Team Ladder League: Rules & Format

In this format, you and your partner compete as a single unit. Your team’s performance determines your position on the ladder, with the ultimate goal of reaching and defending Court 1.

1. The Ladder Structure

Rankings: Rankings are based on the Team, not individual players.

Court Assignments: Teams are grouped into "Tiers" of 3 or 4 teams per court based on their current standing.

Promotion & Relegation: * The winning team on each court moves up to the next highest court for the following week.

The bottom team on each court moves down one court.

Middle-tier teams typically stay on the same court.

2. Match Format

Each week, teams will compete in a Round Robin against the other teams assigned to their court:

Match Length: Matches are typically played to 15 points (win by 2) or best 2-out-of-3 games to 11 (win by 2).

Warm-ups: Teams are allotted a 5-minute warm-up period before the first match begins.

Side/Server: A coin toss or "rally for serve" determines the initial side or service.

3. Scoring & Standings

Standings are updated weekly based on match results. The following hierarchy is used to determine rank:

Match Wins: Total number of matches won.

Game Percentage: Percentage of total games won (if playing best 2-out-of-3).

Point Differential: Total points scored minus total points conceded.

4. Substitutions & Absences

Absences: If you cannot attend, you must notify the coordinator  at least 24 hours in advance.

No-Shows: Failure to show up without notice disrupts the game for three other people and may result in penalty or removal from the league. 

To maintain the integrity of the ladder, the following rules apply to team rosters:

Permanent Partners: Teams must register as a pair.

Using a Sub: If one partner is absent, the remaining partner may bring in a substitute.

Note: The substitute should be of a similar skill level.

Matches played with a sub do count toward the team's standings.

Full Team Absence: If an entire team is absent, they will automatically be moved down one "rung" or court for the following week to allow an active team to move up.(Depending on the coordinator's discretion during regular season)

5. Court Etiquette

Line Calls: Players are responsible for calling lines on their own side. Please respect your opponent's calls.

Non-Volley Zone: All standard USAPA rules regarding the kitchen and service apply.

Reporting: The winning team is responsible for recording the final scores on the league score sheet or mobile app immediately following the match.

Helpful Addition

Director's Note: If you have a large league, consider implement a "Challenge" rule where a team can challenge a pair ranked up to 2 spots above them to a private match to swap places on the ladder.