The first OBX Pickleball Ladder League will take place every Saturday from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. for six weeks beginning March 11, 2023 and continuing through the end of April.
Click here to view the event flyer.
The league will be run by Scott Morton, who has experience in running ladder leagues and has volunteered to run this league.
How does a Ladder League work?
Players are placed on a "ladder" by skill level. Each week players are assigned a foursome on “rung” of the ladder based on their ladder ranking. The foursome will be assigned a court and anticipated start time to play each other.
How does the foursome play?
The weekly matches will be Round Robin format; each person playing with every other person on their rung in games to 11 . You have a different partner each game. Two round robins will be played each day. Players record their own scores for each game, reporting the scores on the Team Reach app. Score sheets will also be provided.
Example: If you win a game, it's 11 points. If you lose 11-6, you report 6.
How do players move up or down on the "ladder"?
After the first Round Robin, the two players in your foursome with the best score move up one “rung” on the ladder, and the two players with lower score move down one "rung". Scores are recorded and your position in the ladder is determined for the next week. Over the course of six weeks, you end up where your skill places you and that's where you start in future ladders. Depending on the total number of participants, you are guaranteed six really competitive games.
What happens if I am unable to attend one week?
We are recruiting subs to fill in for the occasional absence, though a strong commitment to attendance is expected. When you return, you will be place on the rung up or down that your sub earned, but your own average score will not be changed. You must provide at least 24 hours notice of your absence or you will be excluded from the following week's play.
If I cannot join in this ladder league, can I join future ones?
Players may drop out or join the ladder league each month without having their score affected. Repeat players in a ladder will be given priority during sign-ups, then registration will open to the waiting list or a new ladder will be started.
Why should I join the ladder league?
Many communities' ladder leagues are more popular than their rotational play. Why? Because rotational play places you with partners and competitors whose skill may differ significantly from your own. If you like to play with others of similar ability, your position on the ladder assures this and still gives you the ability to play your way up as your skills grow.
Ladders are not about 1st or 2nd place- they are about being in the right place for you.
How do I register?
To register for the OBX Pickleball Ladder League:
- Download the Team Reach phone app (if you have not already done so).
- Log-in to the Team Reach OBX Ladder League by entering the group code "OBXLL"
- Scott Morton will accept you into the group.
- After you are accepted in the group, send a note to the Team Reach site, including your own evaluation of your skill level (beginner, low intermediate, high intermediate or advanced). Your note must also include your full name and email address.
- You will initially be placed on the ladder for week one.
Register on the Team Reach app before March 5, 2023.
Scott Morton will be in touch. More questions? You can reach George Barr (804-387-4995) or Char Wood (540-840-3019) at obxpickleballclub@protonmail.com.
