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Frequently Asked Questions

  • Can I self rate?
    New Club members who do not have outside ratings are assigned an initial Club rating of 2.0. For experienced players joining the Pickleball Club (GVRPC) as new members and who have a rating above 2.0, the member should send an email to: greenvalleypickleballclub@gmail.com documenting their UTPR rating, IPTPA rating, or their current club rating from an organized club to the Ratings Committee for consideration.
  • What is the goal of the club's rating process?
    The goal is to create a reasonably objective rating system that aligns with the International Federation of Pickleball (IFP)/USA Pickleball Association (USAPA), International Pickleball Teaching Professional Association (IPTPA) skill rating guidelines and addresses the GVPC member concerns about the current and prior club rating systems. The overarching goals/philosophy for the Green Valley Recreation Pickleball Club ratings process are to provide players with a clear system to understand requirements for each skill level and provide opportunities to: Demonstrate awareness of, ability to find, and basic understanding of the International Federation of Pickleball (IFP)/USA Pickleball Association Rules Understand specific shots, court positioning, and strategy for requisite skill level Demonstrate specific shots for requisite skill level Provide players the opportunity to demonstrate execution of skills, court positioning and strategy in a game situation for requisite skill level Clarify process and elements required for members requesting transfer of a rating from another organized club
  • I don’t have a club rating. How do I get one?
    There is more than one way to obtain a club rating. Green Valley Recreation Pickleball Club provides skill ratings preparatory and testing sessions for active club members during high season - mid October through April. Details on requirements and how to participate are located in the club's Policy Manual and on the Ratings tab under Player Development. Players can also obtain a rating through participation in tournaments that have the appropriate sanctioning by USA Pickleball. Finally, players can go through International Pickleball Players Teaching Association (IPTPA).
  • Why does the club update the rating process?
    The club believes it is important to follow established processes (such as IPTPA) and make adjustments as needed. e.g. IPTPA moved to use "ghost doubles" in 2021 and our GVRPBC will adopt this in October 2022.
  • What are the 3 steps of the new ratings process?
    The 3 distinct testing steps that are required are as follows: USAPA rules test. Required to proceed to the second step of testing. Skills test. Game play to demonstrate the ability to score points. The skills test will be conducted first, then followed immediately by the game test. Each test will have a passing score depending upon the skill level.
  • Why do I need to take the USAPA online rules test?
    The basic goal of this requirement is to demonstrate that the Testee has some knowledge of the rules and also knows where to find the rules of Pickleball. Taking the USAPA rules test does not require a minimum score to pass. However, evidence of taking the test will need to be provided to the GVPC Ratings Coordinator. Emailing the score received to the Ratings Coordinator fulfills this requirement.
  • Why do I need to demonstrate skills?
    Progressing through the various ratings requires improving the proficiency of various skills and being able to demonstrate the skills verifies this proficiency. In order to remain as objective as possible the skills test is modeled after IPTPA recommendations and how they test. As with the IPTPA, a passing combined score for all skills tested is required. It should be noted that you could get zero points for a particular skill that can be offset by scoring high in another skill. Each skill level has its own criteria for passing. Rating specific proficiency and not perfection is the goal of this test.
  • There will be feeders that are hitting the ball to the Testee. What if my feeder is not feeding me the ball appropriately for the given skill?
    The ball Feeder has been trained to consistently deliver returnable balls to the Testee. The Testee should be focused on the incoming ball, adjust position and hit their shot. At the higher levels the Testee should expect ball feeds of varying speed, placement and spin. The Feeder alone will determine whether a ball feed should be redone.
  • How can I be sure that the ball I returned was really outside the boundaries when I thought that it was within the boundaries?
    During the Skills testing, there will be a line judge that will determine if the Testee returned the ball within the appropriate boundaries. If the call is too close to call, the benefit of the doubt will go to the Testee.
  • What is Ghost Doubles?
    Ghost Doubles is a pickleball game played against one other person using half of the court on each side of the net. The player will stand on the right side when their score is even and on the left side when their score is odd. In some cases, players will play diagonally while in other cases they will play straight across. For testing purposes, the players will play three games to 11 points. Rally scoring will be used (i.e., the player winning the rally receives a point regardless of whether they served the ball). The players will switch ends when one player reaches 6. The testee will be required to win 23 points during the three games. See the following document for a diagram and further explanation of Ghost Doubles Play.
