League Rules
1. League Overview
DEUCE League is a flexible, competitive league for tennis, padel, and pickleball players. Players are grouped into divisions of similar skill level and arrange matches at times and locations convenient for them over the course of a season.
1.1 Sports & League Types
DEUCE offers separate leagues for each sport: Tennis, Padel, and Pickleball. Each sport runs independently with its own divisions, standings, and scoring validation.
The following league types are available:
Open Gender Leagues — open to all players regardless of gender.
Gender-Restricted Leagues — limited to a specific gender (e.g., Women's Singles, Men's Doubles).
Mixed Doubles Leagues — teams must consist of one player of each gender.
1.2 Season Structure
Season Duration: Typically 6–10 weeks, as specified for each league.
Division Size: Approximately 6–14 players per division, depending on registrations.
Expected Matches: Players are expected to play a minimum of 6 matches per season. You are encouraged to play as many matches as you can.
Scheduling: Players arrange their own matches with opponents in their division at mutually convenient times and locations.
Season Deadline: All matches must be played on or before the last day of the season. Matches played after the season ends will not count toward standings or DMR.
Duplicate Matches: Players may not play the same opponent (or the same team in doubles) more than once per season.
1.3 Match Format
All matches are Best of 3 sets or games, depending on the sport.
Tennis & Padel Sets 1 and 2 are standard sets (first to 6 games, win by 2). If the set reaches 6–6, a standard tiebreak is played (first to 7 points, win by 2). The set score is recorded as 7–6 along with the tiebreak score.
Set 3 (Default): A 10-point match tiebreak (win by 2). Extended tiebreaks are accepted (e.g., 12–10).
Set 3 (Alternative): If both players mutually agree before the match begins, a full standard third set may be played instead. If this full third set reaches 6–6, it must be decided by a 10-point match tiebreak (win by 2).
Pickleball Each game is played to 15 points using rally scoring. If the score reaches 14–14, the game enters deuce and must be won by 2 points. Extended scores are accepted (e.g., 17–15, 22–20).
1.4 Points System
Points are awarded for each match as follows:
Participation Win: 1 point | Loss: 1 point
Per set/game won Win: 1 point each | Loss: 1 point each
Win bonus Win: 2 points | Loss: —
Maximum per match Win: 5 points | Loss: 2 points
Examples:
Win 2–0 (straight sets/games): 1 + 2 + 2 = 5 points
Win 2–1: 1 + 2 + 2 = 5 points
Loss 1–2: 1 + 1 = 2 points
Loss 0–2: 1 + 0 = 1 point
1.5 Best 6 Results System
Only your best 6 match results count toward the league standings. This ensures fairness by preventing any player from gaining an advantage simply by playing more matches.
How it works:
All wins count first. Your first 6 wins (in chronological order) are always included.
If you have fewer than 6 wins, your strongest losses fill the remaining slots. Losses are ranked by match points, then margin, then most recent date.
Maximum 6 results are counted. The maximum possible league points is 30 (6 wins × 5 points).
If you have already recorded 6 wins, you can still play additional matches. These matches will not affect your league standings but will continue to update your DMR rating and help other players complete their matches.
1.6 Rankings & Tiebreakers
Players are ranked by total points from their best 6 results. When players are tied on points, the following tiebreakers are applied in order:
Head-to-Head Record — considers all matches played between tied players during the season, not only matches counted in the Best 6.
Sets/Games Won Percentage — from Best 6 counted results only. Walkovers are excluded from this calculation as they produce no set or game data.
Games/Points Won Percentage — Tennis/Padel: total games; Pickleball: total points. From Best 6 counted results only. Walkovers are excluded from this calculation.
Alphabetical by surname.
The standings table updates automatically as matches are completed and results confirmed.
2. Player Eligibility & Registration
2.1 Age Requirement
Players must be at least 16 years old to participate in DEUCE League.
2.2 Player Profiles
All players must use their real name on their DEUCE profile. Profile photos are optional but strongly encouraged, as they help opponents identify you when meeting for the first time.
Profiles must not be used to promote businesses or services. Accounts with false, misleading, or promotional names may be suspended.
2.3 Division Placement
Players are placed into divisions based on their DMR (DEUCE Match Rating). For new players, the initial DMR is calculated from the skill questionnaire completed during registration or converted from a linked external rating (e.g., DUPR for pickleball). Your DMR updates continuously based on your match results and becomes more accurate over time. At the start of each new season, division placement is based on your current DMR at that time.
