Box League rules

Format, points, walkovers and promotion for club box leagues run in Padel Pals.

How the app runs a league: Box Leagues for clubs.

1. Overview

The Box League is a friendly, competitive doubles league designed to give players regular matches and encourage variety in opponents and partners. Leagues are split into Men's, Ladies', and Mixed categories. Players are grouped into "boxes," and matches are played over a 4-month round.

For rotating-partner social nights, clubs can also run Americano sessions in the same app.

2. League Format

  • The league is doubles only.
  • Players are grouped by ability and category.
    View ability level descriptions
    1. Newcomer – Has never played, or has played only once or twice. Still learning the rules, scoring, and which side of the court to stand on.
    2. Beginner – Can get the ball over the net and into play some of the time, but rallies are short and often end on an unforced error rather than a deliberate shot.
    3. Improver – Sustaining longer rallies with more consistent shots, and starting to grasp why the walls and basic positioning matter, even if execution is still shaky under pressure.
    4. Lower Intermediate – Rallies are sustained comfortably at a normal pace, and there's growing control over shot direction and depth. Walls are used deliberately rather than by accident.
    5. Intermediate – Solid shot control and a real understanding of court positioning. Starting to dictate the shape of points rather than just responding to the opponent.
    6. Upper Intermediate – Plays with real confidence - lobs, angles, and net play are used with intent, and teamwork with a partner is well established rather than improvised point to point.
    7. Advanced – Strong tactical awareness and composure under pressure. Adapts game plan to the opponent rather than playing the same way every match, and rarely breaks down a rally with an unforced error.
    8. Competitive – Plays structured, deliberate points rather than reactive padel. Effective in both attack and defence, and comfortable competing in organised tournaments or leagues.
    9. Elite – Excels in every aspect of the game - technique, tactics, physicality, and precision - and competes at national or professional tournament level.

    Full player level guide - detailed descriptions, Playtomic equivalents, and what unlocks the next level. Track form and Box League badges in the app’s Stats and Badges sections.

  • Each round lasts 4 months.
  • Each pair plays every other pair in their box.
  • Top pairs may be promoted, bottom pairs relegated.

3. Box League Points

Match Format

  • Matches consist of 3 sets.
  • If the score is 1-1 after two sets, a 10-point match tiebreak is played instead of a full third set.
  • The match tiebreak is won by the first team to reach 10 points with at least a 2-point lead.

Points Scoring

  • 2–0 win (winning in straight sets): 5–1 league points
  • 2–1 win (winning with match tiebreak): 4–2 league points
  • Friendly walkover: 4–0 league points

4. Match Scheduling

  • Clubs can open shared Play times in the app so box matches have a court window. Those assignments sit on the Court Bookings board.
  • You can still use the club WhatsApp group(s) to coordinate around those windows.
  • Suggest multiple time options and provide at least 7 days' notice.
  • Contact the league admin if opponents are unresponsive.

4a. Friendly Walkovers

When is a walkover awarded?

  • Opponent doesn't show up without prior notice
  • Last-minute cancellation with no option to reschedule
  • No replies to match messages for 7+ days
  • Player withdraws without informing the coordinator

How to request a walkover:

  1. Take screenshots of WhatsApp communication
  2. Contact the League Coordinator
  3. The coordinator will review the situation and decide fairly
Walkovers are a last resort – we encourage flexibility, good communication, and community spirit wherever possible.

5. Promotion and Relegation

  • Top 1–2 pairs may be promoted
  • Bottom 1–2 pairs may be relegated

Tiebreakers:

  1. Head-to-head result
  2. Set difference
  3. Total games won

6. Player Commitment

  • Join only if committed to playing during the round
  • Notify the coordinator if unavailable
  • Pairs with zero matches and no contact may be removed

7. Substitutes and Absences

  • Subs allowed only with admin approval
  • Subs must be similar level and gender
  • If a pair withdraws, walkovers may be awarded

8. Results Submission

  • All results must be submitted via the Padel Pals app by one of the players.
  • Include the following details:
    • Set scores (e.g., 6–3, 4–6, 10–7)
    • Final result (2–0, 2–1, or walkover)
    • Date played
  • If the match reaches 1 set all, a 10-point match tiebreak should be played in place of a third set.
  • For walkovers, select Award Walkover in the app and provide a short note if asked.
  • Matches not played or submitted by the deadline will not count unless awarded as walkovers by the coordinator.

9. Fair Play

All matches should be played in good spirit. Respect your opponents and the rules. Disputes should be resolved in good faith – the league coordinator's decision is final.

10. Contact

For any issues, substitutions, or disputes, contact your club’s Box League Coordinator through the channel your club already uses. Padel Pals does not hold each club’s coordinator details.