CLT Paddle Battle Pickleball League Rules

Quick Overview

1. Teams propose matches on a day and time that works for them and a location that is convenient for them.

2. An opposing team accepts an oustanding proposed match.

3. Teams play match and report scores.

4. Repeat the above during the 9 week season and try to make the playoffs. 

*For a full rundown of the league specifics, please read the below information. 

League Format

You will receive points by playing matches. After scores for a match have been entered, the standings will auto update. You may propose as many matches as you wish and play as many matches as you can fit into your schedule. The more matches you play, the more chances you have to earn CLT PBPL points and climb the standings. You can play anyone within your league and you can accept and play as many matches as you wish. You may play the same team multiple times as well. 

Match Location

You and your opponent will decide where the match will be played and at what time. The proposing team controls the match location and match time. The accepting team simply accepts the proposal. If you decided to play at your own club or a location with a guest fee, please enter the guest fee when proposing the match and let your opponent know about the guest fee after the match has been accepted. When going to meet your opponent, please bring their phone numbers with you in case of emergencies, problems, and to discuss which court you are on. 

CLT PBPL recommends the following public parks. However, you can play at your own club or bring your own equipment to any tennis court.

• Clarks Creek Community Park: 5435 Hucks Rd, Charlotte NC 28269 (8 dedicated pickleball courts)

• Tuckaseegee Park: 4820 Tuckaseegee Rd, Charlotte NC 28208 (6 lined tennis courts)

• Colonel Francis Beatty Park: 4330 Weddington Rd, Matthews NC 28105 (3 lined tennis courts)

• Martin Luther King Jr Park: 2600 Ravencroft Dr, Charlotte, NC 28208 (6 dedicated pickleball courts)

• Pearl Street Park: 1200 Baxter Dr, Charlotte, NC 28202 (2 dedicated pickleball courts)

• Freedom Park: 1900 East Blvd, Charlotte NC 28203 (2 lines pickleball courts)

Match Play

• You will play best 2 out of 3 Games

• Each Game will be the first team to 11, win by 2. 

• Both teams need to bring their own paddles and balls. 

• You will receive points by playing matches. The standings will be updated accordingly. The Match Scoring System is below.

• You may play as many times as you wish per week and with anyone within your league.

Special Situations/Rules

1. It is a forfeit if you are more than 15 minutes late for your match. The team that showed up to play wins the match and the team that didnt show up to play loses the match. The winning team wins 11-0, 11-0. (Please use your own discretion. If a match needs to be rescheduled, do so. Please give your opponent ample notice if you have to cancel the match or if an emergency comes up. If a match cannot be played but both teams want to reschedule, just play the match at a later date. No need to cancel the match and make a new proposal. With any last minute cancellation, the opponent has the right to accept a forfeit.) 

2. If a match needs to be rescheduled due to rain, darkness, limited court space, etc., please agree to resume the match at an agreed upon time and write down the score so that when you resume play, you remember where you left off.

3. If an injury occures during the match and you cannot complete the match, your opponent will win the rest of the points. 

4. If a match has to be canceled, please try your best to get into contact with your opponent. Call them or text them.  

 If you have to cancel an accepted match, that is fine although this should be limited to emergencies, sickness, etc. Please text the other person/team that you are no longer able to play. We do not want anybody showing up to a court thinking they are going to play and the other team not showing up unannounced. A forfeit will occur if you do not show up to play. If you have to cancel, try your best to reschedule the missed match. If you have to cancel within 24 hours of the scheduled match, the opposing team reserves the right to accept a forfeit win at their discretion but rescheduling is always preferred. The less notice you provide, the higher likelihood a forfeit will occur. 

5. The league reserves the right to refuse membership or rescind existing membership for disruptive behavior or for any other reason. 