  • If I can demonstrate my skills during part 2 (Skills Test), why do I also need to score points in part 3 (Game Play)?
    The game play portion demonstrates the Testee's ability to apply the skills as dictated by the game situation.
  • Who will I be playing against during the game portion of the testing?
    It depends on how many Testees. e.g.: Scenario #1 - 3 Testees - each will play against two Testees and one Control Player. Scenario #2 - 2 Testees - each will play against one Testee and the Control Player twice. Scenario #3 - 1 Testee - will play against the Control Player three times. The Control Player selected for the game portion of testing will be rated at the skill level to which you are testing. They will have a minimum of one year at that skill level.
  • As a GVR member I should be able to play with anyone I want to so why should I be rated?
    The purpose of a rating is to allow like skilled players to play competitively with other like skilled players. Ratings will apply to Skill Level Play (SLP) and Round Robins. It also provides a baseline for those that wish to play on a league team. During open play and playing with friends on reserved courts, a rating is not required.
  • I can beat half those people in the next higher rating so why can't I play with them?
    You are encouraged to participate in SLP (Single Level Play) at the level you are rated. This allows more competitive matches during those events. You can play with those at the next higher rating a couple different ways. You can play at courts/times scheduled for open play or by inviting players of the next higher rating to play with you and reserving court/time. Many players are always looking for an excuse to play more pickleball! However, if you feel that you have the skills of the next higher rating and wish to play at the higher level during SLP then consider testing up.
  • Is there a way for me to play with the higher rated players to gauge my skills to determine what skills I should work on?
    Yes, players are encouraged to identify those players at a higher level and to approach them for arranged games. Also, the club continues to review and organize opportunities during winter (Oct-May) and summer months (Jun-Sep). Keep in mind that winning a game is not always the best way to determine the skills you need to work on. It can help, but the skills required to advance to the next Rating are posted on our website, including what the testing involves, how the testing is performed and what is required to pass. Members are encouraged to practice these specific skills by drilling before signing up to be tested to the next higher rating.
  • I already have a rating from another organized club; can I just transfer that rating to the GVPC?
    For the other club’s rating to be considered, the other organized club must have a formal rating process that can be reviewed by the GVRPC. In addition, the other club’s goals and requirements must align with the goals (as stated above) of the GVRPC in order to be considered. The other club’s documentation must be sent directly to the GVRPC for review. A simple letter from the other club, whether from a member or an officer, stating the other club’s member’s rating is not sufficient to begin consideration.
  • How does this rating process compare to other organized pickleball clubs?
    It seems that there are no two pickleball clubs that have exactly the same rating process. However, it appears that most organized clubs that have a structured rating process seem to take the sanctioning organizations’ recommendations and apply it to their club’s needs. In this respect the GVRPBC's new rating system appears to be consistent with those clubs.
  • Why do I need to start at the 2.0 GVPC rating if I can prove that I am a 5.0 rated Tennis player?
    The overriding goal of the GVRPC rating process is to demonstrate proficiency in the appropriate pickleball skills for the given rating as defined by sanctioning organizations and adopted by the GVRPC and other clubs. Being a 5.0 rated Tennis player does not require proficiency in pickleball skills and therefore would not be considered as a suitable substitute.
  • What will it take for our Ratings process to succeed?
    This rating process will not succeed without the support of its members. As members, we all own this process which in turn, means that we can change it if it seems that it is not meeting our club’s needs. It will also take VOLUNTEERS! It should be noted that both Saddlebrook and Quail Creek pickleball clubs use IPTPA to rate their club members. Unlike the GVRPC process, the IPTPA service is a paid service - i.e., in these other clubs it costs the Testee money to go through testing.
  • Will the club have skills classes, demonstrations and/or videos available to help the members learn the requisite skills?
    Yes, we have the following: RAP - Rating Assessment, Demo & Practice sessions are conducted during the rating period. These are optional (not required to sign up for a rating test) sessions for a player, who will be given the applicable skills test and learn how to play ghost doubles. i. Highly recommended at least 2 weeks prior to Rating Test to identify which skills to concentrate on during practice. You will receive a copy of the skills test. ​ ii. Sign up in Pickleball Plus is required to attend. ​ iii. Testees are limited to 1 sign up per rating season. Watch the Events tab in Pickleball Plus for signups and additional events as they become available.
