How Singles Divisions Work At South Coast Pickleball
How Singles Divisions Work At South Coast Pickleball
How Singles Divisions Work At South Coast Pickleball
How Singles Divisions Work At South Coast Pickleball
How Moving Up Or Down a Division Works
How Does DUPR Work With This System?
Are There Prizes for The Winners?
Why We Structured It In This Way
Where and When is Each Division Held and How Can I Book?
What If There Are Spots Available for a Higher Division One Week?
Pickleball in the Illawarra is only growing, and we're hosting competitive DUPR competitions every single week.
At South Coast Pickleball, our division system is designed to keep competition fair, competitive, and rewarding. Whether you’re aiming for Division 1 or building your way up, here’s exactly how it works.
Division 1 Overview
Division 1 is our highest competitive level.
The top players are selected initially based on performance and current level.
These players form the starting Division 1 roster (max 10 people).
However, Division 1 is not “locked forever.” New players can enter if they are top of their division after 8 weeks of match play (explained below) and players at the bottom of the division 1 ladder may move to division 2.
If the lowest ranked player in Division 1 has a win rate not too different from other players in the bottom four of Div 1, they will remain in Div 1 as the new Div 2 player enters. If the Div 1 lowest ranked member has a win rate that is far lower,
Games will be DUPR rated, however if you are self rating for your first time, you must self rate at 3.5 or below.
Competition stays dynamic.
Division 2 & 3 Overview
Division 2 is where serious challengers compete to break into the top tier. Division 3 is where players who want to start playing a bit more competitively can start.
Division 2 is designed for players ready to push themselves — competing at a higher intensity and aiming to break into Division 1.
Division 3 is focused on development — giving players the space to build confidence, sharpen skills, and grow at a steady pace. In this division, you'll focus on gaining match experience and building your foundation.
How Moving Up Or Down a Division Works
Here’s how it works if you're in Division 2:
Division 2 players compete for a spot in Division 1.
After 8 weeks of match play, you can enter division 1 if:
You have played at least 6 out of your 8 weeks of games
You are top of the ladder in division 2 (see division 2 ladder here)
The top two players have a chance to move up a division.
Every 8 weeks the ladders for each division will reset to give everyone an opportunity to prove themselves and move up a division.
The same system applies to Division 3, for players wanting to move up to Division 2.
How Does DUPR Work With This System?
DUPR will be used only for Divisions 1 and 2. Division 3 will not use DUPR Ratings. Furthermore, you must self rate at a 3.5 or below, regardless of your level, if you don't already have a DUPR. This is to prevent DUPR fluctuations and ensure the games remain competitive.
Division 2, please self rate at a 2.5. Division 1, please self rate at a 3. Here is an image that can help you decide on your self rating:
Every week on Sunday, your games will be uploaded to DUPR manually by our team. We will be using the games recorded on the division weekly ladder pages.
If you have any complaints about scores entered or any concerns, please contact us on +61 468 074 407 (text message is fine). Please ensure any concerns you have are raised before Sunday, which is when scores are entered into the official system for DUPR.
You can always check out your DUPR Score and match results for any specific game from the official DUPR Website.
You should also be able to see that from the official Pickleball Tournaments website.
Your DUPR will be a good indicator of your level, however, our ongoing division ladders will be the source of truth for participants moving up or down divisions.
How Can I Get My DUPR?
If you don't already have a DUPR, here's a complete guide on how to get your DUPR.
Once you have your DUPR Rating, please provide your DUPR ID to us here. Everything is explained in the above blog in terms of how to find your DUPR ID.
Are There Prizes for The Winners?
Yes, there will be prizes every 8 weeks for the top positions of Division 1, 2, and 3.
Prizes change every time, and may include:
Free paddles
Free merch
Free equipment
Amazon Gift Cards
Cash prizes
Free Shoes
Discounts on tennis, squash and pickleball products
& More
How Are Rankings Calculated?
Rankings are based off win percentage (the % of games that you win in comparison to the percentage that you lose). Your average score is also shown, as this is a secondary indicator of performance.
For example, if your average score is 9, but you have a 0% win rate, that means you're getting very close every game, and just losing. This signals that the levels aren't necessarily too different.
This system is also beneficial, because if you miss a game, your win percentage won't be impacted.
Why We Structured It In This Way
We want:
Fair competition
Clear pathways for progression
Accountability
Competitive integrity
No one is stuck and no one is guaranteed a spot forever in the same division.
If you have questions about your division or how rankings are calculated, reach out to us directly.
Let’s keep the competition strong!
Where and When is Each Division Held and How Can I Book?
Monday 7pm at Figtree: Division 3
Tuesday 7pm at Figtree: Division 2
Tuesday 7:30pm at Beaton Park: Division 1
What If There Are Spots Available for a Higher Division One Week?
If there are spots available for a higher division and you're eligible to compete in that division as a fill in, you will be contacted with the option to fill in for the higher division that week.
Note that this will most be Division 2 Top Ranked Players filling in at Division 1, since they both are on the same day (and similar time).
Where Can I Book?
Book Division 2 & 3 Here > (simply select a Tuesday for Div 2 and a Monday for Div 3)