Match Scoring System

1. The winning team will receive between 7 and 12 points depending on outcome (point differiential).

2. The losing team will receive between 1 and 6.5 points depending on the outcome (games won and point differiential)

The scoring system was uniquely designed to encourage play and reward both teams for competing as every point won during the match can influence your overall match score. The scoring system is as follows:

• 1 point for each match played

• 3 points for each Game won during the Match

• 0.5 points for losing a Game by 2 points

• 0.25 points for losing a Game by 3 points

• 5 points for a match point differential of a combined total of 21 or more points

• 3.5 points for a match point differnetial of a combined total between 15 and 20 points

• 2.5 points for a match point differential of a combined total between 10 and 14 points

• 1.5 points for a match point differential of a combined total between 6 and 9 points

• 0.5 points for a match point differential of a combined total between 1 and 5 points

Playoffs

1. The standings will be locked after the last day of the regular season and the top 7 teams will make the playoffs. 

2. The playoffs will occur over a 1 or 2 week timeframe and the schedule will be set at the very end of the regular season. All teams that qualified for the playoffs will be notified accordingly of the schedule and they must confirm their availability.

3. The Semi Finals and the Finals will occur on the same day at a designated time and location, so your team must be available on that date in order to participate.

4. If your team is unable to participate in the playoffs due to scheduling issues, you will forfeit your place in the tournament and another team will take your place. Teams are placed into the tournament based on standing and points per match. For example, if regular season seeds #6 and #7 are unable to participate, #8 and #9 would slot into their spots. 

5. If an injury occurs in the playoffs, whether in the match or outside of the match, and the team members who played in the regular season are unable to participate, that team must forfeit their playoff match. 

(Format for Division Size of 12 - 24 teams, *active teams)

• An additional 8th team will also make the playoffs based on average points per match (This will be the team with the highest points per match that is not already within the top 7 teams and this team must play a minimum of 7 matches). 

• Teams 5-8 will be re-ordered based on points per match. Ties will be broken by total CLT PBPL points, then by better point differential, then by a coin flip. 

• Teams 1-4 are determined by the regular season finish (if one of these teams cannot play, teams directly below them in the standings take their place). Ties will be broken by total CLT PBPL points, then by better point differential, then by a coin flip. 

(Format for Division Size of 25 - 36 teams *active teams)

• 5 additional teams will also make the playoffs based on average points per match (This will be the teams with the highest points per match that are not already within the top 7 teams and these teams must play a minimum of 7 matches). 

• Teams 6-12 will be re-ordered based on points per match. Ties will be broken by total CLT PBPL points, then by better point differential, then by a coin flip. 

• Teams 1-5 are determined by the regular season finish (if one of these teams cannot play, teams directly below them in the standings take their place). Ties will be broken by total CLT PBPL points, then by better point differential, then by a coin flip. 

(Format for Division Size of 37+ teams *active teams)

• 9 additional teams will also make the playoffs based on average points per match (This will be the teams with the highest points per match that are not already within the top 7 teams and these teams must play a minimum of 7 matches). 

• Teams 10-16 will be re-ordered based on points per match. Ties will be broken by total CLT PBPL points, then by better point differential, then by a coin flip. 

• Teams 1-9 are determined by the regular season finish (if one of these teams cannot play, teams directly below them in the standings take their place). Ties will be broken by total CLT PBPL points, then by better point differential, then by a coin flip. 

Prizes (Spring, Summer, and Fall Seasons)

(Format for Division Size of 12 - 24 teams)

• The playoff winner will receive a trophy, a cash prize of $100, and a $10 per person credit for entry into the upcoming season.

• The runner up will receive $20 and a $10 per person credit for entry into the upcoming season.

• Team who plays the most regular season matches will receive $40 (minimum of 15 matches played required).

(Format for Division Size of 25 - 36 teams)

• The playoff winner will receive a trophy, a cash prize of $140, and a $10 per person credit for entry into the upcoming season.

• The runner up will receive $20 and a $10 per person credit for entry into the upcoming season.

• 3rd and 4th place will receive a $5 per person credit for entry into the upcoming season.

• Team who plays the most regular season matches will receive $40 (minimum of 15 matches played required).

(Format for Division Size of 37+ teams)

1. The playoff winner will receive a trophy, a cash prize of $160 and a $10 per person credit for entry into the upcoming season.

