CourtPlay Leagues
League rules
The default rules for CourtPlay flex leagues. Each league's organizer can change the numbers, such as points, deadlines and playoff places, and will tell you if they do.
1. Levels
Pick the level where you'll get close, competitive matches. Levels on CourtPlay are self-reported; CourtPlay isn't affiliated with any official rating body.
The league organizer makes the final placement, using your chosen level, your CourtPlay match history and how many players are in your area. If there aren't enough players at your level nearby, you may be moved up or down a level so you still get to play.
Adult leagues are for players 18 and over. Organizers can also run age-group leagues, such as 50 and over.
Doubles teams
A doubles team plays at the average of both partners' levels. Mixed doubles allows a wider spread between partners, but we discourage pairs more than two full levels apart.
Moving levels
At the end of each season your results may move you up or down a level for the next one. If you've just moved up, you get at least one season at the new level before moving back down.
New players who finish their first season clearly too strong for their level may not be eligible for that season's playoffs. This keeps divisions fair for everyone.
2. Scheduling matches
You have 2 weeks for each match: the scheduled week and a make-up week. Every match has a deadline, the last day a score can be posted. Matches can be played in any order as long as each is played by its deadline.
Your schedule updates as things change: new players, withdrawals and weather extensions. Check it now and then.
Contacting your opponent
Both sides are responsible for making contact by Wednesday before the scheduled week. Each side offers 3 dates within the league's playing times, or accepts one the other side offered.
If both sides have offered their dates and still can't agree, the match is played at the league's default time on the deadline day.
If you've tried to reach your opponent at least twice and heard nothing by Wednesday, you can either play a substitute or report a win by default.
Rescheduling
You can reschedule once, with at least 24 hours' notice that your opponent confirms. With less notice, or a second reschedule, your opponent can choose to reschedule or take a win by default.
Late pass
Each player or team gets 1 late pass per season, which lets you post one score after its deadline. Both sides must agree, and the side using the pass posts the score. Late passes can't be used after the regular season ends or in playoffs.
3. Match play
The sport's standard rules apply wherever these rules don't cover something. League rules take priority.
The home side chooses the court and surface, tells the opponent about any dress or footwear rules, and brings a new, unopened can of balls.
Warm-up is up to 10 minutes. Hit to your opponent, not past them.
Courts
Home courts need restrooms available for the whole match, a playable surface, working lights for evening play, and a net at the right height. The home side makes sure there's time to finish the match.
If the home court isn't available, play somewhere no farther for your opponent, or offer to play at theirs. Agree any court or guest fees when you schedule.
CourtPlay records where and when you play. It doesn't book courts.
Arriving late
After 20 minutes, the waiting side may take the win by default or keep waiting. Try calling first; most no-shows are people at the wrong end of the venue.
Breaks, coaching and phones
Standard time limits between points, at changeovers and between sets apply. One injury break and one restroom break per match.
No coaching during the match. Spectators stay off court and don't make calls. Phones stay silent on court.
4. Scoring and points
Tennis matches are best of three sets, with a tiebreak at 6–6. If everyone agrees, a tiebreak can replace the third set; record it as 7–6. Pickleball and padel leagues use that sport's standard scoring, set by the organizer.
The winner posts the score by midnight on the deadline. If they don't, either side can. The other side confirms or disputes it.
Points
Winner: 14 points for a two-set win, 12 for a three-set win, 12 for a win by default.
Loser: one point for each game won in their two best sets, up to 8.
Example: 6–4, 6–2 gives the winner 14 and the loser 6. 6–2, 4–6, 7–5 gives the winner 12 and the loser 8.
Retired, incomplete and missing scores
Retired: one side can't continue for any reason. Enter the games played and mark it retired; the other side wins.
Incomplete: weather or something outside anyone's control stopped play for good. Enter the score as it stood. No one wins, and each side gets up to 10 points.
No score posted: both sides get zero.
5. Weather
If rain looks likely, the home side calls the opponent. Don't cancel by email, and don't assume. If one side turns up and the other stayed home without making contact, the side that turned up can take the win by default.
If play is interrupted, wait 30 minutes to see if the court is playable. When you resume, pick up at the exact game and point where you stopped.
In extreme heat or cold, either side may choose to reschedule before the match starts.
A match rained out on the season's final deadline goes unscored.
6. Substitutes, injuries and withdrawals
Singles
A substitute can be any player at your level in the current season. If you can't play in your window, you can arrange a sub to play for you and keep their result.
If your opponent withdraws, you can play a sub or report a default for 12 points before the season ends.
Divisions with an odd number of players may give one player a sub match. You can play it or take a default win.
Matches against subs count for points and playoff seeding, but not for your level.
Doubles
Doubles teams play their scheduled opponents. If a partner is injured for the rest of the season, you get one permanent replacement during the first 3 weeks, at or below your team's level.
Replacement players
When someone withdraws, the organizer may add a replacement from the waitlist. Replacements play from the day they join and can't make up past matches.
7. Playoffs
Playoffs start right after the regular season. Confirm you're available before the season ends to be included; playoff matches may mean more travel.
You need at least 4 completed matches against your scheduled opponents to qualify. The organizer sets how many places there are and how they're seeded.
The higher seed is the home side. Each side offers 2 dates per round, and the round's last day counts. A side that can't offer dates or accept one forfeits.
Playoff matches need a winner. If one can't be finished in its round, the away side wins.
8. Division winners
The player or team with the most points wins the division. Ties go to the better results-based rating. Final standings appear after the last deadline of the season.
9. Disputes and conduct
There's no official on court, so play on the honor system. Call scores clearly before each point. If you disagree on the score, go back to the last score you both agree on.
Line calls, foot faults and similar judgment calls are settled on court. The organizer won't rule on them, but please report unsportsmanlike behavior so it's on record.
Expected of everyone: reply to opponents promptly, arrive on time, report scores honestly and on time, give notice if you can't play, and keep it clean.
Three strikes
First valid complaint is recorded. Second brings a warning. Third means a one-year suspension. A player returning from suspension is on a final warning.
Faking or changing scores, abuse of staff or players, and any physical threat lead to immediate suspension.
10. Withdrawing and refunds
When leagues take paid entry, you'll get a full refund if you cancel at least 48 hours before the season starts. After that, entry isn't refundable, because a late withdrawal leaves a gap in a division other players are counting on.
Players suspended for conduct don't receive a refund.
Ready to play?
Create a free account and set your levels so you're ready when leagues open near you.