What we’re about
WELCOME to the Fort Lauderdale Pickleball League and Community.
As Organizer, I live close to the Beach and therefore most events hosted by myself will be closer to the East. (George English Park, Holiday Park, and Sunrise Middle School) As the Group grows, then Co-Organizers will be encouraged to Host Events at other locations.
PLEASE READ ENTIRE DESCRIPTION BEFORE YOU JOIN
Perfect for single players or friends who want something that is a little more organized. Our Goal is to educate and improve our game and to host competitive leagues that have some structure and organization. We will refer to this as League Season. Once we begin a league season; then you will matched with other opponents who have paid to join a league season.
There is NO CHARGE to join this Group. When a League Season is announced, then those who wish to join will be required to make payment using Zelle or PayPal. Please go Online or to your bank and ask how to set this up. It is very easy to transfer monies from one account to another by simply adding a phone number or email. You cannot join a league without making payment. If you wish to pay cash in person, then that can be arranged by contacting the Organizer.
A season will be determined by the number of Members who have paid to join an announced league. Our goal would be to have a league organized so that you can play each opponent in the league. As the Meetup Group grows, then we may create divisions and or skill levels to best maintain an organized and fun group. We will be posting and keeping track of wins and losses in order to create a competitive spirit and so that we can attempt to have fair skill levels. By joining this group, you agree not to hold the Organizer of this Group Liable in any way. We do not screen opponents and you must use your own judgement if you feel someone does anything inappropriate. The Organizer retains the right to terminate and or Block anyone from the Group. Lastly, this takes up personal time and commitment in order to attempt to create something that is Organized and therefore some fees may and or will be created for cost of meetup, time invested, marketing, league dues, training classes for beginners, and other reasons deemed by the Organizer.
A $TRD Fee will be charged to join the first announced League Season. Prizes will be offered, and Group members will be asking for prize donations and or referral to others that may donate. I believe this has great potential to grow into something special and hope that the $TBD Fee warrants great value. Prior to entering a league, the other details will be provided including dates, times, # of participants and any prizes. League Fees are subject to change pending growth, skill levels, prizes, and community discussions.
WHAT IS YOUR SKILL LEVEL? (SEE BELOW)
You may play against opponents who have a higher skill level, and this is a great way to improve your game. The Organizer retains the right to ask you to change your guesstimated skill level if we feel it is inaccurate. You will be required to provide this upon joining and this will be posted for opponents to see and have expectations. Personally, I have am Rated 3.5/4/0 pending the various Associations Skill Levels.
NOTE: We DO NOT ask anyone to take it easy on an opponent as a professional once told me that it only dumbs down your game, so we encourage everyone to try your best win or lose. Hence a Level 2 should expect to lose to a level 3, but anyone can have a great day, and anyone can have a bad day. Be good sports and shake hands afterwards as this is mainly for fun competition, mental, and physical well-being!
Pickleball Skill Ratings: Level 1 to 5.5+ Explained:
Pickleball players are rated on their skill level through USAPA tiered levels. The skill level ratings range from 1.0 to 5.5, where 1.0 is the lowest beginner level and level 5.5 and above are reserved for the most advance.
The reason pickleball players are grouped by skill levels is to be able to pair players for competitive play. For instance, a level 1.0 player should not be paired with a 4.0 player because the skill levels are not compatible. Pickleball players mostly challenge other players are close to their skill range.
1.0 to 2.0 – Beginner with limited understanding of the game.
2.5 – Player can keep up with short rallies, keep score, knows some rules.
3.0 – Player can hit and return shots. Understands fundamentals. Can be in tournament play.
3.5 – Knows proper court positioning and acknowledges hard vs soft game.
4.0 – Understands the finer points. Looks for weaknesses on opponents. Knows stacking.
4.5 – Excels physically with little wasted movement. Can play anywhere on the court.
5.0 – Masters of pickleball. Can strategize for any opponent on the spot. Functionally proficient.
5.5+ – Elite level pro player. Tournament wins and consistent high-level results. Skill Level
Noted and Emphasized: It is possible that you could have an opponent that is a much higher Sill Level. We suggest you take it as a challenge and to observe and learn from that person.