2. The runner up will receive $40 and a $10 per person credit for entry into the upcoming season.

3. 3rd and 4th place will receive a $5 per person credit for entry into the upcoming season.

4. Team who plays the most regular season matches will receive $40 (minimum of 15 matches played required).

FAQs

1. How many matches can I play? You can play as many matches as your team would like. The more you play, the more points you will receive. You can play multiple times each week and you can even play multiple matches each day. The more matches the better, you get more practice, and you meet others in the league. 

2. Can I reach out to specific teams to play? Yes, you may use the roster listing to email/text another team to try to setup a date/time/location to play. CLT PBPL recommends emailing or texting both players in a group message about availability. A team may decline your offer to play if contacted, but this method may be useful if you are trying to play someone closer to you in the standings. Once you have decided on a time/place to play, propose the match and make sure the other team accepts it as soon as possible before another team accepts the proposed match. 

3. What do you play to? All matches are best of 3 games to 11, where each game must be won by 2 points. Please only enter scores for 2 games if the third game was not necessary.  

4. Who serves first? The teams can decide on any fair method whether that be a coin flip, spinning the paddle, etc. The team that wins the coin toss decides if they want to serve first or what side of the court they want to plan on first (if the winning team selects to serve first, the other team picks which side they want to begin on. If the winning team selects the side of the court they want to play on first, the other team decides if they want to serve first or not). 

5. When do we switch sides? Teams switch sides after each game (stay on the same side for Game 1 and then switch sides for Game 2). For Game 3, if necessary, teams switch sides after a team scores 6 points. 

6. What ball is recommended? CLT PBPL recommends the Dura Fast 40 Outdoor ball or the Onix Pure ball. Ultimately, the ball being used is up to the 2 teams playing. If there is a question over which ball to play with, 1 of the 2 recommended balls should be used if either team has that ball. If teams can not come to an agreement or both want to use different balls or if neither of these balls are available, then the proposing team will have the final say. 

• Dura Fast 40: https://www.pickleballcentral.com/Dura_Fast_40_Outdoor_Pickleball_p/pb111.htm?gclid=CjwKCAjwh-CVBhB8EiwAjFEPGf5AP69YrCMh5JVHNmWAWuDhROtbHe4JnO_NTrAOyTc4xRaoeJ-_6BoCLEcQAvD_BwE

•   Onix Pure 2: https://www.pickleballcentral.com/Onix_Pure_2_Outdoor_Pickleball_KZ3100Y_p/sts-kz21100y.htm?gclid=CjwKCAjwh-CVBhB8EiwAjFEPGaS_ZonXegtK3jcPViMPa3TNY_l0_QYSJO9yVYBRyaO2hJsFU-prUxoCHkAQAvD_BwE

7. Is it okay to play multiple matches vs. the same team? Yes. CLT PBPL recommends trying to play 2 matches on the same night if time allows vs. the same team. Since you are already at the court, try to get 2 matches in. It is also okay to play the same team again at a later date. (If you are playing in a match and want to play a 2nd match against the same opponent because you are having fun or time allows, go ahead and propose a match on the website via your phone once the first match ends. The opponent can then quickly accept the proposal and your teams can carryout a 2nd match on the same court on the same day.)

8. My action on the website is not working, what happened? It is very likely you used your wrong 4 digit team code. The website may take about 10 minutes to display the most recent actions, but if you still feel like your action is not going through correctly, please reach out to cltpickleball@gmail.com to receive your 4 digit code or to troubleshoot the issue. (If you want to see a more real time look, please go back into “Propose Match | Accept Match | Enter Scores”.

• If you proposed a match and want to make sure it was proposed correctly – You can click “Propose Match | Accept Match | Enter Scores” and fill out the first page of the form and use the action “Accept Outstanding Match.” You should see your proposed match in the dropdown box of matches to accept in about 30 seconds after entering a proposed match.

• If you accepted a match and want to make sure it was accepted correctly – You can click “Propose Match | Accept Match | Enter Scores” and fill out the first page of the form and use the action “Enter Match Scores.” You should see your accepted match in the dropdown box in about 30 seconds after accepting a proposed match.

