Player ratings are used to group players so they can play with people of like skill and ability. Ratings are also used to compete in tournaments or leagues. Keep in mind that this will never be a perfect system, but it should improve a player’s chances of having a more competitive and fun match.
What is the rating system all about?
We utilize a rating system in our park that is based on the IFP (International Federation of Pickleball) and USAPA rating systems. Ratings start at 1.0 (brand new to the sport) and continue in half point increments to 6.0 (expert player). Each rating level has a specific set of skills that a player must be proficient at, meaning they must be able to perform them accurately most of the time.
Why do we use a rating system here?
With so many people in our pickleball group, we need to have a way to better organize activities so many people can play with others of like skill and ability. Ratings also help us to better assess how to allocate courts based on the number of players within the various skill rating groups. Skill ratings are common throughout the pickleball community wherever you go and are also utilized by USAPA for tournament play.
How do I get a rating?
What Skill Rating do I use to register for a Tournament?
A word of advice, it is always easier to start with a lower rating and go up than it is to start with a higher rating and go down. Check out the PEM Skill Ratings Descriptions to see where you fit in. Remember proficiency in the skills set with minimal errors is the key for determining where you fall.
What is the rating system all about?
We utilize a rating system in our park that is based on the IFP (International Federation of Pickleball) and USAPA rating systems. Ratings start at 1.0 (brand new to the sport) and continue in half point increments to 6.0 (expert player). Each rating level has a specific set of skills that a player must be proficient at, meaning they must be able to perform them accurately most of the time.
Why do we use a rating system here?
With so many people in our pickleball group, we need to have a way to better organize activities so many people can play with others of like skill and ability. Ratings also help us to better assess how to allocate courts based on the number of players within the various skill rating groups. Skill ratings are common throughout the pickleball community wherever you go and are also utilized by USAPA for tournament play.
How do I get a rating?
- USAPA Rating – If you already have a Legacy or current USAPA Doubles Tournament (T) rating that is your minimum rating.
- Members with home club rating – The club will accept ratings from outside on a provisional basis. We will grant a 30-day provision and in that time a person will be observed through play and involvement in ladders to determine if their rating is appropriate for play within the PEM Pickleball Club. At the end of that period a PEM Club rating will be assigned.
- Members with an IPTPA rating – The club will accept the IPTPA rating for members.
- Beginner Lessons/On-going Skills Training (Skill rating 1.0 – 3.0) –When you take your first lesson you will start off as a 1.0 player (new and minimal knowledge of the game). By the end of your first lesson, trainers may adjust your rating upward based on your ability. As you continue in skills training, trainers will revise your rating based on completion of skills criteria. Trainers can adjust players ratings up to 3.0.
- Skill ratings protocol for 3.0 and above –Players wishing to be rated to 3.5 must submit a request through the PEM website. Players wishing to be rated must participate in skills lessons and ladder events. Scoring in ladders should be 70% or better. Raters from our club will observe the players in a minimum of 9 games and/or ladders. The skill rating will follow the skills requirement of USAPA. The players will receive verbal and written recommendations of their performance. All ratings for PEM club members can be viewedon TrackitHub.
- Skill ratings protocol for 4.0 and above –Players wishing to be rated 4.0 and above will be rated by an IPTPA rater and will be reimbursed $10 of the $40 fee or by an approved in-house PEM rating committee;if and when available.
- Should an individual feel that their rating is not suitable (due to injury, age or other circumstances), they can request to have their rating lowered. They will be granted the rating change and monitored to ensure that the new level is appropriate.
What Skill Rating do I use to register for a Tournament?
- A member with a USAPA/IPTPA or PEM rating must compete in PEM Pickleball Club sponsored or in-house tournaments at their highest rating.
A word of advice, it is always easier to start with a lower rating and go up than it is to start with a higher rating and go down. Check out the PEM Skill Ratings Descriptions to see where you fit in. Remember proficiency in the skills set with minimal errors is the key for determining where you fall.