How do I join and
what's the fee?
Fill out the form on this website. If there is no weekly rostered position open, your name will be added to the correct sub list. At the beginning of each session, spots open so send a text to Jenae to let her know you are interested in playing weekly. IMPORTANT - Make sure to send Jenae your interest a month ahead of the next session. A follow-up reminder is always appreciated. :) 
How many sessions are there ​per year?​
​Depending on how many clubs are fielded each year,
leagues will have four 10-week sessions per year. In general, Fall - Sept.; Winter - Dec.; Spring - Mar.; Summer - June.
We have a winter holiday break in December. Rain delays may change the starting dates.
What's the difference
between the three leagues?
Rookies League is for advance beginners (3.0 – 3.4 rating). Premier players are all solid 3.5 players. ​Masters is for high intermediate to advance skill levels (3.5+ - 5.0).  All three leagues play Thursday mornings.
Starlight league accommodates those unable to play during the day. Skill level is intermediate to advance players (solid 3.5 - 5.0). Matches are played Tuesday evenings.
What is a line?
A doubles team plays on a “Line”.
The Masters and Starlight leagues play a proprietary format and must field 4 lines (8 women) in order of strength. In general, Line 1 players are 4.5-5.0 advanced skill levels. Line 2 compete at 4.0 (high intermediate), Line 3 players are high 3.5+ level (intermediate+) and Line 4 are solid 3.5 players (solid intermediate).
​How do you equalize teams?
​Each session we consider the win/loss record of each club. If a club is by far superior to the other clubs, or if the results indicate a high loss record, we make changes. For example: If a line 3 team has easily won over 80% of their matches, as soon as a space opens, we look move them to compete at a line 2 level. Our goal is to keep all the matches competitive and fun. A person cannot get better if she is overwhelmed by a match-up beyond her capabilities. In short: We bolster weaker clubs by melding players from other clubs as needed and available.
How is a player ranked?
​We first look at the USA Pickleball and the DUPR ratings. For those who don’t play tournaments, a rating is given by Kim Schavel and/or Jenae Alms after speaking with the player and those she plays with socially, or a physical evaluation. 
Players wishing to advance to a higher "line"  or move to a different league for the next session, will need an 80% winning record during the prior session and should contact Jenae or Kim. After a season of matches, results for each player is taken into account for possible adjustments. 
​I need a sub - whom can I ask?
​Look at the roster provided by your captain* or on this website (Rosters) for a list of substitutes and phone numbers. All Clubs may use substitutes from the Substitute Pool. Subs may not be a regular rostered player on another team in the league. If necessary, to avoid a forfeit, players from the Premier and Rookies League may play on the Masters or Starlight leagues. Substitutes must be listed on the same Line (or below) on the roster of the replaced player. A substitute can “play up” but not lower than her skill line level.
If a player is replaced within 12 hours of scheduled match you must contact the captain of the opposing team. 
​A related question we often get is "Can my friend sub with me?" Yes! We always welcome new players to sub. Make sure you have prior approval from Kim Schavel or Jenae Alms before your match date. We need to confirm her skill lever.  See “What is the procedure for getting a sub?” in the Rules and Format section.
*Rosters are password protected. Contact your captain or Jenae Alms for the password.
​What about rain-outs?
If there is a chance of rain, a message will be posted on this website home page, and the captains receive an email or text   as soon as it is determined no safe play is possible. For those traveling on Thursday mornings, a message will be sent/posted by 6:30 am the morning of. If you aren’t sure, contact the your club captain.
What is Rally Scoring?
Rally scoring is an alternate format where a point is scored at the end of each rally. The team need not be serving to be awarded a point. 
​How do I order another league shirt?
​We encourage players to wear the same color to show Club Spirit! It is not required. Shirts may be ordered prior to the beginning of each session from several vendors. Contact Jenae Alms for more information.
​How are you affiliated with Melba Bishop Pickleball Association?
Melba Bishop Pickleball Boosters Association is a sponsor of Women’s 3E League. All of our matches are played on the courts at Melba Bishop Rec Center – 5306 N River Road – Oceanside, CA 92057.