OUR PLAY LEVELS

PCPC uses an organized levelled play model.  Below are descriptions of our play levels.   Not all play levels are offered at all times, for example,  Beginner and Novice are only offered seasonally during new member learn to play campaigns.

Our guidelines around advancing levels are simple:

  1. You must be able to play to the level of the court you sign up to play on.
  2. To advance to the next play level, you must be winning most of your games in your current play level.  That means,  when you play,  you and your partner win the vast majority of your games.  Your skill should be in the top 10-20% of your current level before advancing. 
  3. When advancing to the next play level you must start by playing only on double courts of 12 players.   Do not start in a more advanced level by playing on single courts of only 6 players.  Play on double courts of 12 until you have fully integrated into the new level.
  4. If you are playing in a level that does not match your skill,  you may be asked to change play levels.

🔵 (B) BEGINNER PLAY(aka 1.0-1.5) This is where new to the sport players will start. These sessions will be mentored by an Intermediate or Advanced club member player. This is where you will learn the rules of the game,  and how to play.  You will gain the confidence that you need to join NOVICE play. Beginners will need to demonstrate that they understand the rules of the game and how to keep score, as well as other basic skills including the ability to sustain a short rally to graduate into Novice play.   This level is 100% organized and mentored by volunteer club members. When offered indoors,  the fee will be higher.

❇️ (N) NOVICE PLAY (aka 2.0-2.5) This level is for Novice players. If you are new to the game but not a “Beginner” you are a Novice player for our Club purposes.  This is where Novice players grow their skills in a safe & supportive environment on their journey to become Intermediate players. Novice play is not mentored but periodically experienced club members will come and play with you!  Novice players are required to learn and follow our Club mandated player rotation guidelines. Novice players should master the 2.5 skill level and be winning most of their games before moving to Intermediate.

✴️ (IR) INTERMEDIATE RECREATIONAL PLAY (aka 3.0+) This level is for Intermediate players. Intermediate is a very broad spectrum.  This level is where players will spend the most time on their journey up the levelled play ladder. Intermediate players should be winning most of their games before moving to Intermediate Competitive (IC). Mutual respect, kindness and a whole lotta FUN lives here!

🔥(IC) INTERMEDIATE COMPETITIVE PLAY (aka 3.5+ Competitive Play) This level is for solid intermediate players who enjoy a more competitive and faster paced game. Competitive Intermediate is not as fast or competitive as Advanced. It is for players who can sustain a rally, return harder shots and keep up with faster play. FUN is the focus.  Intermediate Competitive players should be winning most of their games before moving to Advanced Rec Play.

🔷(AR) ADVANCED RECREATIONAL PLAY (aka 4.0+ Rec Play) This level is for players who are looking to move beyond Intermediate Competitive (IC) but don’t feel ready for Advanced Competitive (AC) play.  It is advanced play without the level of competition of Advanced Competitive.  Players playing in this level should demonstrate a skill in the top 10-20% of the overall level of play in the Intermediate Competitive (IC) level.  It is for players who can sustain a rally, return harder shots and keep up with faster play. FUN is the focus. Advanced rec players should be winning most of their games before moving to Advanced Competitive (AC).

🅰️(AC) ADVANCED COMPETITIVE PLAY (aka 4.0+  Competitive Play) Advanced Competitive (AC) is a level for skilled players who enjoy a faster and more competitive game. This is the most skilled and fastest paced competitive play level in our Club. You must be a relatively skilled player to play in this level and you must appreciate and enjoy a faster paced and more competitive game.  While you can always expect a more challenging game in the Advanced Competitive level, all players are required to uphold our club mandate which requires us to prioritize mutual respect and kindness over competition. Advanced Competitive, just like all of our levels – should still be FUN for everyone!

The PCPC loosely follows the Pickleball Canada 2 Digit Skill Based Rating System found here https://pickleballcanada.org/ratings/2-digit-ratings/

The PCPC Board of Directors may review and assess a players appropriate level of play in accordance with Section 4 of the PCPC Issues & Feedback Policy which can be found here https://communitypickleballclub.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/2025IssuesandFeedbackPolicy.pdf