  • What happens if I don't pass?
    To be successful, a member must pass both the Skills and Game Tests. If either one is not passed, then the Skills and Game Tests will need to be taken again. Exception: Those members who are game eligible after Ratings Testing ended in April 2022, will be eligible for the game test in the Fall 2022. They will not have to retake the Skills Test.
  • What are my options to learn how to play?
    During high season GVR offers Pickleball 101 classes for beginners (registration and fee paid through GVR's system). Coordination of these classes is through the Club's Player Development Committee to ensure the desired scope and sequence for learning. As the classes can fill quickly, the Club also offers Developing Skills classes that club members can attend. These classes are offered year round depending on volunteer availability. See Schedule for times and sign up through Pickleball Plus (gvpc.pickleball.plus).
  • No prior racquet sports background
    Pickleball 101 class through GVR is recommended or Developing Skills through the GVR Pickleball Club. Click here for more information about Player Development.
  • Prior racquet or other sports background
    Prior experience in another sport where eye / hand coordination is a key element can be a plus when learning Pickleball. With that experience and other physical ability, many take to Pickleball quickly. What takes a bit more time is understanding the rules of the game, developing the ability to consistently execute necessary shots, understand and implement strategy and the rating system. Pickleball 101 class through GVR is recommended or Developing Skills through the GVR Pickleball Club. Click here for more information about Player Development.
  • What are the eligibility requirements?
    From the Club's Bylaws: ARTICLE III – MEMBERSHIP: A. Any pickleball club member holding a membership or tenant card in good standing with GVR is entitled to participate in activities of the Club. B. Any member who has not paid dues, fees or assessments to GVR as of the time such payment is due shall be deemed delinquent and removed from the GVRPC membership roster and website. GVRPC members must pay membership dues between January 1st and March 1st or be deemed delinquent and removed from the membership roster and website. C. GVRPC shall not grant honorary membership, or the equivalent, to anyone not a GVR member. D. All members and guests shall abide by the published GVR Rules. E. A guest must reside outside a 20-mile radius of Green Valley per GVR.
  • How do I become a member?
    Please check out our Membership Page.
  • What services does the Pickleball club provide to its members?
    Provides pickleballs. Organizes and runs periodic Club tournaments. Organizes and hosts Club parties and picnics. Provides Developing Skills coaching Provides coaches for Club Skills and Drills, ball machine training, etc. Provides coaches for GVR pickleball classes. Provides rating evaluations for members. Develops and maintens Club website and online signups for club events. Manages Club membership records and supplies timely information to members through email, bulletin boards at the courts and information available at the sign in boxes. Develops court usage schedules to accomodate all skill levels for both recreational as well as structured time to allow for round robins, classes and lessons, challenge courts, etc. Assures court maintenance is done (either by GVR or Club members). Provides volunteers to run the Southern Arizona Senior Games pickleball tournament. ALL FOR $15 A YEAR!
  • How does the Club represent its membership to GVR?
    Identifies club needs and submits annual requests to GVR. Works with GVR staff on a continual basis to ensure court safety and availability. Reports issues to GVR that need attention and/or maintenance.
  • How is the Club membership money spent?
    Pickleballs TUTOR ball machine, dolly, ball buckets, etc. Hitting wall on court 1 at East Center New bleachers for East Center Court supplies – ball holders, paddle cables, first aid supplies, windsocks, etc. Court banners and signage Sign-in and Storage units (purchase and maintenance) Facilitating Club social events Facilitating the purchase and resale of Club shirts and jackets Website (WIX) fees, domain fees, gvpc.pickleball.plus (the scheduling software) Club portion of shared expenses for capital projects and improvements such as shade structures, ceiling fans, bag racks, and lighting
  • How is the Club governed?
    The Club is governed by an elected board of seven members who serve staggered two-year terms.
  • What can I do to improve the overall GVRPBC experience?
    Volunteering is always welcome and encouraged. Quite simply, no volunteers means no GVRPBC including classes, skills improvements, seminars, tournaments, round robins, skill level play, socializing etc… There’s always an event or committee that can use some help so please consider volunteering.
  • Do I need my own paddle when learning how to play?
