{"id":1919,"date":"2024-06-23T17:20:35","date_gmt":"2024-06-23T21:20:35","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/first-coast-pickleball.local\/?page_id=1919"},"modified":"2024-06-24T20:03:53","modified_gmt":"2024-06-25T00:03:53","slug":"flex-prize-league-rules","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"http:\/\/first-coast-pickleball.local\/flex-prize-league-rules\/","title":{"rendered":"Flex Prize League Rules"},"content":{"rendered":"\t\t<div data-elementor-type=\"wp-page\" data-elementor-id=\"1919\" class=\"elementor elementor-1919\" data-elementor-post-type=\"page\">\n\t\t\t\t<div data-particle_enable=\"false\" data-particle-mobile-disabled=\"false\" class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-216229ea e-flex e-con-boxed e-con e-parent\" data-id=\"216229ea\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-settings=\"{&quot;background_background&quot;:&quot;classic&quot;,&quot;ekit_has_onepagescroll_dot&quot;:&quot;yes&quot;}\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"e-con-inner\">\n\t\t<div data-particle_enable=\"false\" data-particle-mobile-disabled=\"false\" class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-2f14abf5 e-flex e-con-boxed e-con e-child\" data-id=\"2f14abf5\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-settings=\"{&quot;ekit_has_onepagescroll_dot&quot;:&quot;yes&quot;}\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"e-con-inner\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-1b72c3e7 elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"1b72c3e7\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-settings=\"{&quot;ekit_we_effect_on&quot;:&quot;none&quot;}\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t<style>\/*! elementor - v3.21.0 - 08-05-2024 *\/\n.elementor-heading-title{padding:0;margin:0;line-height:1}.elementor-widget-heading .elementor-heading-title[class*=elementor-size-]>a{color:inherit;font-size:inherit;line-height:inherit}.elementor-widget-heading .elementor-heading-title.elementor-size-small{font-size:15px}.elementor-widget-heading .elementor-heading-title.elementor-size-medium{font-size:19px}.elementor-widget-heading .elementor-heading-title.elementor-size-large{font-size:29px}.elementor-widget-heading .elementor-heading-title.elementor-size-xl{font-size:39px}.elementor-widget-heading .elementor-heading-title.elementor-size-xxl{font-size:59px}<\/style><h2 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">Flex Prize League Rules<\/h2>\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<div data-particle_enable=\"false\" data-particle-mobile-disabled=\"false\" class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-b2f3c75 e-flex e-con-boxed e-con e-parent\" data-id=\"b2f3c75\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-settings=\"{&quot;background_background&quot;:&quot;classic&quot;,&quot;ekit_has_onepagescroll_dot&quot;:&quot;yes&quot;}\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"e-con-inner\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-d5184db elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"d5184db\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-settings=\"{&quot;ekit_we_effect_on&quot;:&quot;none&quot;}\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t<style>\/*! elementor - v3.21.0 - 08-05-2024 *\/\n.elementor-widget-text-editor.elementor-drop-cap-view-stacked .elementor-drop-cap{background-color:#69727d;color:#fff}.elementor-widget-text-editor.elementor-drop-cap-view-framed .elementor-drop-cap{color:#69727d;border:3px solid;background-color:transparent}.elementor-widget-text-editor:not(.elementor-drop-cap-view-default) .elementor-drop-cap{margin-top:8px}.elementor-widget-text-editor:not(.elementor-drop-cap-view-default) .elementor-drop-cap-letter{width:1em;height:1em}.elementor-widget-text-editor .elementor-drop-cap{float:left;text-align:center;line-height:1;font-size:50px}.elementor-widget-text-editor .elementor-drop-cap-letter{display:inline-block}<\/style>\t\t\t\t<p>Rules specific to our Flex Prize League that differ from the common-sense rules of Pickleball outlined by organizations such as USA Pickleball are listed below.<\/p><p>The rules of USA Pickleball can be found here: <a href=\"https:\/\/usapickleball.org\/what-is-pickleball\/official-rules\/rules-summary\/\">https:\/\/usapickleball.org\/what-is-pickleball\/official-rules\/rules-summary\/<\/a><\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<div data-particle_enable=\"false\" data-particle-mobile-disabled=\"false\" class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-2230126 e-flex e-con-boxed e-con e-parent\" data-id=\"2230126\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-settings=\"{&quot;ekit_has_onepagescroll_dot&quot;:&quot;yes&quot;}\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"e-con-inner\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-d34667c elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"d34667c\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-settings=\"{&quot;ekit_we_effect_on&quot;:&quot;none&quot;}\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<ol><li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Unique Rules<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><br \/><br \/><\/span><ol><li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"2\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Server Stomp-Stop<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: Divisions where this rule has been appointed by First Coast Pickleball LLC, shall follow this unique rule that has been named the &#8220;Server Stomp-Stop&#8221;.<\/span><ol><li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"3\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">See <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/firstcoastpickleball.org\/server-stomp-stop-rule\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">https:\/\/firstcoastpickleball.org\/server-stomp-stop-rule\/<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> for a video explanation.<\/span><\/li><\/ol><\/li><li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"2\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">This Rule will not be in effect at the start of this season, but may be implemented at any point. We will inform you of any changes.<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><br \/><br \/><\/span><\/li><\/ol><\/li><li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Matches and Scheduling<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><br \/><br \/><\/span><ol><li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"2\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Courts must be playable. It is the responsibility of the team that will be hosting the match\u00a0 to check the condition of the courts or make them playable prior to the opponent team\u2019s arrival.