Central Highlands Pickleball Club Rumble League Participation & Selection Policy

1. Purpose

Central Highlands Pickleball Club Incorporated (CHP) participates in and organises Rumble League events to provide members with opportunities to represent the Club in friendly interclub competition.

Rumbles are intended to combine competitive pickleball with the social, inclusive and community-focused values of CHP.

The purpose of this policy is to establish clear expectations concerning:

  • Player eligibility.

  • Expressions of Interest.

  • Player and team selection.

  • Development opportunities.

  • Player commitment.

  • Conduct when representing CHP.

  • Withdrawals and replacements.

  • Fees, cancellations and refunds.

  • Operational decisions during Rumbles.

  • The responsibilities of players representing CHP.

Participation in a CHP Rumble team is an opportunity to represent the Club and is not an automatic entitlement of membership.

2. Scope

This policy applies to CHP members who:

  • Submit an Expression of Interest for a Rumble.

  • Are selected or invited to represent CHP.

  • Participate as a reserve or replacement.

  • Act as a captain, coach, selector, organiser, Tournament Director or other authorised representative in connection with a Rumble.

It applies to CHP representative Rumbles whether they are:

  • Hosted by CHP.

  • Hosted by another club.

  • Played at a neutral venue.

  • Conducted as a single event or as part of a series or league.

3. Rumble League Principles

CHP's approach to Rumbles is based upon:

  • Fun and enjoyment.

  • Good sportsmanship.

  • Fair and competitive play.

  • Representing CHP positively.

  • Providing opportunities across the CHP playing community.

  • Supporting player development.

  • Building relationships with other pickleball clubs.

  • Creating competitive matches appropriate to the players involved.

While Rumbles are competitive events, winning is not the sole objective.

CHP may balance competitive strength with player development, participation opportunities and the overall needs of a particular event.

4. Player Eligibility

Unless otherwise approved for a particular event, a player representing CHP in a Rumble must:

  • Be a current financial member of CHP.

  • Hold a current applicable Pickleball Victoria / Pickleball Australia membership or registration where required.

  • Meet any eligibility requirements established for the particular Rumble.

  • Be eligible for the relevant division, grade or playing category.

  • Be reasonably available for the scheduled event.

  • Comply with CHP's Rules of Association, Code of Conduct and applicable Club policies.

CHP may establish additional eligibility criteria for a particular Rumble where reasonably required by the format, host club, venue or competition arrangements.

5. Expressions of Interest

CHP may invite eligible members to submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) for available Rumble positions.

Submitting an EOI:

  • Indicates that the member would like to participate.

  • Does not constitute confirmation of a position.

  • Does not guarantee selection.

  • Does not create priority based solely upon when the EOI was submitted.

  • Does not require CHP to select every person who nominates.

Members should only submit an EOI where they reasonably expect to be available to participate.

6. Rumble Selectors

For a Rumble or series of Rumbles, the CHP Committee may appoint one or more suitable people to assist with player selection.

Selectors may include:

  • Experienced players.

  • Coaches.

  • Team captains.

  • Committee members.

  • Tournament Directors.

  • Other people considered suitable for the particular event.

The composition of the selection group may vary between events.

CHP is not required to maintain a permanent selection panel or use the same selectors for every Rumble.

The Committee retains overall responsibility for CHP representative teams but may delegate the practical selection process to the appointed selectors.

7. Conflicts of Interest in Selection

CHP recognises that selectors may themselves wish to participate in Rumbles or have friendships, family relationships, coaching relationships or other connections with players who have nominated.

The existence of such a relationship does not automatically prevent a person from acting as a selector.

However, actual, potential or perceived conflicts should be appropriately managed.

Where reasonably practicable, a person should not be the sole decision-maker regarding their own selection.

A selector should disclose a material conflict that may reasonably affect a particular selection decision.

Where appropriate, another selector or authorised CHP representative may make or review the affected decision.

Conflicts will otherwise be managed consistently with the CHP Conflict of Interest Policy and Rules of Association.

