APL Rules

APL Rules Explained

Two Different Play Formats:

Open Play (individual) Format
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). If you qualify for the playoffs, a registration fee will be required to participate in the event.

1. Global and Inclusive: The APL is a global open league that invites pickleball enthusiasts from all corners of the world, fostering a vibrant and competitive atmosphere for players at every skill level. With diverse venues and flexible schedules, players can enhance their ratings and gaming experiences at their own pace. Every week, participants can engage in multiple matches at different locations, enabling them to compete in at least 25 games or more per week, totaling well over 250 games throughout a 12-week season. To qualify for the playoffs and the $4,000+ prize pool available in each state, players must be VAIR rated and have taken part in a minimum of 30 games during the 12-week season across various venues.

2. Flexible and No-Substitution: The league's structure accommodates the possibility of players missing one or more weeks, without substitutions, promoting individual commitment. Each league night lasts 2-3 hours, with players engaging in an average of seven to ten games.

3. Diverse Play Formats: APL features two primary formats—Open Play for individual doubles and two person partner format for teams. Both formats could implement a Round Robin or "Up and Down the River" system, allowing players or teams to ascend or descend in courts according to game outcomes, thereby promoting diverse matchups.

4. Transparent Scoring and Ranking: Games are played to 11 points with real-time player rating and scoring updates via the VAIR website. APL's partners ranking system and 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.

5. Accessible and Affordable: Registration fees for the Amateur Pickleball League (APL) are reasonable, with a one-time charge of $35 for Open Play and $30 for Partner Format for the entire 12-week season, plus any small applicable indoor facility drop in fee. This league is for amateur players, promoting fair level play, competition, and enjoyment. Unlike exclusivity of traditional leagues that restrict indoor facility access and charge steep fees (averaging about $200 for six weeks), which can impede individual development and enjoyment. APL presents greater flexibility and fosters an inclusive atmosphere that dismantles these barriers, providing wider competition and more frequent playing opportunities for dedicated pickleball lovers.

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). If you qualify for the playoffs, a registration fee will be required to participate in the event.

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!

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! If you qualify for the playoffs, a registration fee will be required to participate in the 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.If you qualify for the playoffs, a registration fee will be required to participate in the event.

APL Open Play Printable Score Card Click here

APL 4 Player Printable Score Card Click here

APL 5 Player Printable Score Card Click here

APL 6 Player Printable Score Card Click here

APL 7 Player Printable Score Card Click here

APL 8 Player Printable Score Card Click here

APL 9 Player Printable Score Card Click here