<\/span><ol><li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"3\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Courts that cannot be played on safely must be made safe if possible and notification must be relayed to the Away team prior to their arrival.<\/span><\/li><li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"3\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Best practice is to check courts 90 minutes before match time.<\/span><\/li><\/ol><\/li><li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"2\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Open Play Courts are permitted to be used and the following will outline best practices for playing at such facilities:<\/span><ol><li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"3\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Arrive and pair with all players needed to complete your match.<\/span><\/li><li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"3\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Choice One: If a court is free, or you\u2019ve brought your own net, etc, play your match in its entirety.<\/span><\/li><li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"3\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Choice Two: Ask or explain to others that you are playing this match for your league and explain how many games you will be playing and to what amount of points, if they allow you to play your entire match, proceed.<\/span><\/li><li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"3\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Choice Three: Play each game of your match in the standard open-play rotation of play one game, sit out, play another game, sit out, etc.<\/span><\/li><\/ol><\/li><li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"2\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Each match shall be allotted 120 minutes to be completed.<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> This allotment of time must be reflected in any scheduling and reservations made.<\/span><\/li><li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"2\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Courts must be reserved or assurance of availability must be documented prior to the match start time. The hosting team is responsible for this and any failure to do so may result in a forfeit or more. The following conditions outline hosting team forfeits:<\/span><ol><li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"3\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Courts that are not playable at the scheduled match start time (see 2.3) that are not properly communicated to the opponent team prior to their arrival that result in a match start delay of 40 minutes or more beyond the scheduled match start time: All affected hosts that would play their match on the compromised court or courts shall forfeit their first game (0-11).<\/span><\/li><li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"3\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Courts that are not playable and result in a match (see 2.3) start time being delayed by 60 minutes or more beyond the scheduled match start time: All affected hosts that would play their match on the compromised court or courts shall forfeit their match.<\/span><\/li><li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"3\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Contradicting all previous rules of Chapter 2, matches may be rescheduled if: both parties agree, if First Coast Pickleball LLC demands the match be rescheduled, if weather interrupts a match in play (the match shall begin from the score it ended on).<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><br \/><br \/><\/span><\/li><\/ol><\/li><\/ol><\/li><li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Equipment (<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">We will allow recently banned Joola, etc &#8211; just play with a pickleball paddle<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">)<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><br \/><br \/><\/span><ol><li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"2\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Members must follow the apparel guidelines of the facility they will be playing at.<\/span><\/li><li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"2\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Any equipment or media that produces a sound or is visible that promotes radical ideas, hate, discrimination, sexualization and\/or that would produce a negative response against an individual or group of persons is not permitted.<\/span><\/li><li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"2\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Balls to be used during First Coast Pickleball league play must be like new or newer. Any USA Pickleball ball that is approved or classified as a pickleball via USA Pickleball\u2019s rules is allowed in our league play. If any balls other than those listed in 5.3.x are to be used, captains must agree on the balls to be used, before the match is scheduled to be played. Facilities may have rules about which balls are allowed, those rules must be followed. Indoor and Outdoor balls are not interchangeable with each other. Depending on the court surface, the appropriate ball must be used. Our ball recommendations are as follows:<\/span><ol><li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"3\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">DURA Fast-40 for higher level outdoor play.<\/span><\/li><li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"3\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Franklin X-40 for any level of outdoor play.<\/span><\/li><\/ol><\/li><li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"2\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Paddles approved by USA Pickleball are permitted to be played with, as well as any paddle classified as a paddle by USA Pickleball\u2019s rules.<\/span><\/li><li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"2\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">A minimum of three balls meeting rule 3.3 must be available per line.<\/span><\/li><li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"2\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Home team shall be responsible for providing balls.