Division numbers may change between seasons as the number of players and skill distribution varies. A different division number does not necessarily mean a change in your level.
2.4 New Player Division Adjustments
New players are placed based on their initial questionnaire. However, if results from their first 2 matches clearly indicate a mismatch (e.g., they win or lose both matches by a large margin), DEUCE may move them to a more suitable division within the same season.
If a move is made, the player will be notified. Any matches already scheduled within the next 3 days should still be played, but matches beyond 3 days should be cancelled. Points earned in the original division do not carry over, but the move allows the player's DMR to stabilise faster and provides better, more enjoyable matches.
A move can also be made after just 1 match if that match was against a player with an established DMR (a player who has completed a sufficient number of matches for their rating to be considered reliable).
2.5 Account Integrity
Players who create duplicate accounts, delete and recreate accounts, or otherwise attempt to manipulate their rating to be placed in a different division will be suspended from the league and the app.
Players who submit false match scores for matches that did not take place may be immediately withdrawn from the league.
2.6 Doubles & Mixed Doubles
In doubles and mixed doubles leagues, teams are fixed for the duration of the season. Both players register together and compete as a pair throughout.
If one partner withdraws mid-season, the team is forfeited. In exceptional circumstances and at the sole discretion of the league organiser, a replacement partner may be permitted. Any such request must be raised with DEUCE support as soon as possible.
3. Match Scheduling & Confirmations
3.1 Arranging Matches
Use the in-app chat to contact opponents in your division and arrange matches. It is faster to suggest specific dates and times rather than asking if someone is free.
For faster scheduling, you can post an open match slot in your division chat with the date, time, and court you've booked. The first opponent who accepts takes the slot.
Once a match is agreed, set the date, time, and location in the app before you play. This ensures both players have a clear record of the arrangement and allows match reminders to be sent.
If you arrange a match outside the app (e.g., via WhatsApp), please still enter the date, time, and location in the app. This ensures match reminders are sent, the result submission process is triggered after the match, and both players have a clear record of the arrangement in case of any dispute.
Be proactive. Courts can be busy — it often helps to book a court first while it is available, then offer the slot to opponents in your division.
3.2 Scheduling Expectations
Respond to messages from opponents promptly, even if only to say you cannot play that week.
Aim to play at least one match per week to stay on track for 6 matches by season end.
Players must complete at least 1 match by the midpoint of the season. Failure to do so may result in withdrawal from the league (see Section 8).
If an opponent is unresponsive, do not wait — move on and arrange matches with other players in your division. If the issue persists, contact DEUCE support.
If you are injured or unable to play for an extended period during the season, please contact DEUCE support as soon as possible. You may request to be withdrawn from the league. No refunds are available once the season has started.
3.3 Court Booking & Location
Court booking fees are not included in the league entry fee. Players are responsible for arranging and paying for courts.
The preference is to play in the area where the league is based. However, players may play at any court if both parties agree.
Courts should ideally be booked for a minimum of 2 hours to allow enough time for a best of 3 match.
Be flexible with your opponents on location to make scheduling easier.
4. Results Submission & Confirmation
4.1 Submitting Results
The winner of the match is responsible for submitting the score in the app within 24 hours of the match being completed. This includes matches played on the final day of the season — the 24-hour submission window still applies, but players are encouraged to submit and confirm scores as soon as possible to allow the standings to be finalised promptly.
4.2 Score Confirmation
Once a score is submitted, the opponent has 24 hours to confirm or dispute it. If no action is taken within 24 hours, the score is automatically confirmed.
4.3 Score Disputes
If a player disputes a submitted score, both players should attempt to resolve the disagreement directly. If they cannot reach agreement, either player may contact DEUCE support, who will review the situation and make a final determination at their discretion.
To avoid score disputes, both players should confirm the final score with each other at the end of the match, and the server should call out the score clearly before every point during the match.
4.4 Score Validation
The app validates all submitted scores to ensure they follow the correct format for the sport being played. Invalid scores will be rejected and must be corrected before submission. For Tennis and Padel, this includes checking for valid set scores and requiring tiebreak scores where applicable. For Pickleball, this includes verifying that the winning player reached at least 15 points and won by 2.
Every submitted match must have a clear winner. For example, if only two sets or games are entered, the same player must have won both.
