The North League (TNL)

Match Play Rules

The following rules govern all match play within The North League (TNL). All participants are expected to adhere to the official USA Pickleball Rules, except where modified below to fit league play.

I. Match Format

Team Structure:

Each team match consists of three doubles lines.
Teams must have a minimum of 6 players and a maximum of 12 players.

Scoring:

Teams will play a total of 3 games. All three games must be played until completion. Standings are determined by games won — every game counts.
Games are played to 15 points, win by 1 (regular scoring).
Rally scoring is not used; only the serving team may score points.

Starting Sides and Serve:

A coin toss or paddle spin determines serve or side choice.
Teams switch ends after each game.
In the third game, teams switch ends when the first team reaches 8 points.

II. Warm-Up and Start Time

Teams are expected to arrive 15 minutes prior to the scheduled start time.
A 5-minute warm-up is allowed before the first serve.
Play will begin immediately after the 5-minute warm-up. Teams not ready within 10 minutes of the scheduled start will forfeit the first game with a 15-0 score.
If they are still not ready after 30 minutes, the opposing team will be awarded the remaining games at 15-0 and 3 points awarded to the team event.

III. Player Substitutions

Lineups must be submitted 48 hours prior to the start of play.
Once a match begins, substitutions are not permitted.
If a player retires due to injury, the opposing team is awarded the remaining games.

IV. Court Etiquette and Conduct

All players are expected to maintain proper sportsmanship and courtesy at all times.
Players should call their own lines clearly and fairly, giving the benefit of the doubt to their opponents.
Disputes should be resolved respectfully between players. If needed, captains may be called to the court for clarification.
Coaching during active play is not permitted. Coaching between games is allowed.
Excessive delays, unsportsmanlike behavior, or disregard for league rules may result in penalties or disciplinary action as determined by The North League.

V. Equipment and Court Conditions

Matches must be played on standard pickleball courts meeting official dimensions and net height.
The official match ball must be approved by both teams.
In case of inclement weather, captains should communicate promptly to determine whether to delay, reschedule, or relocate play.
The match must be rescheduled within two weeks.
Possible rain courts can be made at the following locations. Both teams must agree to go indoors and will be responsible for splitting the court fees.

Indoor Backup Locations:

        DINX Social Club

        Address: 1931 Skokie Valley Rd, Highland Park, IL 60035

        Phone: (847) 926-7191

        Pickler Mundelein

        Address: 1555 S Lake St, Mundelein, IL 60060

        Phone: (847) 610-6248

VI. Reporting Scores

Captains are responsible for submitting match results within 24 hours of completion using the League’s designated reporting system.

VII. Forfeits

A team unable to field the required number of players must notify the opposing captain as soon as possible.
A forfeit counts as a 3–0 win (15-0, 15-0, 15-0) for the non-defaulting team for that line.
Forfeit matches are not put into DUPR.
Repeated forfeits may result in review by The North League and possible sanctions.

VIII. League Spirit

The North Shore Top Pickleball League is founded on competitive integrity, respect, and camaraderie. Players, captains, and clubs are expected to uphold these values in every match, ensuring that the league remains both competitive and enjoyable for all participants.

IX. Pickleball Skill Levels

The North League (TNL) categorizes players into divisions based on skill level to ensure balanced and competitive matches. Below is a general guideline for player ratings from beginner to advanced.

        A Player — Advanced to Expert (3.6 – 4.0+)
        
                3.6: Knows the difference between the hard and soft game, 
                can reach the non-volley zone consistently, and sustain medium-length rallies.
            
                4.0: Consistently hits with control, anticipates shots, 
                and understands when to attack or reset. Can sustain longer rallies with 
                a variety of shots.

        B Player — Intermediate to Advanced (3.1 – 3.5)
        
                3.1: Understands fundamental rules and positioning, 
                constructs limited points, and gets serves/returns in consistently.
            
                3.5: Recognizes hard vs soft play, reaches the 
                non-volley zone consistently, and sustains medium rallies.

        C Player — Beginner to Intermediate (2.5 – 3.0)
        
                2.5: Learning rules, scoring, and positioning. 
                Can sustain short rallies and is developing stroke consistency.
            
                3.0: Improved understanding of positioning and strategy, 
                can sustain short to medium rallies, and shows growing consistency 
                with serves, returns, and dinks.