<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><br \/><br \/><\/span><\/li><\/ol><\/li><li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Matches will be played as follows:<\/span><ol><li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"2\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Away team will begin the match as the first server at 0-0-2. Either player may begin as Server 2.<\/span><\/li><li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"2\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Games must always be started with the server on the right side of the court.<\/span><\/li><li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"2\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Games 1, 2, and 3 are played to 11 points, win by 2.<\/span><\/li><li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"2\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Teams will switch sides of the court after Game 1 is complete.<\/span><\/li><li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"2\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The team that lost Game 1 will begin serving Game 2 starting at 0-0-2. Either player can begin as Server 2.<\/span><\/li><li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"2\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Game 3 will once again see teams switch sides. The team that has the least amount of points overall will begin serving Game 3 starting at 0-0-2. The team with the lowest overall points will also choose which side of the court to begin Game 3 on.\u00a0 Either player can begin as Server 2 at the start of the game.<\/span><ol><li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"3\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Switch at 6: Unless there is zero advantage for playing on a particular side of the court (wind, sun, puddle, noise, etc) teams will switch sides after any team has scored 6 points (ex. 6-3). For Game 3, teams will switch sides of the court (passing the net) after 6 points have been scored for a team. This will only happen once and is only true for Game 3. Players will keep their position on the court when switching (right\/left | even\/odd) and resume play from the current score.<\/span><\/li><\/ol><\/li><li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"2\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Each time a new game is started players can switch the side their partner and them wish to play on.<\/span><\/li><li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"2\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Breaks of reasonable length may be taken between games.<\/span><\/li><li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"2\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Scores must be communicated to all participating members of the match before each serve or play shall begin again from the state of play that was last communicated.<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><br \/><br \/><\/span><\/li><\/ol><\/li><li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Gameplay<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><br \/><br \/><\/span><ol><li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"2\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Drop serves are allowed. The ball may bounce as many times as the server wants before hitting the ball.<\/span><\/li><li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"2\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">No spin or momentum is allowed to be imparted onto the ball during the serve before making contact between the ball and paddle.<\/span><\/li><li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"2\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Swinging and missing the ball does not count as a fault. Any contact made to the ball by swinging and missing will count as a fault.<\/span><\/li><li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"2\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Server shall wait for all players to be ready before calling the score and serving<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.<\/span><\/li><li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"2\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Calling Out, Faults, etc may be done by any player<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. In the event of a disagreement, the person closest to the ball at the time of the fault will have the final say. For doubles, if the three other players disagree with the person closest to the ball&#8217;s call, the majority call will be the final verdict. This is why it&#8217;s important to play every ball as if it were live.<\/span><\/li><li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"2\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Majority vote can see any point replayed.<\/span><\/li><li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"2\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Purposefully hitting someone with the ball on repeat is a valid reason for the match to be stopped and a complaint filed. This is meant to be a fun experience for everyone, and if you have the skill to hit someone with the ball intentionally, you have the skill to properly place that ball in a winning position on the court.<\/span><\/li><li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"2\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If there is a player obviously breaking the rules, or similar, that does not stop after being called out for it, finish your match and report it to us afterwards. If it is severe or you feel unsafe, stop the match entirely and notify us or authorities even. Your safety is more important than the game.<\/span><\/li><li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"2\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">In the event of being unsure of something, do your best to continue playing unhindered.<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><br \/><br \/><\/span><\/li><\/ol><\/li><li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Substitutions<\/span><ol><li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"2\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Subs are allowed to play in place of others.<\/span><ol><li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"3\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Substitutions must be approved by First Coast Pickleball prior to their addition to the lineup.