Non-sanctioned tournaments may also use these sections as guidelines. Tournament Directors for non-sanctioned tournaments may be flexible with the rules for brackets 3.5 and belowthese guidelines to better fit the skills, ages, and diversity of the players. USA Pickleball enthusiastically encourages these non-sanctioned tournaments to promote the knowledge and growth of the sport, and skill development, while having fun playing pickleball.

Non-sanctioned tournaments may also use these sections as guidelines. Tournament Directors for non-sanctioned tournaments may be flexible in the use of these guidelines to better fit the skills, ages, and diversity of their players. USA Pickleball enthusiastically encourages these non-sanctioned tournaments to promote knowledge and growth of the sport, and skill development, while having fun playing pickleball

Skill levels higher then 3.5 should be following all the rules, as these players have already developed the skills necessary to follow the rules.  These players are already enjoying and growing the sport.  Players that are above a 3.5 rating, should be following the rules that define our sport.