8. Selection Principles

Selection is intended to create teams appropriate for the particular Rumble.

Selectors may consider factors including:

  • Playing ability.

  • DUPR rating or other available rating information.

  • Recent playing performance.

  • Appropriate division or grade.

  • Team balance.

  • Player combinations.

  • Event format.

  • Playing style.

  • Experience.

  • Reliability.

  • Availability.

  • Previous Rumble participation.

  • Opportunities already provided to a player.

  • Player development.

  • Opportunities for emerging players.

  • The strength and composition of the opposing team where known.

  • The overall objectives and needs of the particular Rumble.

No single factor is necessarily determinative.

In particular, selection is not based solely upon DUPR rating, playing ability, previous results or the order in which Expressions of Interest are received.

9. Development Opportunities

CHP recognises that representative opportunities can contribute significantly to player development.

Selectors may therefore choose to provide opportunities to developing or emerging players even where a higher-rated or more experienced player is available.

CHP may also seek to distribute opportunities across a broader group of suitable members rather than selecting the same players for every event.

This may include considering:

  • Players progressing through CHP's playing pathways.

  • Players demonstrating improvement.

  • Players moving into higher levels of competition.

  • Players who have had fewer previous representative opportunities.

  • Players considered suitable for the particular level of Rumble.

Development selection does not mean that every player is guaranteed a Rumble opportunity.

10. Selection Is Not an Entitlement

Being:

  • A CHP member.

  • An experienced player.

  • A highly rated player.

  • A previous Rumble participant.

  • A previous Rumble winner.

  • A Committee member.

  • A coach.

  • A volunteer.

  • A regular participant in CHP sessions.

does not create an automatic entitlement to selection.

Similarly, previous selection does not guarantee selection for a future Rumble.

Each event may have different requirements, opposition, divisions, player numbers and objectives.

11. Notification of Selection

Selected players will be advised through CourtFlow or another nominated CHP communication channel.

Players may be required to:

  • Confirm their availability.

  • Accept their position.

  • Complete registration.

  • Pay an applicable Rumble fee.

  • Provide information required for the event.

A position may be offered to another player where confirmation or payment is not received within a reasonable timeframe.

12. Reserves and Replacement Players

CHP may nominate reserve or replacement players.

Where a selected player withdraws or becomes unavailable, CHP may select a replacement having regard to:

  • The division or playing level required.

  • Team balance.

  • Availability.

  • Player combinations.

  • The timing of the withdrawal.

  • The needs of the event.

The replacement does not necessarily need to be the next-highest-rated player or the next person who submitted an EOI.

13. Commitment After Selection

Accepting a Rumble position represents a commitment to CHP and the other players selected for the event.

Selected players are expected to:

  • Make reasonable efforts to attend.

  • Arrive at the required time.

  • Communicate promptly if circumstances change.

  • Complete required registration or payment promptly.

  • Support their teammates.

  • Cooperate with captains and organisers.

  • Remain available for the expected duration of the event where reasonably practicable.

CHP recognises that illness, injury, emergencies and other unexpected circumstances can occur.

Where a player can no longer participate, they should advise the relevant CHP representative as soon as reasonably practicable so that a replacement can be arranged.

14. Player Conduct

Players representing CHP are expected to represent the Club positively.

Players must comply with:

  • CHP's Code of Conduct.

  • CHP's Member Protection Policy.

  • Applicable CHP policies.

  • Reasonable event and venue requirements.

  • Applicable rules of pickleball.

  • Reasonable directions from Tournament Directors, captains, referees and authorised event officials.

Players are expected to demonstrate:

  • Sportsmanship.

  • Respect.

  • Integrity.

  • Appropriate competitive behaviour.

  • Respect towards opponents and teammates.

  • Respect towards volunteers and officials.

The competitive nature of a Rumble does not excuse abusive, intimidating, threatening or unsporting behaviour.

15. Club Rules Apply On and Off the Court

CHP policies and behavioural expectations continue to apply while a player is representing the Club.