<\/span><\/li><li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"3\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">At the discretion of First Coast Pickleball, substitution requests may be denied, and teams may even be forced to forfeit or become disqualified to play, if abuse of substitutions is considered.<\/span><\/li><li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"3\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">In the event that we are unable to approve a sub before they are to play, our advice is to play them, so long as you are sure they are of the appropriate skill level of your division. We will retroactively penalize if necessary.<\/span><\/li><li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"3\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">We may have a list of subs if you need one, but notify us in advance.<\/span><\/li><\/ol><\/li><\/ol><\/li><\/ol>\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-aac6d6c elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"aac6d6c\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-settings=\"{&quot;ekit_we_effect_on&quot;:&quot;none&quot;}\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">All participation in First Coast Pickleball is bound by these rules, as well as those of any mentioned organizations and their rules. Not all possible incidents and\/or ramifications may be covered in the following rules. Members in unusual or undocumented situations will have to abide by the decision of the First Coast Pickleball. If there is a conflict in an interpretation of any rule, First Coast Pickleball\u2019s decision shall supersede. First Coast Pickleball\u2019s rules as provided herein shall apply to all First Coast Pickleball members unless such rules are revised, amended, or otherwise changed by First Coast Pickleball LLC. Rules may be updated on the First Coast Pickleball website without notice.<\/span><\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<div data-particle_enable=\"false\" data-particle-mobile-disabled=\"false\" class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-77dbf76 e-flex e-con-boxed e-con e-parent\" data-id=\"77dbf76\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-settings=\"{&quot;ekit_has_onepagescroll_dot&quot;:&quot;yes&quot;}\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"e-con-inner\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-cd473bf elementor-hidden-desktop elementor-hidden-tablet elementor-hidden-mobile elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"cd473bf\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-settings=\"{&quot;ekit_we_effect_on&quot;:&quot;none&quot;}\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<ol><li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Membership and Participation<\/span><p>\u00a0<\/p><ol><li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"2\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Membership is described as having paid an amount to First Coast Pickleball or any entity that we work with, separate from a donation or sponsorship, that would result in us receiving any portion of the amount you paid. Members can also be referred to as participants and players.<\/span><\/li><li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"2\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">All leagues are open to men and women players in their respective gender divisions and mixed divisions.\u00a0 Players participating in First Coast Pickleball leagues and events, unless otherwise specifically stated, must be 18 years of age or older.<\/span><\/li><li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"2\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Each gender division and mixed division has age limits as follows:<\/span><ol><li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"3\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Open Age League or not classified: Teams are not age restricted. Players must be 18 years of age or older upon participation in First Coast Pickleball\u2019s leagues or events.<\/span><\/li><li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"3\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">55+ Pickleball League or Senior Pickleball League: Players must be 55 years of age or older by the end of the season, including proposed playoff dates.<\/span><\/li><\/ol><\/li><li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"2\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Players may participate in any age defined league provided they meet the requirements.<\/span><\/li><li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"2\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Players may play on more than one team provided they meet the requirements.<\/span><\/li><li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"2\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Members must have paid the fees associated with membership prior to participation for all of the following: per team, per season, per event .<\/span><\/li><li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"2\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Members must agree to any waivers or disclaimers related to First Coast Pickleball\u2019s leagues or events before participation.<\/span><p>\u00a0<\/p><\/li><\/ol><\/li><li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Ratings and Skill Level<\/span><p>\u00a0<\/p><ol><li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"2\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Ratings are skill levels and vice versa.<\/span><\/li><li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"2\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">First Coast Pickleball reserves the right to adjust or assign a member\u2019s skill rating after review.<\/span><\/li><li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"2\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Ratings can be obtained in the following order:<\/span><ol><li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"3\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Previous ratings from tournaments, organizations or rating systems that publish their information. In the case of multiple occurring published ratings, the highest rating within 180 days shall be used, unless permission is granted by First Coast Pickleball to use a different rating.<\/span><\/li><li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"3\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Certified Instructors may assign you a rating.<\/span><\/li><li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"3\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Clubs that have a process to obtain a rating may be used.