Group Structure & Seeding

Players are organized into groups of 7 to 12 based on their overall ranking. Initial seeding is determined by your performance in the previous year’s tournaments. If you have no tournament history, a committee appointed by the leadership team will assign a subjective ranking based on perceived skill level and time of submission. All registrations are subject to final review.

Match Rules

Matches are best of three sets. Sets are played to 6 games, with a 7-point tiebreaker if the score reaches 6–6. If the players split the first two sets, the third set is played as a 10-point match tiebreaker (win by 2 points), unless both players mutually agree before the match to play a full standard third set instead.

Players are permitted to “Chip and Charge” (returning and moving immediately to the net), but “Serve and Volley” is strictly prohibited.

Promotion & Relegation

Each round concludes with a movement phase: the top two to three players in each division are promoted to the next division, while the bottom two or three are relegated to the lower division for the following round.

The Road to the Finals

The best players from the season will qualify for the Tour Final in December; See details on The Finals pages.

The Points System

Your progress is tracked through a tiered points system:

• Win in 2 Sets = 4 Points
• Win in 3 Sets = 3 Points
• Lose in 3 Sets = 1 Points
• Lose in 2 Sets + 0 Points

Total points determine your ranking within the group.

Tie-Breaking Procedures

In the event of a tie in total points, the winner is determined by game differential. If the differential is also equal, the player with the higher initial seeding at the start of the tour takes the top position.

Withdrawals, Defaults, and Scheduling

1. Pre-Season Withdrawal (Injury or Retirement)

• If a player withdraws from the league due to injury, retirement, or personal reasons before playing any matches, all of their scheduled matches are nullified.
• No points or games will be awarded to or counted against any opponents scheduled to play them.

2. Withdrawal After Completing Exactly One Match If a player withdraws after playing only one match, their remaining unplayed matches are resolved based on the outcome of that single completed match:

• If the withdrawing player won: The played match is nullified and removed from the standings entirely.
• If the withdrawing player lost in straight sets (2 sets): All remaining opponents are awarded a default 2-set win (scored as 6-3, 6-3).
• If the withdrawing player lost in 3 sets: All remaining opponents are awarded a default 3-set win (scored as 3-6, 6-3, 6-3).

3. Withdrawal After Completing Multiple Matches

• If a player withdraws after completing two or more matches, league administrators will calculate their average performance (win/loss ratio and set averages) from the completed matches.
• Based on this average, all unplayed matches will be awarded to the remaining opponents as either a default 2-set win (6-3, 6-3) or a default 3-set win (3-6, 6-3, 6-3), following the same logic outlined in Rule 2.

4. Unresponsive Players (Failure to Communicate)

• If a player is actively trying to schedule a match but receives no response from their opponent, they must first notify league administration.
• We will attempt to contact the unresponsive player. If there is still no response, the active player will be awarded a default straight-set win (scored as 6-3, 6-3).

5. Mutually Conflicting Schedules

• If two players make a good-faith effort to schedule a match but cannot find a mutually agreeable time due to conflicting availability or travel, the match will be declared a “no contest.”
• The match will remain unplayed, and no points or games will be recorded for either player.

Scheduling Responsibilities

Players have the full date range of the seasonal league to complete all matches against every player in their group. You are responsible for coordinating your own matches, securing courts, and providing balls. You must offer at least 5 available dates and times (7 a.m. to 8 p.m.) to your opponents. All players must initiate contact and announce availability by the second week of the league season.

Forfeits & Cancellations

If a player cannot comply with the 5 offered dates, they forfeit the match. The scheduled player wins 4 points (scored as 6-3, 6-3). Cancellations are highly discouraged; a second cancellation will result in removal from the event.

Official Score Reporting

Email scores to the league contact in the specified format: Winner Name | Set Score | Loser Name. Scores should be sent immediately after the match; if only one player reports, that result becomes official.

Or you can also use the website under the menu Score Reporting to submit your score using our online form.

Self-Officiating & Fair Play

During group stages, matches are self-refereed, and players must make all calls on their respective sides of the net. If a conflict is anticipated, you may request a court monitor in advance, though availability is not guaranteed.

Remember, we are here to have fun in a fair and safe environment.

Dispute Resolution

For repeated issues or scheduling conflicts, email the society with the subject “Schedule Conflict,” including player names and a screenshot or proof of the issue; and we will be the referee!

Code of Conduct

All participants are expected to maintain a high standard of sportsmanship. This includes respecting park rules, being punctual for scheduled matches, and avoiding aggressive language or behavior. Any inappropriate conduct results in immediate suspension.

Subscription & Refund Policy

To cancel, email the society at least 10 days before the next round begins. Cancellations made before this 10-day window incur a 30% fee on the remaining balance. If you cancel within 10 days of the round starting, a 50% fee is applied to the remaining subscription balance.

Release of Liability, Waiver of Claims, and Media Consent

By registering for and participating in any league, tournament, or event organized by the Venice Beach Pop Tennis Society, you (the “Participant”) expressly agree to the following terms:

1. Assumption of Risk and Waiver of Liability The Participant acknowledges that pop tennis/paddle tennis involves physical exertion and inherent risks, including but not limited to falls, collisions, heat-related illnesses, and injuries resulting from court conditions or equipment. You agree that the Venice Beach Pop Tennis Society, its officers, directors, volunteers, and partners (the “Released Parties”) shall not be held responsible or liable for any personal injury, property damage, or death arising from participation. You hereby waive the right to sue or bring any legal action against the Released Parties for any reason related to your participation in the league.

2. Financial Responsibility and Payments The Participant is responsible for all registration fees and court costs incurred during the season. The Society is not responsible for financial disputes between players regarding court rentals or ball purchases. All refunds are subject to the strict 10-day notice policy and applicable administrative fees as outlined in our cancellation terms.

3. Media Release and Usage Rights

By participating, you grant the Venice Beach Pop Tennis Society and its representatives an irrevocable, royalty-free, worldwide right to use your likeness in any photographs or video recordings taken during league play or events. These assets may be used for any marketing and communication purposes, including but not limited to:

• Official website content and digital banners.
• Social media platforms (Instagram, Facebook, etc.).
• Email newsletters and community updates.
• Press releases and promotional print materials.

4. Code of Conduct and Participation You agree to abide by all local park rules and the Society’s code of conduct. The Society reserves the right to suspend or expel any participant who exhibits inappropriate behavior or fails to comply with the established rules of play without a refund.