February 2026­

A Message from the CommissionerHello APPL Players! We were very excited to kick off another thrilling Winter season of APPL pickleball! This year we are proud to welcome 542 teams (up from 467 last year) and 5564 registered players – an incredible sign of how, together, we can continue to grow and expand the team-based league experience throughout Arizona. As our numbers increase, we are committed not just to getting bigger, but to getting better. Each season gives us opportunities to improve the player experience, strengthen league operations, and create a more consistent and positive environment for everyone.

An example of that will be introducing official referees at our State Championships, a step that supports fair play and enhances the championship experience for our teams. Thank you for being part of what makes APPL such a welcoming and vibrant community. Whether you’ve returned for another season or have joined us for the first time, we’re very glad you’re here — and we look forward to seeing you on the courts! All the best with the rest of the season, Greg Mather

Volunteers Needed

APPL is currently looking for volunteers in the West Valley to serve as League Coordinators for the upcoming season. League Coordinators (LCs) play an important role in supporting our teams by serving as the main link between APPL and team captains in their region. Working under the guidance of a Regional Director, LCs help ensure teams are properly registered, understand league rules, and have the information they need throughout the season. 

We are looking for volunteers who are organized, good communicators, and like working with a variety of people. If you have some free time, this is a rewarding way to give back to the APPL community. 

To indicate your interest or ask for additional information, please contact Carol Barron at carol.barron1@gmail.com.

2026 State Championships

Our APPL State Championships will be here before we know it, taking place March 28–31 at Pueblo El Mirage. Players who competed last year will notice a welcome improvement at the venue, as Pueblo El Mirage has added additional shade coverings between the courts. 

We are also pleased to share that we are hiring certified referees for all State Championship matches to help ensure they run smoothly and fairly. This will bring an added level of consistency and professionalism to our championship matches.

Captains, please remember that in order for a player to compete at the State Championships, they must have completed two full regular season matches, or one full regular season match plus one full sub-flight playoff match.

Get Social

Players, please share your photos and team spirit with all of us! Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/azpickleballplayersleague/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/arizonapickleballplayersleague We also have a private APPL Facebook Group that we encourage ALL players to join. Here is your chance to participate in the conversation, ask FAQs, share team spirit, upload your player photos and get plugged in with the APPL community online! APPL Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/arizonapickleballplayersleague

Match-Day Issues

Our league runs on something pretty special — Volunteers. Our League Coordinators, Captains, and many others who help keep things organized are unpaid and give of their time simply because they care about the league and the pickleball community. We truly enjoy supporting everyone’s ability to play, but it’s important to remember that most match-day situations are expected to be handled at the team level. Captains are the first line of leadership at every match. All teams are required to have a designated Captain and Co-Captain (Rule IV.B), plus a Captain or their designee on-site at every match (Rule VII.B).

This rule is not just a formality — it ensures that if questions, misunderstandings, or small issues come up, there is someone present with both the authority and responsibility to work through them calmly, fairly, and in a timely manner. To do this effectively, Captains (AND their designees) should be familiar with the APPL Rules that govern our matches and lead in a way that reflects our Code of Conduct. Knowing the rules, having them on hand, and confidently applying them helps ensure matches are consistent, respectful, and enjoyable for everyone involved. Strong, informed leadership at the court level is one of the biggest reasons our league maintains the positive, sportsmanlike atmosphere that helps people love playing in APPL. 

Thank you for your special contribution in keeping things running smoothly during your league play.

Nike Sponsoring Pickleball

Head Injuries

They may report:

• Headache or head pressure
• Dizziness
• Nausea
• Blurry vision
• Sensitivity to light or noise
• Feeling “foggy” or not right

What To Do Immediately:

1. Stop play. Call a medical timeout immediately.

2. Remove the player from play. If any concussion signs are present, the player must not continue playing that day.

3. Evaluate and monitor. Ask simple questions (score, what happened) and watch for worsening symptoms.

4. Seek medical care. The player should not play for the remainder of the match and should be evaluated by a licensed healthcare professional as soon as possible.

Head injuries should be taken seriously. 

Thank you for following the protocol above. It is better to be safe than sorry where injuries are concerned. We wish you a SAFE season of pickleball ahead.

Be a Great Teammate!

Brian Martin, NPL Senior Pro

Unless you are playing singles, pickleball is a team sport.  The best teams in pickleball have complimentary skills, work well together, and have a chemistry that leads to success on the court.  Playing on an APPL team takes it to another level, as not only do you have a partner who you are playing with, you also have four other teammates working towards the same goal of winning an APPL match. So, what does it take to be a good teammate?   – Be complimentary when your partner does something well. Be encouraging when they don’t.  (“That’s my partner! – Great shot! – Nice setup! – It’s all good – We got this – Pick me up partner! – I got you!”)  People want to play with positive people.  Be a good teammate and people will want to play with you! – Watch your body language!  Eliminate the sighs, the eye rolls, the shoulder sags; a player who makes a mistake has a heightened sense of negativity and doesn’t need more. – Communicate on the court. (“Yours, mine, long, bounce it,” etc…) Help your partner by communicating early and often. – Practice with others.  People are always looking for someone to practice with. Whether it’s your actual partner or another teammate, help each other improve outside of the matches by practicing together. Most people perform better when they are happy, comfortable, confident, and relaxed.  As a player on the court, are you creating an environment for your partner to succeed?  Are you supporting your other teammates by showing them that you care about their success?  As the season comes to a close, be the best player you can be, but more importantly, be the best teammate you can be.  If everyone does this, the team can truly reach their full potential!   Best of Luck as you finish the 2026 APPL season! CLICK HERE if you are interested in more tips from National Pickleball League Senior Pro Brian Martin by scheduling an APPL Team Training today!