9. Can I join late? Yes, late registrations are allowed.

10. I am a solo player needing a partner, can I play? Yes, but please reach out to cltpickleball@gmail.com to inquire about being matched with a partner and what league you are interested in playing. CLT PBPL will do its best to find a partner for you. 

Season Kick-Off Information

1. Teams: Contact Information - You will be provided a contact listing for each team in your league with names, email addresses, and phone numbers. This information should solely be used to contact opposing teams to try to set up matches, to communicate about where to find each other at a location, or to contact teams about needing to cancel an accepted match. I will not be posting this on the website so please store as needed on your end. I will send updates weekly with new team additions. 

2. What is the Schedule? You decide! You play when you can by proposing matches or accepting matches or both. For your match to get accepted, it is always best to provide 24 hrs notice. You can play as little or as much as you like. The more you play, the more chances you have at climbing the standing. Teams have played 1 match to 50 matches in previous seasons. If you are serious about playing and getting better, always aim to play around 16-24 matches during the season. 

3. How to Organize Matches in the League?  

   • Go to the website and click “View League”. Find your League and then take action.

   • Start proposing matches and accepting proposed matches!

   • The website allows you to initiate a match proposal (you decide the time, day, and location). The website also allows you to accept proposed matches, enter scores, view the standings, and more.

   • By playing matches, you will receive points based on matches played, point differential, and games won.

   • You may play as many times as you wish per week.

   • I encourage you to play 2 matches against the same team when you have the court. The 2nd match can always be proposed/accepted when you get back home from the courts. You can list "2nd Match" in the Location Field. 

4. Get Started Playing by Proposing Match - Propose as many matches as you wish

   • Go to the website and click “View League”. Find your League and then take action.

   • Fill out the day, time, location of your choosing.

   • Another team will "Accept" that match and then you all will play the match and then report the scores on the website.

5. Get Started Playing by Accepting Proposed Match - Accept as many matches as you wish

   • Go to the website and click “View League”. Find your League and then take action.

   • Find a match that your team wants to play that fits your schedule and "Accept" that match.

6. Tips and Other Items

   • The website works on both your computer and your phone. The displays (colored spreadsheet displays) within the “View League” page take about 5 minutes to update so the data will be delayed slightly. 

   • It may be beneficial to go ahead and start proposing matches on days/times you know you want to play. There is no limit to how many matches you propose. Propose as many matches as you want and sit back and wait for someone to accept.

   • I encourage you to play 2 matches against the same team when you have the court. The 2nd match can always be proposed/accepted when you get back home from the courts. You can list "2nd Match" in the Location Field. 

   • If you accept a match but something comes up and you cannot play, you can cancel the match. Please only cancel a match if something comes up on your schedule. Once a match has been accepted, both teams are expecting to play it. If the match needs to be cancelled, you can do so, but please contact the opposing team to confirm they realize the match is no longer taking place.

   • If you decide to play at your own club or a private court, please list the fee to play. Do not expect your opponent to pay the fee unless they are aware it exists.

   • When meeting your opponent, please bring their cell phone numbers with you to communicate and in case of an emergency.

   • For 3 player teams, any combination of 2 players may play for that team on any given day/match.

   • When a proposed match has been accepted, both teams should show up to the court to play on the scheduled day/time. Teams can communicate via text beforehand as well to send a quick, "I accepted your match and look forward to playing" or to ask for directions, etc.   

7. Automated Emails for Proposed Matches and Accepted Matches

   • If you elected to receive auto generated match proposals and match acceptance emails, you will receive every match proposal for your league via email as it is entered into the system and any accepted match for your team. If you would like to be removed from this list at any time, please unsubscribe. 

   • If you would like to be added to the auto-generated emails, please email cltpickleball@gmail.com

   • Everyone can always view the website for outstanding proposals and to see if their match has been accepted. 

8. The Website Actions - You can propose matches, accept matches, enter scores, cancel a proposal, and cancel a match. 

   • 1) You can propose matches for any given day/time/location. When you propose a match, all teams see your proposal and have a chance to accept the match. 

