Club Skill Ratings for 2024-2025
Winnipeg West Pickleball up to this point, has allowed for self-rating, but as the club has increased in size, it has become apparent that we should follow the guidelines with Pickleball Canada's rating system. This would give you an accurate rating if you wanted to play in resorts or clubs across Canada, US or Mexico, as well as a starting point for tournaments. This process is important if you would like to play in the 3.5+ Rated group, which we would like to introduce into the January schedule. This would be for anyone who would like to be included in a very competitive group, so we are offering it to our higher level players first, but anyone who would like to see if they qualify for this group, will have the opportunity to ask for an assessment. We have partnered with Bison Pickleball (Rose Sawatzky and Damien Rondeau) to help us with this huge undertaking. Rose has ample experience in rating assessments and does this on a professional level. She is at arm's length with the Wpg West members Overview of the Rating Process The assessment is a straightforward two-hour session for groups of four players seeking a specific rating (e.g., 3.5). The process includes: 1. Skills Assessment (First Hour): During the first hour, Rose will feed balls to participants while Damien outlines the specific skill shots to be performed. Both Rose and Damien will evaluate your skills and overall performance. 2. Game Play Evaluation (Second Hour): Participants will play games observed by Rose and Damien, who will assess strategy, game sense, and performance. At the end of the session, Rose and Damien will compile their observations and provide each participant with their official rating. This process ensures a fair and objective assessment, helping players enjoy games with others of similar skill levels. Initially, we will focus on higher-rated players (3.75 and 4.0). By January, we plan to introduce rated groups to the schedule. Unrated players at the 3.5 level will have the opportunity to participate in assessments to determine their eligibility for rated sessions. Note that unrated players will not be able to join rated sessions until assessed. Assessment Dates and Logistics Assessments will take place on December 12 and 19 at WMES, using a taped court with ample space for play. Winnipeg West will cover court rental costs, so the fee is just $50 per member. Registration and payment will be available on the Bison Pickleball website. For Unrated Players Members who choose not to be rated at this time will remain in the recreational side of the club, and can play in advanced (Rec and Comp), intermediate, or novice categories as before. Rated players, however, will have the flexibility to participate in both rated and recreational sessions. It’s important to note that most players’ ratings may adjust downwards under this system. This is normal and reflects a more accurate assessment of skills. Please remember: it’s just a number—it doesn’t define your enjoyment of the game. Rose Sawatzky Selkirk Sport Sponsored NCCP Certified Instructor Currently, all the sessions are full but as soon as we receive new dates, we will let you know. It may be the week of Jan 5, 2025 since the schools are closed over the holidays. In the meantime, find your group of 4 that you play well with so you are not scrambling when the dates are announced. Thanks, Winnipeg West Pickleball December 12 - Skill and Performance Assessments (3.5) 6:00PM-8:00PM Session one BED-2024-12-12-SPA1 December 12 - Skill and Performance Assessments (3.5) 8:00PM-10:00PM If all session are full, just pick one and join the waitlist to be included in the next round of testing.
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