Standard to Intermediate grading
This is an optional, supportive pathway for Standard players who want to be assessed for Intermediate social play.
This complements our existing DUPR pathways and offers a fair, skill-focused evaluation in a friendly environment.
How it works:
Session format: 2-hour on-court grading session.
Frequency: Monthly. See OpenSports for details.
What happens: You’ll play round robin games designed to reflect Intermediate-level play.
Assessors observe core areas such as:
clear, consistent scoring
serve and return accuracy (keeping the ball in)
court positioning and moving to the non-volley zone (kitchen)
demonstrating control of a range of shots (drives, volleys, dinks, returns, backhand etc)
play in accordance with the rules of Pickleball
Contact Grading Host, Di Aitken, through OpenSports for more information.
Outcome:
If you pass your grading assessment for Intermediate level, your social grade is updated to Intermediate for NBPA social sessions.
If you’re deemed not yet ready for Intermediate level play, you’ll receive clear feedback and next steps to help you progress, with an option to return for a future grading session.
Alternatively, you can join a 2.0-2.99 DUPR rated league to build your rating over time. Once you reach a DUPR of 2.5 with 100% reliability, you can apply for an upgrade to Intermediate .
Players will be notified of their assessment outcome within 3 business days.