   • 2) You can accept matches that have been proposed. You can see all proposed matches and have the ability to accept any of them if they fit your schedule.

   • 3) You can enter your match scores after your match has been played

   • 4) You can cancel a proposal if no one has accepted it and you no longer are available to play it

   • 5) You can cancel an accepted match. This is not recommended and please read more about it in "Special Situations"

9. The Website: Explained 

   • On the website, under View League, you can see your League. 

   • Within your league page, you can see all proposed matches in the green section (See below for example). 

   • Within your league page, you can see all matches that have been accepted but either have not been played or do not have scores entered yet in the yellow section (see below). 

   • Within your league page, all matches that have been played and have scores reported are in the blue section (see below). 

   • Within your league page, the standings are visible. 

   • To take action, you click the "Propose Match | Accept Match | Enter Scores" button and then have the ability to select which action you want to take (propose match, accept match, enter scores). 

   • The website takes about 5 minutes to update the display screen for all proposed matches, outstanding matches, matches played, and standings.

   • You must use the correct team code for your action to occur.

How to Propose a Match?

1. Go to "View League" on the website

2. Click the League that you are signed up for

3. Click "Propose Match | Accept Match | Enter Scores"

4. Fill out the corresponding form and choose "Propose Match" as your action. You will be asked to provide a Match Date, Match Time, Match Location, and Your Team. Matches can be played at any location of your choosing, whether that is a public park or a private club. If the club is private, please provide the location fee that the opposing team must pay if applicable. When going to meet your opponent, please bring their phone numbers with you in case there is a problem. 

5. If you no longer can play your proposal, please delete your own proposal so no one accepts it. If someone has already accepted your proposal, make sure to inform your opponent in a timely fashion and then proceed to cancel the match once both parties have been notified.

*You may view your proposed match directly on the website under the corresponding League in "View League". It takes 5 minutes for the website to refresh recently entered information. 

How to View Outstanding Proposals and Accept a Match?

1. Go to "View League" on the website

2. Click the League that you are signed up for

3. View outstanding proposals directly on the website. Find the proposal that best meets your schedule and then proceed to accept match.

4. Click "Propose Match | Accept Match | Enter Scores"

5. Fill out the corresponding form and choose "Accept Match" as your action. You will then select your desired match that you wish to accept.

*You may view your accepted and upcoming match directly on the website under the corresponding League in "View League". It takes 5 minutes for the website to refresh recently entered information. 

How to Enter Scores?

1. Go to "View League" on the website

2. Click the League that you are signed up for

3. Click "Propose Match | Accept Match | Enter Scores"

4. Fill out the corresponding form and choose "Enter Scores" as your action. You will then enter the winning team, losing team, and scores for each game. You will enter the winning team's scores for Game 1, Game 2, and Game 3 (if applicable) and then proceeed to enter the losing team's score for Game 1, Game 2, and Game 3 (if applicable). *Always enter the winning team's scores first even if they lost 1 of the 3 specific games. 

*You may view the completed match scores directly on the website under the corresponding League in "View League". It takes 5 minutes for the website to refresh recently entered information. 

How to Delete a Proposal?

1. Go to "View League" on the website

2. Click the League that you are signed up for

3. Click "Cancel Outstanding Proposal | Cancel Unplayed Match"

4. Fill out the corresponding form and choose "Cancel Outstanding Proposal" as your action. Please only cancel a proposal if you can no longer play or made an entry mistake. You can only delete a proposal if the match has not been accepted by another team yet. If the match has already been accepted by another team, you must communicate with that team accordingly and then proceed to cancel the unplayed match. You must give the team that originally accepted your match at least 24 hours of notice.  

*You may confirm your deletion by viewing the outstanding match proposals and ensuring your match is no longer visible. You can also proceed to "Propose Match | Accept Match | Enter Scores" and choose "Accept Match" as your action to ensure you no longer see your proposed match as available to be accepted. It takes 5 minutes for the website to refresh recently entered information. 

How to Cancel a Match?