Ratings align with familiar pickleball levels, from beginner through advanced and professional-level play.
Villages Internal Pickleball Rating
What is VIPR?
A dynamic pickleball rating system designed specifically for players in The Villages, by pickleball players in The Villages.
VIPR stands for Villages Internal Pickleball Rating. It was created for the unique mix of recreational, league, instructional, and competitive play found throughout The Villages.
Why VIPR?
The Villages is one of the world's largest pickleball communities, with well over a thousand players across every skill level. Open play, private groups, instructional programs, drill groups, leagues, and tournaments create an extraordinary range of opportunities to play.
Pickleball is usually most competitive and enjoyable when players have similar skill levels. Static rating systems require substantial volunteer effort and may not keep pace as a player's skills change. Many dynamic systems, meanwhile, are designed primarily around frequent tournament play.
Most players in The Villages are neither static nor frequent tournament players. VIPR is designed around the way this community actually plays, giving it the potential to provide more relevant and useful results.
Key aspects of VIPR
Your rating changes with recorded results, and more games provide a stronger picture of your current playing level.
Only eligible games played in The Villages are entered into VIPR.
VIPR is being evaluated in TVCPC gender ladder leagues and may later be integrated into MyPBGames for groups that choose to use it.
Benefits of VIPR
Low volatility
The maximum rating change from one game is currently limited to .02. A single score or a long break between recorded games will not cause a dramatic jump.
Local relevance
VIPR keeps eligible play in The Villages separate from outside competition, where tournament frequency and playing opportunities may differ.
Community control
The algorithm is controlled and evaluated by pickleball players in The Villages.
Transparency
The algorithm, rating trail, and future modifications will be clearly defined and explained to users.
Purpose-built ratings
Gender and mixed ratings are planned to become fully separate in the future.
VIPR is currently a pilot. Its summer evaluation will help determine how it can best support leagues and groups throughout The Villages.
Explore the rating formula and technical details