5. Forfeits, Walkovers & Rescheduling
5.1 Cancellation & Walkover Policy
A walkover is awarded when a player is unable to play a confirmed match. Walkovers should always be a last resort — it is always better to reschedule and play the match.
Walkovers can only be granted by the league organiser or DEUCE support. Players must not submit false scores (e.g., 6–0, 6–0) to record a walkover themselves. In doubles, the captain on the affected team may request a walkover on behalf of their team.
The following tiered policy applies to cancellations of confirmed matches:
More than 24 hours before the match The match should be rescheduled. No walkover is awarded. If the cancelling player has booked the court and a refund is not possible, the cancelling player should cover the full court cost or work with the opponent to find a replacement.
Between 1 and 24 hours before the match The non-cancelling player is eligible to claim a walkover, unless the cancelling player offers to reschedule and covers any court costs already incurred. If a genuine reschedule offer with full cost coverage is made, this should be accepted in the first instance.
Less than 1 hour before the match or no-show The non-cancelling player is eligible to claim a walkover. The cancelling or absent player must cover the full cost of any court booking.
5.2 Walkover Points & Rating Impact
A walkover awards 5 points to the receiving player and 0 points to the forfeiting player. Walkovers do not affect either player's DMR rating.
5.3 Lateness
If a player is more than 30 minutes late to a confirmed match, the opponent is eligible to claim a walkover.
If a player is more than 10 minutes late, the opponent may choose to enforce a lateness penalty. This penalty is optional and at the discretion of the on-time player. Please remember that unforeseen delays happen to everyone — use this option only as a last resort.
Tennis & Padel: 1 game penalty for every 10 minutes late (e.g., 20 minutes late = the match starts 0–2 in games).
Pickleball: 3 points penalty for every 10 minutes late (e.g., 20 minutes late = the first game starts 0–6 in points).
5.4 Weather Cancellations
If you believe a match may be unplayable due to weather, you must communicate this to your opponent in advance. Do not assume your opponent knows the conditions at the court location.
If the weather is borderline and one player does not wish to play while the other believes it is safe, the player who does not wish to play is under no obligation to do so. If the court provider subsequently confirms that conditions were unplayable (by issuing a refund, credit, or written confirmation), the court cost is split equally. Otherwise, the player who cancelled must cover the full court booking cost.
A match can be cancelled with less than 24 hours' notice due to bad weather if communicated and mutually agreed before the scheduled start time. Most court providers will offer a refund or credit for weather cancellations if contacted promptly.
5.5 Retired Matches
If a player retires during a match (e.g., due to injury), they are deemed to have lost the match.
The non-retiring player receives the maximum 5 points.
The retiring player receives 1 point for participation plus 1 point for each set/game they won before retiring.
A retirement counts as a completed match. It will affect both players' DMR ratings provided the match has progressed beyond a minimum threshold (for Tennis and Padel, at least 4 games must have been completed by either player; for Pickleball, at least 1 complete game must have been played). If the match is retired before reaching this threshold, DMR ratings will not be affected.
The retiring player is still responsible for their share of court booking costs.
The non-retiring player is responsible for submitting the score. Submit the score as played and contact DEUCE support to have it marked as a retirement.
5.6 Unfinished Matches
If a match cannot be completed due to time constraints, weather, or other external factors, either player can toggle the match as "Incomplete" in the app. The match must then be resumed from the exact score at which it was stopped.
Sets/games already won in an unfinished match still earn points once the match is completed.
Unfinished matches do not count toward your DMR rating until they are completed.
If a match remains unfinished at the end of the season, it is treated as not played and no points are awarded.
If a match remains unfinished due to a dispute, please contact DEUCE support as soon as possible.
6. Standings & Ratings
6.1 Live Standings
The standings table is dynamic and updates automatically as results are confirmed. It always reflects each player's current best 6 results. As players complete more matches, the system recalculates which 6 results produce the highest points total.
6.2 Division Winner
The player with the most points from their best 6 results at the end of the season is declared the Division Winner. A player must have completed a minimum of 3 matches to qualify for the Division Winner position.
6.3 DMR (DEUCE Match Rating)
Your DMR is a Glicko-2 based skill rating that reflects your true playing ability. It is separate from your league standings points.
DMR is updated after every completed match, regardless of whether that match counts toward your Best 6 standings.
Your initial DMR is calculated from the skill questionnaire completed during registration, or from a linked external rating (e.g., DUPR for pickleball).