    The Club and GVR attempt to make temporary loaner paddles available during Developing Skills and Pickleball 101 classes. The selection of the paddles is dependant on how many have been donated. This system allows new players to determine if they want to purchase their own paddle. There are several options for purchasing a paddle. One option that will directly benefit the Club is an arrangement with PickleballCentral.com called ClubRewards. ClubRewards gives members of local pickleball clubs a 5% discount on everything they purchase from PickleballCentral.com and an additional 5% of the purchase price goes back to their local pickleball club in the form of an annual gift card. Benefits For YOU - ClubRewards members receive 5% off everything they purchase from PickleballCentral.com. When checking out, simply type in your club’s unique discount code - CRGreenValley, in the coupon code box, hit the “apply” button and you’ll see 5% of the bill disappear! ​ For YOUR CLUB – every time a member uses your club’s discount code, 5% of their purchase goes into the club’s “kitty” or Reward Account. In February we’ll send the club representative a gift card for the value of whatever is in the club’s Reward Account from the preceding year. The gift card can be used toward the purchase of anything we sell.
  • What equipment do I need and where do I get it?
    Equipment required is a paddle (see info below on an option to purchase equiment which will benefit the Club) and ball (Club membership includes balls). The Club strongly encourages players to have appropriate court shoes for play that allow for lateral movement. ClubRewards gives members of local pickleball clubs a 5% discount on everything they purchase from PickleballCentral.com and an additional 5% of the purchase price goes back to their local pickleball club in the form of an annual gift card. Benefits For YOU - ClubRewards members receive 5% off everything they purchase from PickleballCentral.com. When checking out, simply type in your club’s unique discount code - CRGreenValley, in the coupon code box, hit the “apply” button and you’ll see 5% of the bill disappear! ​ For YOUR CLUB – every time a member uses your club’s discount code, 5% of their purchase goes into the club’s “kitty” or Reward Account. In February we’ll send the club representative a gift card for the value of whatever is in the club’s Reward Account from the preceding year. The gift card can be used toward the purchase of anything we sell.
  • Balls
    To create a consistent playing environment and experience, players should use the Franklin X-40 ball which can be purchased online and some traditional retailers. A benefit of being a dues paying club member has been to make balls available on the court. In this spirit, balls are distributed to club members.
  • Kent J. Blumenthal Pickleball Complex - 24 Courts
    Pickleball Complex 2612 S. Camino de la Canoa
  • East Center - 8 Courts (lighted for evening play)
    East Center 7 S Abrego Drive - Green Valley AZ
  • Canoa Ranch - 4 Courts
    Canoa Ranch Fitness Center 5750 S Turquoise Mountain Drive Green Valley, AZ
  • Where can I find a schedule of what type of play is happening at which courts.
    The court schedules are on the home page.
  • I've never played Pickleball. How do I get started?
    During high season GVR offers Pickleball 101 classes for beginners (registration and fee paid through GVR's system). Coordination of these classes is through the Club's Player Development Committee to ensure the desired scope and sequence for learning. As the classes can fill quickly, the Club also offers Developing Skills classes that club members can attend. These classes are offered year round depending on volunteer availability. See Schedule for times and sign up through Pickleball Plus (gvpc.pickleball.plus).
  • I’m a GVR member wanting to learn to play pickleball but the GVR classes fill up so fast I can never get registered for these classes. What can I do?
    Pickleball classes offered through GVR are popular and fill up very quickly. However, our club provides other instruction options including, Assisted Play, Orientation, and Skills and Drills sessions. Not all of these are offered year-round, equipment is provided for some, and some require GVR Pickleball Club membership. You can get more details on our Player Development page.
  • What are my options to take a class?
    The Club through its Player Development Committee serves a coordinating role with GVR to offer classes in the Fall/Winter months to any GVR member. Click here to access GVR's class webpage. These classes require advance registration and have a fee. There are several options that cover beginners new to the game through experienced players looking to further develop their skills. In addtion, the Club offers options free of charge to active club members for those looking to learn (beginners) and improve (intermediate and advanced) their skills. While there is no charge for these they do require registration through Pickleball Plus (gvpc.pickleball.plus) (select Calendar and look for available options). The Club also arranges for outside professionals to run clinics. These classes have a fee and require advance registration through Pickleball Plus (gvpc.pickleball.plus (select Calendar and look for available options).