<\/span><\/li><li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"3\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Communities can provide a rating after observing a player\u2019s performance and discussing, and then agreeing upon, a rating.<\/span><\/li><li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"3\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Captains and team members may provide a rating after observing a player\u2019s performance and discussing, and then agreeing upon, a rating.<\/span><\/li><li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"3\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Self-rating is allowed if none of the previous options can be utilized.<\/span><\/li><\/ol><\/li><li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"2\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Members must associate or assign themselves with a rating or skill level to participate in First Coast Pickleball leagues or events.<\/span><\/li><li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"2\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Members must use their rating to participate in similar or like rated leagues and\/or events.<\/span><\/li><li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"2\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Participation in events and\/or leagues outside of the member\u2019s associated rating are not permitted, unless approval is obtained by First Coast Pickleball.<\/span><\/li><li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"2\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Members can contact First Coast Pickleball to adjust or appeal any rating that may be assigned within First Coast Pickleball\u2019s organization.<\/span><p>\u00a0<\/p><\/li><\/ol><\/li><li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Rosters and Teams<\/span><p>\u00a0<\/p><ol><li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"2\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Team names may be changed as much as you\u2019d like before the season or event starts, or by a date determined by First Coast Pickleball.<\/span><\/li><li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"2\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Rosters must have a minimum number of eligible players, determined by First Coast Pickleball, to allow for uninterrupted play.<\/span><\/li><li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"2\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Teams must consist of members of the appropriate skill level to be eligible to participate.<\/span><\/li><li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"2\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Players may be added to teams after the season starts, so long as the players being added are eligible and meet all minimum requirements up to a cutoff date determined by First Coast Pickleball. Players may be added to events up to a cutoff date determined by First Coast Pickleball.<\/span><p>\u00a0<\/p><\/li><\/ol><\/li><li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Substitutions<\/span><p>\u00a0<\/p><ol><li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"2\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Substitutions must be members of First Coast Pickleball in the current timeframe of season or event before being added to a lineup.<\/span><\/li><li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"2\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">No team shall be permitted more than two subs per match.<\/span><\/li><li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"2\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Substitutions must be approved by First Coast Pickleball prior to their addition to the lineup.<\/span><\/li><li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"2\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">At the discretion of First Coast Pickleball, substitution requests may be denied, and teams may even be forced to forfeit or become disqualified to play, if abuse of substitutions is considered.<\/span><\/li><li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"2\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Subs can only be played from one skill level division higher or lower than the team they will sub for.<\/span><\/li><li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"2\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Subs must meet all requirements (outlined in 1., 2., and 3.) of the team they will sub for.<\/span><\/li><li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"2\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Subs from a higher division must play the first line (ie. Line 1) on the team they are substituting for. Subs from a higher division must consistently not play at the first line on their respective team.<\/span><\/li><li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"2\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Subs from a lower division must play the last line (ie. Line 3-5) on the team they are substituting for.<\/span><\/li><li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"2\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Subs with no rating, assigned by either First Coast Pickleball or from any other organization, must play the first line (ie. Line 1).<\/span><\/li><li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"2\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The below rules regarding substitutions (subs) are currently not in effect. All rules of 4.x below this rule are considered null.<\/span><\/li><li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"2\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The rules for playing with subs from other First Coast Pickleball teams are as follows:<\/span><ol><li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"3\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Subs can only be played from one skill level division higher or lower than the team they will sub for.<\/span><\/li><li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"3\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Subs must meet all requirements (outlined in 1., 2., and 3.) of the team they will sub for.<\/span><\/li><li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"3\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Subs from a higher division must play the first line (ie. Line 1) on the team they are substituting for. Subs from a higher division must consistently not play at the first line on their respective team.