DMR is used to place you in the appropriate division each season. It becomes more accurate as you play more matches.
Walkovers and unfinished matches do not affect your DMR.
6.4 What Happens After 6 Wins
Once you have recorded 6 wins, your Best 6 standings are set at the maximum of 30 points. Additional matches will not change your points total, but you are still encouraged to keep playing because:
Every match continues to update your DMR rating.
Your results may help other players complete their required matches.
Additional matches are used when calculating tiebreakers (head-to-head results consider all matches played, not just the Best 6).
7. Code of Conduct & Sportsmanship
DEUCE League is a friendly, competitive environment. Good sportsmanship, respect, and fair play are expected at all times.
7.1 Self-Umpiring
All matches are self-umpired. Players are responsible for making calls on their own side of the court.
If in doubt, it's NOT out. Always give your opponent the benefit of the doubt and assume the shot is in if you are unsure.
The server should call out the score clearly before every point.
If you disagree with a call, you may ask your opponent once if they are certain. If they confirm their call, it stands and play must continue.
7.2 Score Disputes During a Match
If players cannot agree on the score during play, they should calmly discuss the points or games in dispute. All points or games that both players agree on stand. Only the disputed portion should be replayed.
Tennis & Padel example If both players agree they each won 2 points in a game but disagree on who won the third, play continues from 30–30. The same principle applies to game scores — if you agree on 3–3 but disagree on who won the 7th game, the set continues from 3–3.
Pickleball example If both players agree the score reached 8–8 but disagree on who scored the next point, play continues from 8–8.
Once you have agreed on a corrected score and resumed play, you cannot go back and change your mind later in the match.
7.3 Prohibited Conduct
The following behaviour is not acceptable and may result in disciplinary action:
Profanity or offensive language directed at another player, on court or through the app.
Any form of physical contact, intimidation, or confrontation.
Sexist, racist, or discriminatory behaviour of any kind.
Deliberately submitting false scores or fabricating match results.
Repeated bad line calls or deliberate gamesmanship.
Being unresponsive to opponents' messages or persistently difficult to schedule with.
7.4 Three-Strike Conduct Policy
DEUCE takes conduct complaints seriously and applies the following escalating process. A complaint is recorded as a strike only after it has been reviewed by DEUCE and found to have merit. Complaints that are unsubstantiated, vexatious, or lacking sufficient detail will not count as a strike.
First strike: The complaint is recorded in the player's conduct file. The player is notified that a conduct complaint has been upheld and recorded.
Second strike: The player is contacted, informed of the specific nature of the complaint, and given a formal written warning.
Third strike: The player is suspended from DEUCE League for one year. Before the suspension takes effect, the player will be notified of the specific ground, given a reasonable opportunity to respond, and the decision will be communicated in writing with reasons, in accordance with the procedural requirements in the Terms of Service.
Players returning after a one-year suspension are placed on a zero-tolerance policy. Any further valid complaint will result in a permanent ban.
Immediate Suspension The following actions may result in immediate suspension without the three-strike process:
Physical abuse or threatening to use physical violence.
Verbal abuse directed at DEUCE staff or support team.
Deliberately falsifying scores or fabricating match results.
7.5 Player Safety
If you feel unsafe at any time during a match, leave the court and report the situation to DEUCE support as soon as possible. If you feel at immediate risk of harm, call the police.
Your safety is our top priority. If evidence supports that a player left due to a genuine safety concern, the match may be classified as unfinished rather than a retirement, at DEUCE's discretion.
7.6 Reporting Issues
If you experience any conduct issues, please report them to DEUCE support as soon as possible after the match. Provide as much detail as you can, including screenshots of any relevant communications.
8. Withdrawals
8.1 Automatic Withdrawal
Players may be withdrawn from the league if:
They remain unresponsive to other players in their division despite receiving multiple reminders.
They do not play at least 1 match by the midpoint of the season. If there is a genuine reason this is not possible, please contact DEUCE support before the midpoint to request an extension.
They do not pay their share of court booking fees within 7 days of a played match.
They do not cover the full court booking cost within 7 days of a no-show or late cancellation (less than 24 hours).
8.2 Effect of Withdrawal
All previously recorded match results remain in the system. Opponents keep the points they earned from those matches. The Best 6 system naturally accommodates withdrawals without requiring adjustments.
8.3 Doubles Withdrawal
If one partner in a doubles team withdraws, the team is forfeited. In exceptional circumstances, a replacement may be permitted at the league organiser's sole discretion. Contact DEUCE support immediately if this situation arises.