  • I'm an experienced Pickleball player visting Green Valley and would like to play pickleball. What do I need to do to play?
    The 36 pickleball courts in three locations are owned and managed by Green Valley Recreation (GVR). To play, you need to either be a GVR member, have a Tenant Card, or have a Guest Card to access the courts. Check the current schedule for play options, e.g. Focus and Open Play. All players need to have their GVR card in their possession and should scan in (at East Center and KJB Pickleball Center) or physically sign in (Canoa Ranch) to register attendance.
  • What is Focus Play and how does that work?
    Our court schedules include dedicated times for those at each club skill level to play together, as indicated by the rating level on the schedule. No registration is required, players simply show up and use the paddle queuing system. Also, some levels elect to run Round Robins during Focus Play.
  • What is Open Play and how does that work?
    Our court schedules include dedicated times for Open Play where all skill levels are welcome. No registration is required, players simply show up and use the paddle queuing system used in Focus Play.
  • When there are a lot of people waiting to play, how do we determine what order to go in?"
    The clubs policy manual describes the paddle queueing methods used. It may sound confusing at first, but it’s pretty easy to learn and provides the best way we’ve found to accommodate the overcrowded conditions we frequently experience at our courts. (Should we put a link to the policy manual here?)
  • What is Intercommunity Play?
    Intercommunity play is an arrangement with another club to rotate between locations and to offer opportunities for members from participating clubs to play an each others' locations in Round Robins. This typically happens during the summer months.
  • How do I know where and when I can find the different types of play
    There are schedules for each of the types of pickleball play activities that can be found on the home page.
  • How does the court reservation system work?
    Court signups consist of a moving 8 day signup window. That 8 days is to the hour. For example Thursday at noon the first signup of those courts that can be reserved for the Friday (8 days ahead) will became available. At 1:30pm the next set of courts that can be reserved will become available and so on throughout the afternoon. The best time to reserve a court is to be ready at noon and through the afternoon. Court reservations are closed at 7:00 am for the current day and a court reservation list is posted at both the East Center and Canoa Ranch courts. You can only reserve one court during the current 8 day period. (Should probably have a link here)
  • What is Pickleball.Plus?
    Pickleball.Plus is a software program that the Club subscribes to, separate and different from the Club's website, that allows the club to manage membership information, court scheduling, and reservations. Access to all of the features of Pickleball.Plus requires a club membership and a login and password. ( Need to use entire address gvpc.pickleball.plus)
  • Abbreviations
    DS = Developing Skills - new and beginner players (registration required sign up through Pickleball.Plus) FP = Focus Play - designated skill levels play ICRR = Intercommunity Round Robin (registration required sign up through Quail Creek's SignUpGenius) OP = Open Play - all skill levels welcome to play PSD = Player Skills Development - intermediate and advanced players (registration required sign up through Pickleball.Plus) RR = Round Robin - club member skill level tournament (registration required sign up through Pickleball.Plus) RS = Reserve Courts - club and non-club members may reserve courts (registration required sign up through Pickleball.Plus) SR-APPL = Southern Region Arizona Pickleball Players League - club and visiting teams league play
  • Definitions
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  • I'm visiting Green Valley, can I play on GVR Pickleball Courts?"
    While the GVR Pickleball Courts are private and not open to the public, there are ways for visitors to Green Valley to play. Rental - If the rental property is part of GVR the tenant can request a tenant card. Guest of a GVR Member - If the visitor is staying with a GVR member, a guest card is an option.
  • I've got a Guest/Tenant card, what are my options for play?"
    Check the current schedule located on the club's homepage for play options and skill level designations, e.g. Focus (specified skill levels) and Open Play (all skill levels), and classes. Players new to the game are eligible to participate in our free of charge Developing Skills classes listed on the schedule or register and pay for any of the GVR sponsored classes. All players need to have their GVR card in their possession and should scan in (at East Center and KJB Pickleball Center) or physically sign in (Canoa Ranch) to register attendance.
  • Can Guests or Tenants join the GVR Pickleball Club?
    Guests are not eligible for membership. Tenants are eligible for membership.
  • Do I need to have a rating?
    Click here for Ratings information and process to obtain one if you do not have one..
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