APPL Players,

A couple of weeks ago, the 2026 APPL indexes were updated on the APPL website, along with important information that was sent to all APPL players regarding appeals and team formation requirements. (posted under News on the APPL website: April 23, Ratings & New Team formation Rules ). 

 When the APPL rating system was introduced three years ago, we recognized that it would take time to fully calibrate. The rating review (appeals) process was always intended to be temporary—not a permanent component of the system.  As the system continues to mature, APPL’s goal is to fully transition to index-based placement by the 2028 season. The updates implemented this year are an important step in that direction.

The following outlines the 2027 Fast Track Appeal and other important processes:

Fast Track Appeals (2027 Winter Season)

Available beginning July 2026

Eligibility Requirements:

  1. Your APPL Index is within 0.10 of the higher skill level

    (Examples: Index of 3.40 appealing up to 3.5 or 2.90 appealing up to 3

AND

  1. You competed at the requested skill level during the 2026 season and played a minimum of one match

If Approved:

  1. Your roster rating will be adjusted to the approved level 
  2. However, your individual index will stay the same

Important Notes:

  1. Players may only compete at the approved skill level
  2. Players will not be eligible to play as an exception at another skill level 
  3. Downward appeals are not permitted 
  4. The Fast Track Appeal process will be discontinued after the 2027 season 

Player Consideration Examples:

  1. A player with an index of 3.44 who does not fast track to 3.5 may play on a 3.0 team and play as an exception player on a 3.5 team. This provides flexibility to participate at both levels. 
  2. A player who chooses to fast track to the 3.5 level will be restricted to playing exclusively on a 3.5 team.

Standard Appeals (2027 Season)

  1. The standard appeals process, including medical appeals, has been discontinued 

Special Circumstances

In rare and exceptional situations, requests may be submitted for review by contacting: 

  1. East Valley Region: Deb Albert deb.pickleball@gmail.com; Josh Cohen joshcohen2011@hotmail.com
  2. West Valley Region:   APPLWVR2027@gmail.com
  3. Southern Region: Jan Garcia jangarcia1000@gmail.com  
  4. Casa Granda Region: Jan Garcia jangarcia1000@gmail.com  

Regional Playoffs and State Tournament Results

  1. As a reminder, results from the Regional Playoffs and State Tournament will be included in each player’s index calculation at the end of each APPL season. 

New APPL Players

  1. Must complete the self-rating questionnaire on the APPL website prior to team placement 

Returning Players (Inactive for Multiple Years)

  1. Will re-enter APPL at their last recorded index 
  2. Prior regional and state participation will be included 

We appreciate your patience as these updates are implemented and look forward to a successful 2027 season.