TYSON MCGUFFIN
Source : Google (Tyson McGuffin)
I. General Information on Ratings
What is a Rating?
Player ratings are used to group players by ability levels so that players can compete in tournaments or leagues with other players of similar ability. Keep in mind that this will never be a perfect system, but it should improve a player’s chances of having a more competitive and fun match.
What is a Rated Event?
A rated event is defined as any event that you enter based on your ability relative to other players. Examples of some rated events that are currently sanctioned are Men’s 4.0 Doubles, Mixed 3.5 Doubles, and Senior 4.5 Men’s Doubles.
What is a Rating?
Player ratings are used to group players by ability levels so that players can compete in tournaments or leagues with other players of similar ability. Keep in mind that this will never be a perfect system, but it should improve a player’s chances of having a more competitive and fun match.
What is a Rated Event?
A rated event is defined as any event that you enter based on your ability relative to other players. Examples of some rated events that are currently sanctioned are Men’s 4.0 Doubles, Mixed 3.5 Doubles, and Senior 4.5 Men’s Doubles.
Who Needs an IFP Rating?
1. IFP ratings are not currently required to enter USAPA or PCO sanctioned tournaments.
2. IFP rated players are required to enter events that are rated no lower than their current rating, although they may enter higher-rated events if they choose.
3. Tournament directors have the final decision on what rating level unrated players will play.
4. Rated players must be allowed to play at their rating level although they may always choose to play in a higher rating group. Exceptions may occur when rated events need to be combined due to lack of entries.
How Do I Get a Rating?
Some players have already been given tentative ratings supported previous tournament results, recommendations by tournament directors, and other player opinions that we've sought. More players are going to be given ratings as we get more tournament results and time permits. You may find out if you have already been assigned a rating by going to the Ratings Page of the USAPA website.
If you don’t have an IFP rating, then you may rate yourself when you enter a rated tournament for the first time. Your initial self-rating should be approved by the tournament director. Depending upon your tournament results, your self-rating might be changed if it appears to be obviously wrong. All ratings will be stored in our database for review by the Ratings Committee, and self-rated players will be entered into the ratings database with an “S” to indicate self-rating.
Rating Types
1. IFP ratings are not currently required to enter USAPA or PCO sanctioned tournaments.
2. IFP rated players are required to enter events that are rated no lower than their current rating, although they may enter higher-rated events if they choose.
3. Tournament directors have the final decision on what rating level unrated players will play.
4. Rated players must be allowed to play at their rating level although they may always choose to play in a higher rating group. Exceptions may occur when rated events need to be combined due to lack of entries.
How Do I Get a Rating?
Some players have already been given tentative ratings supported previous tournament results, recommendations by tournament directors, and other player opinions that we've sought. More players are going to be given ratings as we get more tournament results and time permits. You may find out if you have already been assigned a rating by going to the Ratings Page of the USAPA website.
If you don’t have an IFP rating, then you may rate yourself when you enter a rated tournament for the first time. Your initial self-rating should be approved by the tournament director. Depending upon your tournament results, your self-rating might be changed if it appears to be obviously wrong. All ratings will be stored in our database for review by the Ratings Committee, and self-rated players will be entered into the ratings database with an “S” to indicate self-rating.
Rating Types
Self-Rating
A non-rated player may establish a rating during a rated tournament. However, this is always subject to the Tournament Director’s Approval. If you're unrated, you'll enter the rating division of your choice supported your ability relative to other players that you simply know.
Appealed Rating
Player has appealed his/her rating
Tournament Rating
Player has been rated based upon tournament performance. Rating may also be based upon the opinions of Tournament Directors or tournament players.
USAPA/PCO Approved Rated Events for Tournament Play
II. Ratings Changes and Appeals
Rating Changes
1. Rating changes shall be based upon tournaments entered, medals received, players beaten within the tournaments and recommendations from tournament directors. Ratings are dynamic and may change within the year. Tournament points will remain for each player rating attained. Changes to a player’s rating (either up or down) will occur due to a player’s rating appeal, or because a player appears to have either improved significantly or regressed in their play as recorded by the results of their most recent tournaments.
2. Players entering a rated tournament without an IFP rating must receive the tournament director’s approval to play in any rating category. Players that are found to be playing at a better rating level than they indicated could also be defaulted from the tournament event and moved to the acceptable rated event at the discretion of the Tournament Director.
Who May Appeal a Rating and When?
Any player that has been rated may appeal their rating to the IFP’s Rating Committee. Players appealing their rating will be identified by a rating type of “A” on the Ratings List.
