PickleBall Regulations

Eligibility

The Intramural sport convener may modify these rules at their discretion. The Intramural sport convener and officials have the discretion to rule on any matter not covered by these rules.

Click here for Intramurals eligibility rules.

Number of Players

For both singles and doubles teams, teams may have more than the minimum number of players (maximum roster size for singles = 2, doubles = 4). However, in order to be eligible for playoffs, players must have played in at least two matches. Each singles or doubles team will play one (best two out of three games) match each week.

The Game

A. HOUSE RULES

In general, our rules are governed by Pickleball USA and its associated rule book https://usapickleball.org/what-is-pickleball/official-rules/. The basic rules of Pickleball can found here https://usapickleball.org/what-is-pickleball/official-rules/rules-summary/. Please see our house rules below for exceptions.

I. Matches shall consist of a best two out of 3 games up to 11, win by 2, capped at 15. Teams must win by two points, unless it is the 15th point, at which time they can win by one.
II. Duration of matches shall not exceed 40 minutes. Should the match go longer than 40 minutes, the match will end with the score being the finalized at that point.
III. Teams will play one best two out of three games match each week. A team is not allowed to switch players during a match.
IV. All games are self-officiated. Should there be a dispute, players may ask the supervisor for clarification. Should there still be a dispute, the point will be replayed.
V. There will be a supervisor onsite at all times. Teams must sign in with the supervisor before their games, and show valid photo ID upon request. Teams are to report the score of each game to the supervisor for recording.
VI. Teams must show up at their scheduled game times. If a team is 10 minutes late, they will default that match. A minimum of 1 player for singles and 2 players for doubles (1 male and 1 female for coed) must be at each game.

B. EQUIPMENT

• Players are encouraged to bring their own racquets; however racquets will be provided for the 2022(Fall)/2023(Winter) seasons only.
• Balls will be provided; however should both teams agree they may play with their own ball if it is preferred.

C. PLAYOFFS

• Format will be determined by the Intramural sport convener and communicated to participants before the start of playoffs.
• The 40 minute time limit will not apply during playoffs; however players are encouraged to keep the pace of play up so that all games can be completed. The supervisor will be in charge on ensuring that games move at an appropriate speed.

Sportsmanship

Campus Recreation Intramural Sports at Western University holds sportsmanship as “Our Golden Rule of Sport”. Sportsmanship is a great tradition in sports and competition that means playing clean, handling both victory and defeat with grace, style, and dignity, respecting the judgment of referees and officials, and treating opponents with respect. Sportsmanship is a style and an attitude, and it can have a positive influence on everyone around you.

Playing Field Conditions

• Intramural staff has full authority to suspend/cancel games if they believe the playing conditions are unsafe. Games will be rescheduled, if possible.
• In the event of a problem with lights or leakages, captains will be notified and games will be rescheduled, if possible.
• When in doubt, players should expect the game to be played and arrive at the facility on time. If games get/are to be cancelled the sport convener will send out a message to those affected as soon as the decision to cancel has been made.

Game Reschedules

I. Cancelled Games (due to weather, space conflicts etc.) will be rescheduled whenever possible to ensure you get the Intramural experience you paid for, however facility availability is limited, and games may not always be able to be rescheduled.
II. Team Requests for a Reschedule - Unfortunately, once our schedules are released online we only make changes due to facility closure, etc.
III. If you need to reschedule a game, email your opponent to gain their permission to a possible rescheduling. Only if the opponent agrees to a change of game time can you email your Intramural sport convener at least 48 hours prior to the game with your request (and proof of opponent’s agreement). Requests will be accommodated when possible, but are not guaranteed. If you wish to swap game times with another game in your division, you must contact the captains of all teams involved in the game swap. The swap can only occur if all parties agree. This must be completed at least 48 hours prior to the originally scheduled game. Proof of all agreements must be sent to the Sport Convener before the game time swap can be executed.
IV. Forfeit the game: If you give at least 48 hours’ notice to your sport specific convener that your team won't be playing and that the game is a ‘forfeit’. You will lose the game, but not your Performance Bond.