LPA Beginner League

May 4th - June 8th, 2026 (every Monday)Lloydminster, Saskatchewan

Prices & Deadlines

Regular deadline:
May 11th, 2026 11:59pm (Mountain Time)Registration Opened
Registration Fees
Price $58.00 per registrant

All prices in CAD $

Frequently Asked Questions: The Gauntlet Ladder

1. How are my matchups decided?

The Gauntlet uses power-seeding. For the first game of the night, you are matched based on your overall ladder rank. After that, the app looks at your performance that night. If you win, you move "up" to play stronger opponents; if you lose, you move "down" to face an easier matchup. It’s designed to find your "perfect match" within 1 or 2 games.

2. Do I need a fixed partner?

No. The Gauntlet is an individual format. The app will pair you with different partners throughout the night based on who is nearby in the rankings. You get to showcase your ability to adapt to different playing styles!

3. How is the 6-week leaderboard calculated?

Your season rank is typically determined by a combination of:

  • Win Percentage: How many games you’ve won versus played.
  • Point Differential: Total points scored minus total points allowed.
  • Strength of Schedule: Beating a top-tier player earns you more "ladder credit" than beating a beginner.

4. What happens if I miss a week?

Life happens! Because the Gauntlet is flexible, you can miss a week without being disqualified. However, since the ladder is cumulative, missing games means fewer opportunities to rack up wins and points. Your ranking might dip slightly as active players climb past you.

5. Why did I play the same person twice?

Because the system is constantly trying to find your skill level "ceiling," if you and another player are both winning (or both losing) at the same rate, the Gauntlet logic may pair you together again to settle the score.

6. Do I have to stay the whole time?

One of the best features of the Gauntlet is that it generates rounds one at a time. If you need to leave early, just let the organizer know before the next round is generated. The app will simply leave you out of the next pairing without breaking the bracket for everyone else.

7. How do I report my scores?

As soon as your game ends, one player from the court should enter the score directly into the Pickleheads app or the Score Keeper The next round cannot be generated until all scores from the current round are submitted, so don't leave your fellow players waiting!

Payment Methods

Online

* Small processing fee applies

The Monday Night Gauntlet Ladder

Location: Servus Sports Centre

Time: 7:30 PM – 9:30 PM

Dates: Every Monday (May 4st – June 8th)

Are you ready to build your skills and have some fun? Join us for a 6-week beginner ladder at the Servus Sports Centre!

We’ll be using the Pickleheads Gauntlet format, a simple system that groups you with players of similar skill levels so you can learn and improve each week. Whether you’re just getting started or looking to gain confidence, this is a great way to play, meet others, and enjoy the game—no pressure, just progress.

📅 The Schedule

  • Duration: 6 Weeks
  • Format: 6 matches per night
  • Match Length: 15-minute timed rounds
  • Total Playtime: 2 hours of high-intensity pickleball

⚙️ How the "Gauntlet" Works

We use the Pickleheads App to manage a "live" ladder. Unlike traditional round-robins, the Gauntlet adapts after every single match:

  • Win your match: You "run the gauntlet" upward to face more challenging opponents.
  • Lose your match: You move to a lower court to find a more suitable skill match.
  • The Goal: By the end of the night, the system naturally balances the courts so everyone is playing against others of similar skill.

📱 Registration & The App

To keep the ladder running smoothly, we use digital scoring:

  1. Register: Sign up through our standard portal.
  2. Onboarding: Once registration closes, your email address will be added to our private group on the Pickleheads App.
  3. Check Your Inbox: You will receive an email notification once you’ve been added.
  4. Game Night: Please have the app ready on your phone! We will use it to check in, view matchups, and report scores instantly after each 15-minute round.

🏆 Why Join?

  • Balanced Play: No more "blowout" games. The system finds your level quickly.
  • Individual Rankings: Track your progress over the full 6-week season.
  • Fast-Paced: With 15-minute matches and 6 rounds a night.