This includes relevant conduct:

  • On court.

  • Between games.

  • During team meetings.

  • Around the venue.

  • When interacting with opposition players.

  • When communicating with officials or volunteers.

  • Through Rumble-related online or digital communications.

  • At associated Club activities.

Players should remember that when wearing CHP colours or representing a CHP team, their behaviour may reasonably be associated with the Club.

16. Captains and Event Leadership

CHP may appoint a captain, team manager, Tournament Director or other authorised representative for a Rumble.

Their responsibilities may include:

  • Coordinating players.

  • Communicating event information.

  • Liaising with the opposing club.

  • Managing team arrangements.

  • Supporting players.

  • Addressing operational issues.

  • Assisting with scores and results.

  • Making reasonable decisions necessary for the operation of the event.

Players are expected to cooperate with reasonable operational directions from authorised event representatives.

17. Playing Arrangements

The Rumble format may determine:

  • Matchups.

  • Player combinations.

  • Court allocations.

  • Divisions.

  • Playing order.

  • Substitutions.

  • Scheduling.

  • Scoring arrangements.

Players are not guaranteed:

  • A particular partner.

  • A particular opponent.

  • A particular court.

  • A preferred playing order.

  • Equal playing time where the format does not provide for it.

Where the Rumble format is designed to provide substantially equal participation, CHP will endeavour to administer the event consistently with that format.

18. Withdrawal and Cancellation

Players should not accept a Rumble position unless they reasonably expect to participate.

CHP recognises that legitimate circumstances may require a player to withdraw.

Players who need to withdraw should notify CHP as early as reasonably practicable.

Repeated late withdrawal, failure to attend without reasonable notice or failure to communicate may be considered when determining selection for future Rumbles.

This is a selection consideration, not automatically a disciplinary sanction.

19. Rumble Fees and Refunds

Rumble fees may contribute towards costs including:

  • Venue hire.

  • Court hire.

  • Balls and equipment.

  • Administration.

  • Event organisation.

  • Technology and booking costs.

  • Other event expenses.

Significant planning and expenditure may occur before the Rumble takes place.

Accordingly, a change of mind, scheduling conflict or voluntary withdrawal does not automatically entitle a player to a refund or credit.

Where a player withdraws, CHP may consider:

  • Whether a replacement player can be found.

  • Whether CHP has already incurred costs.

  • The timing and reason for the withdrawal.

  • The terms applying to the particular event.

  • Whether a credit or refund is reasonable in the circumstances.

Refunds or credits may be approved by an authorised CHP representative where appropriate.

Nothing in this policy limits any entitlement a participant may have under applicable Australian law.

20. Cancellation or Changes to a Rumble

CHP or the host club may need to:

  • Change the venue.

  • Change the scheduled time.

  • Modify divisions.

  • Alter player numbers.

  • Change the playing format.

  • Postpone an event.

  • Cancel an event.

This may occur because of weather, venue availability, player numbers, safety concerns, opposition availability or other circumstances.

Where CHP cancels an event, the Committee or authorised organiser will determine the appropriate treatment of player fees having regard to amounts recoverable by CHP and applicable law.

21. Removal From a Particular Rumble

An authorised CHP representative may take reasonable action where necessary for the safe and effective operation of a Rumble.

Depending upon the circumstances, this may include requiring a player to stop participating in a particular match or event because of:

  • Unsafe behaviour.

  • Serious disruption.

  • Significant unsporting behaviour.

  • Failure to follow reasonable event directions.

  • Venue requirements.

  • An immediate safety concern.

Removal from a particular Rumble or event does not, by itself, constitute suspension or termination of CHP membership.

Where CHP subsequently proposes formal disciplinary action affecting a member's membership rights, the disciplinary procedure contained in the CHP Rules of Association must be followed.

22. Future Selection Following Conduct or Reliability Issues

Selectors may reasonably consider a player's previous Rumble conduct and reliability when making future selections.

Relevant factors may include:

  • Repeated late withdrawal.

