The Del Boca Vista Pickleball League follows a set of structured rules designed to ensure fair play, competitiveness, and enjoyment for all participants.

These rules are based on the official guidelines provided by USA Pickleball, with specific adaptations for our league's format.

Rules and Regulations

1. General Gameplay Rules

Court and Equipment Standards

  • Matches will be played on standard pickleball courts with appropriate net height and dimensions.

  • Players must use USAPA-approved paddles and pickleballs.

Serve and Return Procedures

  • Standard pickleball serving rules apply.

  • Players must serve from behind the baseline and follow proper rotation.

Coaching Guidelines

  • Coaching is only allowed between games and during designated timeouts.

2. Match Play Details

Game Format

  • Rally scoring to 21 points, win by 2.

  • If a game reaches 25 points, win by 1 applies.

  • Freezing Rule: When a team reaches 20 points, they must win on their own serve. They can still earn points while returning but cannot win until successfully scoring on their serve.

Match Structure

  • Matches consist of Women's Doubles, Men's Doubles, and Mixed Doubles.

  • Each player must participate in at least one match per session.

DreamBreaker Tiebreaker

  • Advanced Division: Played as rotational singles.

  • Intermediate Division: Played as mixed doubles, with the home team setting the lineup first. Each pair plays four points at a time before rotating.

3. Scheduling and Rescheduling Protocols

Match Scheduling

  • Matches are scheduled weekly, with home and away teams coordinating times.

  • If a match cannot be played on the scheduled date, it must be rescheduled within the following week.

Responsibilities of Home and Away Teams

  • The away team submits their lineup first.

  • The home team is responsible for entering lineups into the scoresheet.

4. Player Eligibility and Substitutions

Minimum Match Requirement

  • Players must participate in at least one regular-season match to qualify for playoffs.

Substitution Policy

  • Teams may use 1-2 substitutes if necessary.

  • Substitutes must align with the division’s skill level and guidelines.

5. Code of Conduct

Sportsmanship Expectations

  • Players are expected to respect teammates, opponents, referees, and organizers.

  • Excessive arguing, unsportsmanlike conduct, or rule violations may result in warnings or penalties.

Dispute Resolution Process

  • Disputes should be resolved on-court when possible.

  • If needed, the advisory board will review disputes and make final rulings.

6. Weather and Court Conditions

Weather-Related Cancellations

  • In case of inclement weather, matches should be rescheduled within one week.

Rescheduling Due to Weather

  • The home team must coordinate with the away team to determine an appropriate reschedule date.

7. Playoffs and Championships

Playoff Qualification

  • Teams qualify for playoffs based on regular-season performance.

Championship Match Format

  • Standard match play applies, with DreamBreaker™ in case of ties.

8. Equipment and Uniforms

Player Responsibilities

  • Players are responsible for bringing their own paddles and appropriate footwear.

  • Uniforms are encouraged for a professional and competitive atmosphere.

9. Rule Updates

Review Process

  • Rules will be reviewed before each season.

  • Players may submit feedback, and adjustments will be made as needed.