How does the league work?The league will use a ladder ranking system. Each person is ranked individually, not as part of a team. Each week you will be placed on a court with 3 others based on your skill rating. You will play 1 game (to 15) with each partner, switching partners after each game. Your total combined score determines your place for that "round". If you perform well you will climb the ladder and move to a more challening court! Every week each player will play 2 rounds (6 ranked games per week) with additional time for warmup, drills, and pickup games.How is this different from regular Open Play?Open play can be a lot of fun, but it can be frustrating at times. This league has permitted and reserved 6 pickleball courts at Ingraham HS (newly resurfaced & lighted courts!) with Seattle Parks and Rec and Seattle Public Schools, signups are limited to allow for all players to be playing simultaneuosly, no "stacking" or waiting. Open play can also result in unpredictable matchups with players of varying skill. The league will track all players performance across the season and will create the matchups based on skill.How is this different from Tournament Play?Tournaments can have skill mismatches due to players either unsure of what level they are, or players playing down (aka "sandbagging"). As the ladder league season progresses, players will naturally move into the right skill divisions which creates well-matched games. We also feel the ladder league provides a better value; 1 tournament can cost $100+ while only providing 3 games! This ladder league will feature 6+ games/week for 6 weeks!Will this be fun?Yes, we think so 😃. This league is geared towards players who don't shy away from challenging matches. However, we think we can do that and still have fun. We will enforce the golden rule: Don't be a jerk. While competitive, we want to foster the social aspect of pickleball that we all love. What is the difference between co-ed and mixed?This is a gender inclusive league, all genders can participate. However, it is not a strictly mixed (always 1M/1W per side) format like many tournaments. The matchups will be based on skill level only.Will this help me understand my skill level?Yes! You will be able to track and see your league standing and ELO rating and game performance. Following the first week, each match will additionally be recorded to DUPR.Will each week be the same?The first 5 weeks will consist of the regular season, with the final week being the Playoffs. Your ladder ranking and performance at the end of the regular season will determine your seeding for the playoffs. The playoffs will consist of 6 different playoff brackets, divided by skill level.What if I need to miss a week?That's not a problem! You don't have to worry about finding an alternate or trying to makeup those games. While you are away your ranking will not change. However, if you know you will miss more than 2 weeks of the season we ask that you sign up for a following season.What if it rains?If the courts are wet or its raining we will notify all league players prior to start time. We will make every attempt to play the full 6 week season. We have 2 additional rainout dates baked into the schedule, 6/6 & 6/13.Where does the money go?The cost of the league goes towards paying for the court reservations and paid league permit fee with Seattle Parks and Rec. Additionally, the league has purchased 6 portable pickleball nets as the courts are lined but there are no nets provided. The league will also provide the balls (Franklin X-40), and manage matchmaking, as well as score keeping and reporting. If you would like to participate but cost is an issue, please contact the league organizers. 
