Pre Season PIL FAQs

What is the Pacific Interclub League (PIL)?

PIL is a regional, level-based interclub pickleball league connecting staffed clubs across the Pacific Northwest. Teams represent their home clubs, compete in structured seasons, and battle for a championship banner that hangs in the winning club.

• This is not drop-in.

• This is not a weekend tournament.

• This is club competition, elevated.

Who can play?

PIL is open to players who are members or regular players at participating staffed pickleball clubs.

Your club must be approved and fielding teams for you to compete.

What levels does PIL offer?

Divisions are offered at 3.0-5.0 level​. Players compete at their verified or club-approved level.

What divisions are offered?

PIL runs three seasonal formats each year:

• Season 1: 18+ Men’s & 18+ Women’s

• Season 2: 50+ Men’s & 50+ Women’s, 18+ Men’s, 18+ Women’s Doubles

• Season 3: Mixed Doubles (MXD) 50+, 18+

Each season runs approximately three months and ends with playoffs.

How does a season work?

• Teams play home and away matches

• Standings are tracked weekly

• The season ends in playoffs

• Winners earn a championship banner to hang in their club forever

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Match counts may vary slightly depending on the number of teams in each division.

What is the Rivalry Series?

When a division has a small number of teams, PIL runs a Rivalry Series format.

Instead of padding the schedule, teams face the same opponents multiple times.

This creates real storylines, adjustments, and competitive pressure.

It’s not less competition — it’s more intense competition.

How many games are in a match?

Every PIL team match includes six games guaranteed.

How are teams formed?

• Players submit interest through their club

• Clubs select captains and form teams

• Teams may be organized by:

  • Strict level, or

  • Balanced participation (depending on club preference)

All teams must be approved by their home club.

What does it cost?

Team Fee — $640 per team. Paid to your home club.

Teams roster 6–12 players, keeping individual cost low.

This covers:

• Court time

• Home match hosting

• Club operations

• Internal coordination

• Match-day support

PIL Season Pass — $8 per player

A one-time, per-season league membership that supports:

• Scheduling & standings

• League software

• Match-day operations

• Captain support

• Playoff administration

• Regional coordination

There are no per-match fees.

How do I join?

You don’t register directly with PIL.

You:

1. Complete the Player Interest Form when your club shares it

2. Your club selects and assigns teams

3. You register through your home club

What if my division has fewer teams?

Small divisions run using special formats such as:

• Double round-robin seasons

• Rivalry Series formats

• Guaranteed playoff structures

Every format is designed to deliver:

• Meaningful matches

• Fair standings

• Championship stakes

How are schedules created?

Schedules are built centrally by PIL to ensure:

• Fair home/away balance

• Travel equity

• Club availability

• Level integrity

Captains and clubs review schedules before final release.

What happens if a team can’t field players for a match?

PIL has default, reschedule, and incentive rules that encourage teams to work together to play matches whenever possible. Penalties may apply for avoidable defaults.

Can I play in multiple seasons?

Yes. Many players compete in:

• Age-based seasons

• Mixed seasons

• Multiple years

Each season requires a new Season Pass.

What do teams win?

• A 3’ × 5’ championship banner displayed at the winning club

• Regional recognition

• Bragging rights across the PNW

Is PIL affiliated with USA Pickleball or DUPR?

No. PIL is an independent league, inspired by best practices from structured racquet sport leagues, designed specifically for club-based pickleball.

Where can I learn more?

Visit your club’s PIL page or: www.pilleague.com