The Goal

To find the most versatile individual player. In this format, you earn an individual ranking while playing in a rotating doubles configuration. Every game counts, and every partner matters.

The Structure

Divisions: Players are placed into divisions (e.g., Open, Intermediate, Beginner).
Groups: Within each division, players are organized into Groups of 4 based on their current ranking.

• Group A: Ranks 1–4
• Group B: Ranks 5–8
• Group C: Ranks 9–12… and so on.

The Season: The league consists of 5 to 7 Rounds

Match Play: The “Triple Play” Rotation

In every round, the four players in your group play a round-robin, partnering with everyone in the group exactly once.

• Set 1: Rank #1 & #4 vs. Rank #2 & #3
• Set 2: Rank #1 & #3 vs. Rank #2 & #4
• Set 3: Rank #1 & #2 vs. Rank #3 & #4

Scoring Per Match

6-game Sets. 7-point tiebreaker at 5–5.

The Road to the Finals

The best players from the season will qualify for the Tour Final in December; specific details for this final format will be communicated at a later date.

The “Elevator” Scoring & Movement System

To keep the league fluid and ensure you meet new people, we use a “2-Up, 2-Down” promotion/relegation system after every round.

Step A: Determine the Round Winner

At the end of your 3 sets, we rank the 4 players in your group based on:

1. Sets Won (Highest is 1st)
2. Game Win Percentage (Tiebreaker): {{Games Won}/{Total Games Played}} x Time 100
3. Initial Seed: (Final tiebreaker)

Step B: Round Point Allocation

You earn “Tour Points” based on your finishing position within your group. Higher groups are weighted more heavily to reward playing at the highest level.

Step C: Promotion & Relegation (The Shuffle)

To ensure you aren’t playing the same people every week:

• The Top 2 Finishers in Group B move UP to Group A for the next round.
• The Bottom 2 Finishers in Group A move DOWN to Group B for the next round.
• Note: This applies across all groups (C to B, D to C, etc.).

Substitutes & Attendance

Substitutes (Approved Absence): If a player communicates their absence in advance, a substitute will be assigned to ensure the group of 4 can play.

• The 3 original players still play for their relative group points (1st, 2nd, and 3rd place).
• Substitutes do not earn Tour Points but keep the rotation intact.
• Absentee Points (The Floor Minus 6 Rule): The absent player receives the 4th-place points of their assigned group minus 6 points (e.g., 29 points for Group A), and is automatically relegated to the lower group for the next round.

Defaults (Unexcused No-Show): If a player fails to show up with no warning, or cancels so late that a substitute cannot be found in time to play, they are penalized 40 points and assigned -24 games for that round.

Initial Seeding Protocol

Initial placement for the league is determined by a performance-based hierarchy to ensure competitive balance from the very first serve. Seeding is primarily driven by historical data, led by your previous year’s Tour Ranking and documented tournament placements.

For new players or those without a recent record, the VPTS Leadership Committee will assign a seed based on perceived skill level and past athletic history.

Please note that these initial rankings are a baseline; the “2-Up, 2-Down” Elevator System is designed to quickly and mathematically move players into the group that best reflects their current performance level after Round 1.

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.

For easiness, you can only schedule your games on Wednesday or Saturday during your round time.

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.