Anyone may file an appeal (either up or down) if a rating change can be justified by permanent or long-term injury or recovery from such, significant physical or medical health change, or other factors such as declining skill level, as recorded in most recent tournament results. Appealing your rating based on the desire to play at a different skill level (usually down) with a particular partner, is not sufficient reason for a change in rating.
All appeals are based on the individual player and are reviewed based on supporting documentation provided by that player.
How to Appeal a Rating
To file an appeal, attend the Ratings Page and click on on the Ratings Committee link. You can email the Ratings Committee your request for a change in rating. Provide your reasons as to why your rating should be changed up or down.
III. Rating Guidelines and Descriptions
Rating Guidelines
You may look at the currently proposed descriptions for the different rating groups at the end of this document to help determine your rating. You may also use the following statements in helping to select your self-rating.
1. The top senior players over 50 years old should normally be rated 4.5 with only a very few rated as 5.0. No matter your age, if you are beating players at your skill level, you will stay at that level.
2. Any player that does not win a match at their skill level can be considered for a lower level IV. Tournament Rules
Rules for USAPA/PCO Rated Tournaments
Rules for USAPA/PCO Rated Tournaments
1. Players entering a USAPA or PCO sanctioned ratings tournament should first go to the rating page and check their rating. Players without a rating, should enter rated tournaments in what they think is the appropriate rating category, but will need the approval of the Tournament Director. The Tournament Director’s decision is final for unrated players.
2. Players may enter an event rated higher than their IFP rating, but may not enter a lower-rated event.
3. Doubles teams may not enter an event that is rated lower than the highest rated player on the team.
4. Players playing in higher-rated events should expect their rating raised if they medal or beat higher-rated players.
5. Combining Events: If a tournament director has to combine two or more rated events, the resulting event should be named after the highest rated event that is being combined. For example, if 4.5 Men’s Singles is combined with 4.0 Men’s Singles, the resulting event must be called 4.5 Men’s Singles. Any points won would be awarded in 4.5 Men’s Singles.
6. The USAPA and PCO recognize that many smaller tournaments may have to improvise to have a good tournament that is fun for all the players. However, when a player is in violation of one of these rules, he/she and their partner(s) will not receive tournament points in the events in which they are in violation.
7. It is the player’s responsibility to make sure they are entered in the events that correspond to their rating level or higher. Points will not be awarded if won in a lower-rated event.
2. Players may enter an event rated higher than their IFP rating, but may not enter a lower-rated event.
3. Doubles teams may not enter an event that is rated lower than the highest rated player on the team.
4. Players playing in higher-rated events should expect their rating raised if they medal or beat higher-rated players.
5. Combining Events: If a tournament director has to combine two or more rated events, the resulting event should be named after the highest rated event that is being combined. For example, if 4.5 Men’s Singles is combined with 4.0 Men’s Singles, the resulting event must be called 4.5 Men’s Singles. Any points won would be awarded in 4.5 Men’s Singles.
6. The USAPA and PCO recognize that many smaller tournaments may have to improvise to have a good tournament that is fun for all the players. However, when a player is in violation of one of these rules, he/she and their partner(s) will not receive tournament points in the events in which they are in violation.
7. It is the player’s responsibility to make sure they are entered in the events that correspond to their rating level or higher. Points will not be awarded if won in a lower-rated event.
1.0 to 2.0 Skill Rating
This player is just starting to play pickleball and has no other sports background. Minimal understanding of rules of the game.
2.5 Skill Rating
This player has limited experience. Can sustain a brief rally with players of equal ability. Basic ability to keep score.
3.0 Skill Rating
FOREHAND: Ability to hit a medium paced shot. Lacks directional intent and consistency.
BACKHAND: Avoids using a backhand. Lacks directional intent and consistency.
SERVE / RETURN: ready to hit a medium paced shot. Lacks depth, direction, and consistency.
DINK: Not able to consistently sustain a dink rally. Not yet developed the ability to control this shot.
3RD SHOT: Generally, it is hitting a medium paced ball with little direction.
VOLLEY: Able to hit a medium paced shot. Lacks direction/inconsistent.
STRATEGY: Understands fundamentals. Is learning proper court positioning. Knows the fundamental rules and can keep score and is now playing tournaments.
This player is just starting to play pickleball and has no other sports background. Minimal understanding of rules of the game.
2.5 Skill Rating
This player has limited experience. Can sustain a brief rally with players of equal ability. Basic ability to keep score.
3.0 Skill Rating
FOREHAND: Ability to hit a medium paced shot. Lacks directional intent and consistency.
BACKHAND: Avoids using a backhand. Lacks directional intent and consistency.
