APL Rules Explained

Two Different Play Formats:

1. Open Play (individual) Format
2. Partner (team) Format

APL Open Play Registration Fee: $35 per league. This fee allows you to participate in any Individual APL season event held worldwide. (Additional facility fees may apply).

APL Open Play Format?

"Up and Down the River" Pickleball Challenger events are designed as a fun and competitive format for players to rotate partners and opponents in a social yet competitive setting. In these events, players "move up" or "down" based on whether they win or lose each round. Here’s how it generally works:

• Players are assigned courts and partners at the beginning.
• After each round, winners move "up" to a higher court and losers move "down" to a lower court.
• Players transitioning up or down the courts also switch partners at the beginning of each new game, guaranteeing a diverse array of matchups during the event.
• The APL Open Play Rankings are determined by a specific formula that takes into account the average points won in matches, which is then multiplied by your overall winning percentage. This calculation aims to provide a comprehensive assessment of a player's performance, considering not just the total average points won, but also the effectiveness of the player's wins relative to the total number of games played. By incorporating both of these factors, the APL Open Play Rankings give a clearer picture of a competitor's standing and success in the league. indicating that it is not necessary for all players to have played the same number of games during the season. 

APL Open Play Scoring?

All games are played to 11 points, with a win by 1. One of the winning partners must promptly document the scores on the court-side scorecard, which will later be submitted to the league ambassador. Should any issues occur while reporting the score, please report them here.

APL Partner Registration Fee: $30 for each player participating in the league. This fee allows you to participate in any APL Partner season event held worldwide. (Additional facility fees may apply).

APL Partner Format?

"Up and Down the River" Pickleball Challenger events are designed as a fun and competitive format for partners and opponents in a social yet competitive setting. In these events, partners "move up" or "down" based on whether they win or lose each round. Here’s how it generally works:

• Participating teams will be randomly assigned to courts.
• Each game could consist of 12-minute timed rounds, with a 2-minute break between games. For a possible total of 8 to 9 games played by each team within the 2-hour time frame.
• First Serve: To begin the opening game of the night, start with rock, paper, scissors. For the subsequent games, the format will be as follows: the team that loses will always serve first
• The winning team will either remain on their court or advance to a higher court, while the losing team will drop down a court.
  
• The partners rankings are determined by a specific formula that takes into account the average points won in matches, which is then multiplied by your overall winning percentage. This calculation aims to provide a comprehensive assessment of a team's performance, considering not just the total average points won, but also the effectiveness of the player's wins relative to the total number of games played.

APL Partner Scoring?

All matches are played to 11 points, with a win by 1. One of the winning partners must promptly document the scores on the court-side scorecard, which will later be submitted to the league ambassador.

These types of events are designed to foster friendly competition, keep players on their toes, and ensure everyone gets to play against a wide range of opponents and partners.Keep tabs on your performance with APL's analysis utilizing our VAIR software, establish a VAIR ranking, and ensure every game matters!

Why should I join APL?
Our mission is to cultivate the game from its very roots, ensuring that amateur players like yourself benefit from top-tier, enriching, and unforgettable competitive opportunities. We eagerly anticipate witnessing your gameplay!

How can I become a part of APL?

Initially, you need to register for a complimentary VAIR player account on VAIRIFIED.com. Then, simple sign up to play APL.

Flexible scheduling

APL is open play until the APL Playoffs. Your stats compete with every APL player in your state. Play with any APL player anywhere in the world. Check your ranking in your state and worldwide.

Know your ranking

All APL players are required to possess a skill level that aligns closely with the league division in which they are registering. Individuals with significantly higher skill levels than their designated division may face disqualification in future seasons. No ringers allowed! Additionally, if you are a professional pickleball player, this league is not suitable for you!

State and National Playoffs 

As the regular season comes to a close, prepare for an exhilarating clash at the APL Invitational Championships! The finest competitors from every tier will compete fiercely for a spot on the podium. If you don’t receive an immediate invite, there’s no need to fret—every ranked player will secure a highly sought-after position on the waiting list based on their finish. Seize this opportunity to participate in this monumental event!

APL playoffs will be a Round Robin format where all of the players from there respective levels play one another in every combination of players.

Register now for the APL Winter Season. 

APL  Printable Score Card Click here