9. Court Costs, Equipment & Miscellaneous
9.1 Court Costs
Players must split the cost of court bookings equally. Payment should be arranged before or on the day of the match (e.g., by bank transfer). Any fees should be reimbursed promptly.
If a bank transfer has been made before the match and the match is later cancelled (e.g., due to weather), the player who booked the court must refund the other player's share within 48 hours, even if they only receive a credit from the court provider.
Important: Any player who does not cover their share of court fees within 7 days of a played match will be withdrawn from the league and may be suspended from future DEUCE leagues.
9.2 Balls
Tennis & Padel The player who books the court should also bring a can of new balls. The cost of the balls should be added to the total court booking cost and split equally between both players (or both teams in doubles).
The opponent is also encouraged to bring a can of new balls as backup. If a ball becomes dead during play, set it aside and do not mix it with playable balls.
Pickleball Players should bring pickleballs to each match. Players should agree on which ball to use before the match begins. If players cannot agree, outdoor-approved balls from a recognised manufacturer (e.g., Franklin X-40, Joola, Selkirk) are preferred. If a ball cracks or becomes unplayable during a match, replace it and continue play.
9.3 Player Responsibility
Players compete in the league at their own risk and are responsible for ensuring any courts used are safe for play.
By playing in the league, players confirm they are not aware of any medical conditions that would prevent them from participating in an active sport.
9.4 Match Format Agreements
Tennis & Padel If both players agree before a match to play a full third set instead of the default 10-point match tiebreak, this agreement cannot be changed once the match has begun.
Similarly, once you have agreed to any format variation and started playing, you cannot revert to the default.
9.5 Hindrance
If an unintentional hindrance occurs (e.g., a ball from another court rolls onto yours), a let should be played and the point replayed. In Tennis and Padel, the point is replayed from the first serve.
As matches are self-umpired, intentional hindrance cannot be called. If you believe your opponent is deliberately hindering play, you may ask them to stop. If it continues, complete the match and report the behaviour to DEUCE support.
9.6 League Organiser's Decision
The DEUCE league organiser's decision on all operational and sporting matters is final, subject to the procedural fairness requirements set out in the Terms of Service for suspensions and bans.
10. Refund Policy
10.1 General Principle
All league registration fees are non-refundable once the season has started. This applies regardless of the reason, including but not limited to injury, personal circumstances, schedule conflicts, or relocation. By registering for a DEUCE league, you acknowledge and accept this policy.
10.2 Refunds Before Season Start
If you need to withdraw before the season begins, please contact DEUCE support as soon as possible at support@deuceleague.com. Refund requests made before the season start date will be processed as follows:
Cash refund: The registration fee will be refunded minus a fixed administrative fee of RM5. Refunds will be processed within 14 days of the approved request.
Season credit: Alternatively, you may choose to receive a full credit (no deduction) that can be applied to any future DEUCE league season or a different league. Credits do not expire and are non-transferable.
10.3 No Refund After Season Start
Once the season has officially started, no refunds or credits will be issued under any circumstances. This includes situations involving injury, illness, personal commitments, relocation, dissatisfaction with division placement, or inability to schedule matches.
10.4 Withdrawal or Suspension Due to Rule Violations
Players who are withdrawn or suspended from the league due to a breach of these rules (including but not limited to conduct violations, non-payment of court fees, unresponsiveness, or any action taken under the Three-Strike Conduct Policy) are not entitled to any refund or credit.
10.5 Doubles Registrations
In doubles leagues, teams register and withdraw as a pair. If your partner withdraws from the league for any reason, no refund or credit will be issued to the remaining player. It is each team's responsibility to ensure both partners are committed for the full season before registering. In exceptional circumstances, a replacement partner may be permitted at the league organiser's sole discretion (see Section 8.3).
10.6 Season Cancellation by DEUCE
In the unlikely event that DEUCE cancels a season or a division before or during the season (e.g., due to insufficient players), all affected players will receive a full refund or full credit to the next available season, at the player's choice.
These League Rules are supplemental to and incorporated into the DEUCE Terms of Service. By participating in a DEUCE League, you agree to be bound by these League Rules in addition to the Terms of Service. In the event of any conflict between these League Rules and the Terms of Service, the Terms of Service shall prevail.
For questions or support, contact us through the app or at support@deuceleague.com