SERVE / RETURN: ready to hit a medium paced shot. Lacks depth, direction, and consistency.
DINK: Not able to consistently sustain a dink rally. Not yet developed the ability to control this shot.
3RD SHOT: Generally, it is hitting a medium paced ball with little direction.
VOLLEY: Able to hit a medium paced shot. Lacks direction/inconsistent.
STRATEGY: Understands fundamentals. Is learning proper court positioning. Knows the fundamental rules and can keep score and is now playing tournaments.
3.5 Skill Rating
FOREHAND: Improved stroke development with moderate level of shot control.
BACKHAND: Learning stroke form and starting to develop consistency but will avoid if possible.
SERVE / RETURN: Consistently gets serve/return in play with limited ability to control depth.
DINK: Increased consistency, with limited ability to control height/depth. Sustains medium length rallies. Starting to understand variations of pace.
3RD SHOT: Developing the drop shot in a way to get to the net.
VOLLEY: Is able to volley medium paced shots thereby developing control.
STRATEGY: Moves quickly towards the non-volley zone (NVZ) when opportunity is there. Acknowledges difference between hard game and soft game and is starting to vary own game during recreation and tournament play. Can sustain short rallies. Is learning proper court positioning. Basic knowledge of stacking and understands situations where it can be effective
FOREHAND: Improved stroke development with moderate level of shot control.
BACKHAND: Learning stroke form and starting to develop consistency but will avoid if possible.
SERVE / RETURN: Consistently gets serve/return in play with limited ability to control depth.
DINK: Increased consistency, with limited ability to control height/depth. Sustains medium length rallies. Starting to understand variations of pace.
3RD SHOT: Developing the drop shot in a way to get to the net.
VOLLEY: Is able to volley medium paced shots thereby developing control.
STRATEGY: Moves quickly towards the non-volley zone (NVZ) when opportunity is there. Acknowledges difference between hard game and soft game and is starting to vary own game during recreation and tournament play. Can sustain short rallies. Is learning proper court positioning. Basic knowledge of stacking and understands situations where it can be effective
4.0 Skill Rating
FOREHAND: Consistently hits with depth and control. Is still perfecting shot selection and timing.
BACKHAND: Has improved stroke mechanics and has moderate success at hitting a backhand consistently.
SERVE / RETURN: Places a high majority of serves/returns with varying depth and speed.
DINK: Increased consistency with moderate ability to control height/depth. May end dink rally too soon due to lack of patience. Is beginning to understand difference between attackable balls and those that are not.
3RD SHOT: Selectively mixing up soft shots with power shots to create an advantage with inconsistent results.
VOLLEY: Able to volley a variety of shots at different speeds. Is developing consistency and control. Starting to understand the block/re-set volley.
STRATEGY: Aware of partner’s position on the court and is able to move as a team. Demonstrates ability to change direction in an offensive manner. Demonstrates a broad knowledge of the rules of the game. Has a moderate number of unforced errors per game. Solid understanding of stacking and when and how it could be used in match play. Beginning to identify opponents’ weaknesses and attempts to formulate game plan to attack weaknesses. Beginning to seek out more competitive play.
FOREHAND: Consistently hits with depth and control. Is still perfecting shot selection and timing.
BACKHAND: Has improved stroke mechanics and has moderate success at hitting a backhand consistently.
SERVE / RETURN: Places a high majority of serves/returns with varying depth and speed.
DINK: Increased consistency with moderate ability to control height/depth. May end dink rally too soon due to lack of patience. Is beginning to understand difference between attackable balls and those that are not.
3RD SHOT: Selectively mixing up soft shots with power shots to create an advantage with inconsistent results.
VOLLEY: Able to volley a variety of shots at different speeds. Is developing consistency and control. Starting to understand the block/re-set volley.
STRATEGY: Aware of partner’s position on the court and is able to move as a team. Demonstrates ability to change direction in an offensive manner. Demonstrates a broad knowledge of the rules of the game. Has a moderate number of unforced errors per game. Solid understanding of stacking and when and how it could be used in match play. Beginning to identify opponents’ weaknesses and attempts to formulate game plan to attack weaknesses. Beginning to seek out more competitive play.
4.5 Skill Rating
FOREHAND: High level of consistency. Uses pace and depth to generate opponents' error or set up next shot.
BACKHAND: Can effectively direct the ball with varying depth and paces with good consistency.
SERVE / RETURN: Serves with power, accuracy, and depth and can also vary the speed and spin of the serve.
DINK: Ability to place ball with high success at changing shot types while playing both consistently and with offensive intent. Recognizes and attempts to hit attackable dinks.
