North Shore Pickleball Interclub League 2025

Format
2025 Schedule
League Results

Format

The North Shore Pickleball Interclub League format creates a structured yet dynamic competition for five participating clubs over a five-month season, running from May through September. Here’s an overview of how the league is organized: (Note: Global Pickleball Federation rules apply.

1. Player Structure

  • Club Representation: Each club contributes 1 player per skill level (levels 1 through 5) for a total of 5 players each play date. Note: If one club can't supply the number of players required for any one play date, then the host club may fill the gap. 

2. Skill Levels

  • Skill Categories: There are 5 skill levels:
    • Level 1 (highest calibre play)
    • Level 2
    • Level 3
    • Level 4
    • Level 5
  • Players compete at their assigned skill level (as defined by each club) and have opportunities to move up or down based on performance. Clubs may determine which players plays at which level.

Note: For ratings information, please see PCO at HERE and USA Pickleball HERE (including skill assessment sheets)

3. Game Format

  • Round Robin: Each skill level plays a round-robin format where all 5 clubs  play against each other.
  • Game Rules: Matches are played to 11 points, win by 1.
  • Rounds: Each skill level completes three full round robins on every play date.

4. Movement Between Levels

After each round of matches:

  • Top 2 players by number of wins* (Courts 2-5) .Moves up to the next skill level for the following round. 
  • Top 2 players by number of wins* (Court 1). Stays to continue to play on Court 1
  • Lower 2 players by number of wins* (Court 1-4). Moves down to the next lower skill level.
  • Lower 2 players by number of wins* (Court 5). Stay to continue to play on Court 5. 
  • Middle players by number of wins*(Court 1 - 5): Remain at the same skill level for the next round robin.

                       * If number of wins is tied, then score is considered to determine player movement. 

This ensures competitive balance while allowing mobility based on performance.

5. Play Dates

  • Frequency: There are 5 play dates over the 5-month season (May–September).
  • Structure on Each Play Date:
    • Each team at each skill level plays 3 full round robins (a total of 12 matches per player per play date).
    • Players move between skill levels after each round, adding dynamic variety.

6. League Dynamics

  • Players  aim to improve their skill levels throughout the season by winning matches and advancing upward.
  • This format promotes growth, ensures fair play across varying skill levels, and fosters camaraderie among different clubs.

7. Summary of Flow

  1. Each club sends teams for all 5 skill levels.
  2. Players  at the same skill level compete in a round-robin format (3 times per play date).
  3. Performance in each round dictates team movements:
  4. Play continues for 5 scheduled play dates, culminating in a dynamic league experience

This structure balances skill-based competition and opportunities for all participants to play consistently over the season.