but it should improve most player’s chances of having a fun match. The Tournament Points System is used to rank players based on success in tournaments.
A rated event is defined as any event that you enter based on your ability relative to other players. Examples of some rated events that we currently sanction are Men's 4.0 Doubles, Mixed 3.5 Doubles, and Senior 4.5 Men's Doubles.
Some players have already been given tentative ratings based on previous tournament results, recommendations by tournament directors, and other player opinions that we have sought. More players will be given ratings as we get more tournament results and time permits. You may find out if you have already been assigned a rating by going to the Ratings section of the USAPA website then choosing the alphabetical listing option.
If you don't have a USAPA rating yet, then you may rate yourself when you enter a rated tournament for the first time. Your initial self rating must be approved by the tournament director. Your tournament results will be reviewed, and your self-rating could be immediately changed if it appears to be obviously wrong.
All ratings will be stored in our database for review by the Ratings Committee, and self-rating players will be entered into the ratings database with an "s" to indicate self-rating.
| s | Self Rating | We are not currently using Self Ratings and have many non-rated players playing in rated tournaments. If you are unrated, you may enter the rating division of your choice based on your ability relative to other players that you know. However, this is always subject to the Tournament Director's Approval. We will be giving more players ratings as time and information permits. |
| y | Year-End Rating | Indicates that their rating was either established or verified on an "End-of-Year Rating List" which will be published each October 1st starting in the year 2008. Players with a rating of type "y" may only appeal their rating from October 1st - October 31st of each year. See the section on Appeals! |
| i | Initial Rating | These are initial ratings that may be based on opinions of Tournament Directors and or other players as well as tournament results. |
Every October, the USAPA will publish a "Year-End Rating List " of all rated players. This list will indicate which players are having their ratings changed and which currently unrated players are being given new ratings. These new and changed ratings will be posted to player records at the end of December and will become effective on January 1st.
Most Players will not see their rating levels changed on the Year-End Rating List, but all players should check the list for changes. This list will show a player’s former rating level and their new rating which will become effective on January 1st of the new year. Many new players will receive ratings for the first time on this list.
All rated players will have until October 31st to appeal either their old or new rating. After October 31st, players that appeared on this list my not appeal their rating until the following October except in cases of permanent or long-term injury.
Each October 1st, we will publish an "End-of-Year Rating List" of all currently rated players and players that will be rated as of January 1st. Players that appear on this list each year, will only be able to file one rating appeal between October 1st and October 31st of each year. Players appearing on this list will be identified by a rating type of "y".
Players who are not rated as of October 1st for a ranking year will have a rating type of 'i' and may file one appeal at any time before the following year’s "End of Year Rating List" comes out in October
Anyone may file an appeal at any time if a rating change is justified by a permanent or long-term injury or health change or recovery from such.
From October 1st to October 31st of each year, simply go to the USAPA website Ratings Page and click on the "End-of-Year Rating List" link. There will be a button at the top of the page that says "Appeal Your Rating". Click on that link and then follow the instructions.
After October 31st or when the "End-of-Year Rating link" no longer appears, there will be another link on the ratings page entitled "Appeal Your Rating". See the paragraph above to learn when you are eligible to appeal your rating.
You may look at the currently proposed descriptions for the different rating groups at the end of this document to help determine your rating. You may also use the following statements in helping to select your self-rating.
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These descriptions were derived from current rating descriptions used in Florida's Winter Senior Pickleball Leagues. They have been modified in an attempt to better meet the differences in the various age groups that the USAPA represents. |
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| Rating | |
|---|---|
| 1.0 | These players need to work most on developing their hand/eye coordination. They frequently miss the ball entirely, but can hit some of the slower balls with their forehand. They have a hard time playing games because they can't keep a rally going. |
| 1.5 | These players keep some short rallies going with their forehand, but still fail to return easy balls frequently and occasionally still miss the ball entirely. They have played a few games and know the basic rules of the game. |
| 2.0 | These players are learning to judge where the ball is going, but can sustain a short rally with players of equal ability. They have obvious weaknesses in most of their strokes. |
| 2.5 | These players are able to keep quite a few balls going with their forehands, make most easier volleys, and are beginning to make some backhands but need to work more on developing their strokes. They are thinking more about coming up to the no-volley zone to hit volleys and are making an effort to be more aggressive. |
| 3.0 | These players are fairly consistent when hitting medium-paced shots, but are not comfortable with all strokes and lack control when trying for direction, depth, or power on their shots. They are beginning to attempt lobs and dinks but don't fully understand when and why they should use them and don't have a lot of success with them.This player could be thought of as a "C" player in most clubs. |
| 3.5 | These players have achieved improved stroke dependability with directional control on most medium speed balls and some harder hit balls. They still need to develop more depth and variety with their shots, but are exhibiting more aggressive net play, are anticipating their opponent’s shots better, and are developing teamwork in doubles. |
| 4.0 | These players have dependable strokes, including directional control and depth on both forehand and backhand sides with most shots. They can use lobs, overhands, approach shots and volleys with some success and occasionally force errors when serving. Rallies may be lost due to impatience. Teamwork in doubles is evident. They know the rules of the game and can play by them. |
| 4.5 | These players have developed their use of power and spin, can successfully execute all shots, can control the depth of their shots, and can handle pace. They have sound footwork and they move well enough to get to the non-volley zone whenever required. They understand strategy and can adjust their style of play according to their opponent’s strengths and weaknesses and their position on the court. They can hit serves with power and accuracy and can also vary the speed and spin of the serve if desired. |
| 5.0 | These players have all the skills of the 4.5 players, but have either developed these same skills to a higher level or are simply quicker and/or stronger than the 4.5 group of players. |
| 5.5 | Future Rating Category |