3RD SHOT: Consistently executes effective 3rd shot strategies that are not easily returned for advantage. Able to intentionally and consistently place the ball.
VOLLEY: Able to block hard volleys directed at them and can consistently drop them into the NVZ. Comfortable hitting swinging volleys. Hits overhead shots consistently, often as put away.
STRATEGY: Has good footwork and moves laterally, backward, and forward well. Uses weight transfer for more efficient footwork. Able to change direction with ease. Very comfortable playing at the non-volley zone. Communicates and moves with partner, well coordinate within the game— easily “stacks" court positions. Understands strategy and may adjust sort of play and game plan consistent with the opponent’s strengths and weaknesses and court position. Limited number of unforced errors.
FOREHAND: High level of consistency. Uses pace and depth to generate opponents' error or set up next shot.
BACKHAND: Can effectively direct the ball with varying depth and paces with good consistency.
SERVE / RETURN: Serves with power, accuracy, and depth and can also vary the speed and spin of the serve.
DINK: Ability to place ball with high success at changing shot types while playing both consistently and with offensive intent. Recognizes and attempts to hit attackable dinks.
3RD SHOT: Consistently executes effective 3rd shot strategies that are not easily returned for advantage. Able to intentionally and consistently place the ball.
VOLLEY: Able to block hard volleys directed at them and can consistently drop them into the NVZ. Comfortable hitting swinging volleys. Hits overhead shots consistently, often as put away.
STRATEGY: Has good footwork and moves laterally, backward, and forward well. Uses weight transfer for more efficient footwork. Able to change direction with ease. Very comfortable playing at the non-volley zone. Communicates and moves with partner, well coordinate within the game— easily “stacks" court positions. Understands strategy and may adjust sort of play and game plan consistent with the opponent’s strengths and weaknesses and court position. Limited number of unforced errors.
5.0 Skill Ratings
FOREHAND | BACKHAND | SERVE / RETURN: Hits all shot types at a high level of ability from both the forehand and backhand sides including: touch, spin, and pace with control to set up offensive situations. Has developed good touch from all court positions. Has developed a really high level of variety, depth, and pace of serves.
DINK: Mastered the dink and drop shots. Ability to move opponents with shot placements. Exhibits patience during rallies with the ability to create an opportunity to attack utilizing the dink. Increased ability to change the pace of dinks strategically.
3RD SHOT: Mastered the 3rd shot choices and strategies to create opportunities for winning points. Able to drop and drive ball from both the forehand and backhand side with high level of consistency.
VOLLEY: Able to block hard volleys directed at them and consistently drop them into the NVZ. Places overheads with ease for winners. Able to volley shots toward opponents’ feet consistently. Comfortable with swinging volley in both initiating and ability to attack back or neutralize return.
STRATEGY: Mastered pickleball strategies and can vary strategies and styles of play in competitive or tournament matches. Is successful at turning defensive shots into offensive shots. Has efficient footwork and effective use of weight transfer for improved quickness on the court. Easily and quickly adjusts style of play and game plan according to the opponent’s strengths and weaknesses and court position. Rarely makes unforced errors.
FOREHAND | BACKHAND | SERVE / RETURN: Hits all shot types at a high level of ability from both the forehand and backhand sides including: touch, spin, and pace with control to set up offensive situations. Has developed good touch from all court positions. Has developed a really high level of variety, depth, and pace of serves.
DINK: Mastered the dink and drop shots. Ability to move opponents with shot placements. Exhibits patience during rallies with the ability to create an opportunity to attack utilizing the dink. Increased ability to change the pace of dinks strategically.
3RD SHOT: Mastered the 3rd shot choices and strategies to create opportunities for winning points. Able to drop and drive ball from both the forehand and backhand side with high level of consistency.
VOLLEY: Able to block hard volleys directed at them and consistently drop them into the NVZ. Places overheads with ease for winners. Able to volley shots toward opponents’ feet consistently. Comfortable with swinging volley in both initiating and ability to attack back or neutralize return.
STRATEGY: Mastered pickleball strategies and can vary strategies and styles of play in competitive or tournament matches. Is successful at turning defensive shots into offensive shots. Has efficient footwork and effective use of weight transfer for improved quickness on the court. Easily and quickly adjusts style of play and game plan according to the opponent’s strengths and weaknesses and court position. Rarely makes unforced errors.
5.5 + Skill Rating
This player is a top calibre player. Performance and tournament wins represent this player's ability to consistently perform at a high level.
This player is a top calibre player. Performance and tournament wins represent this player's ability to consistently perform at a high level.
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