  • Failure to attend without reasonable notice.

  • Repeated failure to communicate.

  • Serious or repeated unsporting behaviour.

  • Failure to cooperate with reasonable event arrangements.

  • Conduct materially affecting teammates or the operation of previous Rumbles.

This provision concerns suitability for representative selection and should not be used as a substitute for formal disciplinary action where such action is appropriate.

A person should not be permanently or indefinitely excluded from representative opportunities as a disguised membership sanction.

23. Selection Decisions and Complaints

CHP recognises that members may be disappointed when they are not selected.

A member may respectfully ask for clarification or feedback concerning selection.

However:

  • Selection necessarily involves judgement.

  • Reasonable people may reach different selection decisions.

  • A difference of opinion regarding player ability does not establish unfair treatment.

  • A higher DUPR rating does not automatically establish an entitlement to selection.

  • Previous selection does not guarantee future selection.

A selection decision will not ordinarily be reconsidered merely because another player believes they should have been selected.

Concerns involving an alleged breach of CHP policy, discrimination, material conflict of interest or other significant procedural issue may be raised through the appropriate CHP process.

24. Opposition Clubs and Rumble Balance

Rumbles depend upon cooperation between participating clubs.

Where reasonably practicable, CHP will work with the opposing club to establish:

  • Appropriate player numbers.

  • Suitable divisions.

  • Comparable playing levels.

  • A workable event format.

  • Fair and enjoyable competition.

CHP may adjust its team selection or playing arrangements where information about the opposing team indicates that doing so would produce a more appropriate event.

The objective is to create competitive and enjoyable matches, rather than simply selecting the strongest possible CHP team.

25. Rumble Spirit

Rumbles are intended to provide competitive pickleball without losing the social character of the sport.

CHP expects players to:

  • Compete hard but fairly.

  • Support teammates.

  • Respect opponents.

  • Welcome visiting players.

  • Celebrate good play from both sides.

  • Help create an enjoyable event.

  • Remember that the result is only one part of a successful Rumble.

CHP's reputation is determined as much by how our players behave as by the final score.

26. Relationship With Other CHP Policies

This policy should be read together with:

  • CHP Rules of Association.

  • CHP Code of Conduct.

  • CHP Member Protection Policy.

  • CHP Committee Protection Policy.

  • CHP Complaint Handling Process.

  • CHP Conflict of Interest Policy.

  • CHP Membership Policy.

  • Applicable Rumble event rules.

  • Applicable Pickleball Victoria and Pickleball Australia requirements.

27. Relationship With the Rules of Association

This policy operates subject to the Central Highlands Pickleball Club Incorporated Rules of Association and applicable law.

Nothing in this policy is intended to limit, replace or override any right, obligation or procedure established by the Rules of Association or applicable law.

Where there is any inconsistency, the Rules of Association and applicable law prevail.

28. Policy Administration

The CHP Committee is responsible for the administration of this policy.

The Committee may delegate the organisation and operation of Rumbles to appropriate volunteers, selectors, captains, Tournament Directors or other authorised representatives.

This policy will be reviewed annually or earlier where required because of:

  • Changes to the Rumble format.

  • Changes to CHP operations.

  • Member feedback.

  • Experience gained from previous Rumbles.

  • Changes to applicable governing-body requirements.

Final Principle

Representing Central Highlands Pickleball Club in the Rumble League is an opportunity to represent your teammates, your Club and the wider CHP community.

CHP wants Rumbles to be competitive, but also wants them to provide development opportunities, build relationships between clubs and give a broad range of suitable members the opportunity to represent Central Highlands.

Selection is not guaranteed and is not based on a single rating or measure.

Players who are selected are expected to bring the values of CHP with them:

Have fun. Compete fairly. Support your teammates. Respect the opposition. Represent the Club well.

Central Highlands Pickleball Club Incorporated (CHP)

Version: 1.0
Effective Date: August 2026
Last Review Date: August 2026
Responsible Body: CHP Committee
Approved by: CHP Committee
Review: Annually or as required