<\/span><\/li><li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"3\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Subs from a lower division must play the last line (ie. Line 3-5) on the team they are substituting for.<\/span><p>\u00a0<\/p><\/li><\/ol><\/li><\/ol><\/li><li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Equipment<\/span><p>\u00a0<\/p><ol><li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"2\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Members must follow the apparel guidelines of the facility they will be playing at.<\/span><\/li><li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"2\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Any equipment or media that produces a sound or is visible that promotes radical ideas, hate, discrimination, sexualization and\/or that would produce a negative response against an individual or group of persons is not permitted.<\/span><\/li><li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"2\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Balls to be used during First Coast Pickleball league play must be like new or newer. Any USA Pickleball ball that is approved or classified as a pickleball via USA Pickleball\u2019s rules is allowed in our league play. If any balls other than those listed in 5.3.x are to be used, captains must agree on the balls to be used, before the match is scheduled to be played. Facilities may have rules about which balls are allowed, those rules must be followed. Indoor and Outdoor balls are not interchangeable with each other. Depending on the court surface, the appropriate ball must be used. Our ball recommendations are as follows:<\/span><ol><li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"3\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">DURA Fast-40 for higher level outdoor play.<\/span><\/li><li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"3\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Franklin X-40 for any level of outdoor play.<\/span><\/li><\/ol><\/li><li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"2\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Paddles approved by USA Pickleball are permitted to be played with, as well as any paddle classified as a paddle by USA Pickleball\u2019s rules.<\/span><\/li><li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"2\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">A minimum of three balls meeting rule 5.3 must be available per line.<\/span><\/li><li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"2\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Home team shall be responsible for providing balls.<\/span><p>\u00a0<\/p><\/li><\/ol><\/li><li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Matches and Scheduling<\/span><p>\u00a0<\/p><ol><li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"2\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Courts must be playable. It is the responsibility of the team that will be hosting the match\u00a0 to check the condition of the courts or make them playable prior to the opponent team\u2019s arrival.<\/span><ol><li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"3\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Courts that cannot be played on safely must be made safe if possible and notification must be relayed to the Away team prior to their arrival.<\/span><\/li><li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"3\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Best practice is to check courts 90 minutes before match time.<\/span><\/li><\/ol><\/li><li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"2\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Each line of play shall be allotted 90 minutes to complete their match. This allotment of time must be reflected in any scheduling and reservations made.<\/span><\/li><li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"2\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Courts must be reserved or assurance of availability must be documented prior to the match start time. The hosting team is responsible for this and any failure to do so may result in a Line forfeit or more. The following conditions outline hosting team forfeits:<\/span><ol><li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"3\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Courts that are not playable at the scheduled match start time for a line (see 6.2) that are not properly communicated to the opponent team prior to their arrival that result in a match start delay of 30 minutes or more beyond the scheduled match start time: All affected lines that would play their match on the compromised court or courts shall forfeit their first game. Scoring will reflect 0-11.<\/span><\/li><li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"3\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Courts that are not playable and result in a line\u2019s (see 6.2) match start time being delayed by 60 minutes or more beyond the scheduled match start time: All affected lines that would play their match on the compromised court or courts shall forfeit their second game. Scoring will reflect 0-11.<\/span><\/li><\/ol><\/li><li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"2\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Matches will be played as follows:<\/span><ol><li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"3\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Away team will begin the match as the first server at 0-0-2. Either player may begin as Server 2.<\/span><\/li><li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"3\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Serves must always be started on the right side of the court.<\/span><\/li><li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"3\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Games 1 and 2 are played to 11 points, win by 2.<\/span><\/li><li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"3\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Teams will switch sides of the court after Game 1 is complete.<\/span><\/li><li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"3\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The team that lost Game 1 will begin serving Game 2 starting at 0-0-2. Either player can begin as Server 2.<\/span><\/li><li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"3\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If Games 1 and 2 are won by a team, that team wins the match.<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><br \/><\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">(Example: Homes wins 11-7, 11-5, Home team wins the match.)<\/span><\/li><li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"3\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If Games 1 and 2 are not won by the same team a Game 3 will be played to 5 points, win by 2.<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><br \/><\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">(Example: Home wins the first game, but then Away wins the second game, Game 3 must be played to determine an overall winner.)<\/span><\/li><li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"3\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Game 3 will once again see teams switch sides. The team that lost Game 2 will begin serving Game 3 starting at 0-0-2. Either player can begin as Server 2.<\/span><\/li><li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"3\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">More rules about Game 3:<\/span><ol><li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"4\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">After 6 points are scored (ie. the score is 4-2 or 3-3) teams will switch sides. This will happen each time 6 points are scored (ie. the second time a switch would occur, the score could be 6-6).<\/span><\/li><li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"4\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Positions of players are kept when switching sides after the 6 point rule.<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><br \/><\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">(Example: Score is 3-2-1. This would mean serving team\u2019s Server 1 is on the left or odd side of court while Receiving team\u2019s Server 1 is on the right or even side of court. Let\u2019s say that Serving team is facing the Sun. Serving team wins the point and would switch sides with their partner as normal, now the score is 4-2-1. This would mean serving team\u2019s Server 1 would serve for the next point from the right or even side diagonally to the Receiving team\u2019s Server 1, who has not moved spots, nor will they until after their first serve. Receiving team\u2019s Server 1 will still be on the right or even side of the court. Because the total sum of the points has reached 6 (4+2=6), the teams will switch sides of the court and keep their positions. The serving team will now have their backs to the Sun and the receiving team will now be facing the Sun. Serving team\u2019s Server 1 will resume play from the right or even side of the court calling 4-2-1, serving diagonally to Receiving team\u2019s Server 1, just as if switching sides of court did not happen.)<\/span><\/li><\/ol><\/li><\/ol><\/li><li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"2\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Scores must be communicated to all participating members of the match before each serve or play shall begin again from the state of play that was last communicated.<\/span><p>\u00a0<\/p><\/li><\/ol><\/li><li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Gameplay<\/span><p>\u00a0<\/p><ol><li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"2\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Drop serves are allowed. The ball may bounce as many times as the server wants before hitting the ball. No spin or momentum is allowed to be imparted onto the ball during the drop.<\/span><\/li><li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"2\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Swinging and missing the ball does not count as a fault. Any contact made to the ball by party swinging and missing will count as a fault.<\/span><\/li><li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"2\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Faults will not be called for the first offense of a player or players being on the wrong side prior to the serve being played.\u00a0 A warning will be given for this first offense. Any offenses after the first warning will be allowed to be called as faults.<\/span><\/li><\/ol><\/li><\/ol>\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-2873752 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"2873752\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-settings=\"{&quot;ekit_we_effect_on&quot;:&quot;none&quot;}\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">All participation in First Coast Pickleball is bound by these rules, as well as those of any mentioned organizations and their rules. Not all possible incidents and\/or ramifications may be covered in the following rules. Members in unusual or undocumented situations will have to abide by the decision of the First Coast Pickleball. If there is a conflict in an interpretation of any rule, First Coast Pickleball\u2019s decision shall supersede. First Coast Pickleball\u2019s rules as provided herein shall apply to all First Coast Pickleball members unless such rules are revised, amended, or otherwise changed by First Coast Pickleball LLC. Rules may be updated on the First Coast Pickleball website without notice.<\/span><\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Rules specific to our Flex Prize League that differ from the common-sense rules of Pickleball outlined by organizations such as USA Pickleball are listed below. The rules of USA Pickleball can be found here: https:\/\/usapickleball.org\/what-is-pickleball\/official-rules\/rules-summary\/ Unique Rules Server Stomp-Stop: Divisions where this rule has been appointed by First Coast Pickleball LLC, shall follow this unique [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"parent":0,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-1919","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"http:\/\/first-coast-pickleball.local\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/1919"}],"collection":[{"href":"http:\/\/first-coast-pickleball.local\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"http:\/\/first-coast-pickleball.local\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/first-coast-pickleball.local\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/first-coast-pickleball.local\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=1919"}],"version-history":[{"count":31,"href":"http:\/\/first-coast-pickleball.local\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/1919\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":1962,"href":"http:\/\/first-coast-pickleball.local\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/1919\/revisions\/1962"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"http:\/\/first-coast-pickleball.local\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=1919"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}