How do I get rated?

2.0

- Everyone starts here

2.5

- Know or learn the basic rules on Kitchen, Score, Foot Faults, and what is considered IN or OUT

- Demonstrate several different shots - serves, dinks, baseline shots, etc 

- Ask anyone on the Ratings Committee to rate you.

3.0

- Enroll in a Ratings Clinic, OR, ask the court monitor to set up a time for a committee member to observe the following skills:  

1) Consistent Serves

2) Extended play on a point

3) Starting to play the dink game

3.5

- Full testing according to the GOPB Rating Evaluation on our website.

- Take the rules test on the USAPA website and bring a copy of your results.

- Requires a minimum of 2 Ratings Committee members to test you

4.0 and above

- Must be earned in outside tournaments

GOPB 3.5 RATING PROCESS

The evaluation is broken down into two parts:

Part 1. A demonstration of your skill in executing specific shots

Part 2. Knowledge of the rules and your skill as a player in a game setting

In each part your performance will be graded with a numerical score.

A copy of the scoring worksheet is given on the GOPB website under the tab “Rating Scoresheet”.

For Part 1 (Skill), the maximum score is 160.

For Part 2 (Game Evaluation), the maximum score is 80.

So, a perfect score for the evaluation would be 240 points.

A cumulative score of 151, or higher, is required to be awarded a rating of 3.5.

The usual sequence for the evaluation is: knowledge test, shot skill evaluation and then evaluation of your performance in a game setting. An alternate sequence may be adopted if it makes more sense at the time.

Knowledge Test - This test is a fifty question, open book, multiple choice quiz on the rules of the game. The quiz can be taken in one of two ways. The preferred method is online at the USAPA website (www.USAPA.org). The Player Quiz can be accessed under the “Rules & References” tab. Upon completing the quiz, you will be emailed a copy of your test results. A copy of this email is to be presented to your rater on the day of your evaluation. In lieu of taking the quiz on line, you may use the traditional paper and pencil means of taking the quiz on the day of your evaluation. Check with your rater for a copy of the quiz.

Shot Skill Evaluation - This part tests your ability to execute a number of different shots in a practice drill setting. These shots are:

• forehand and backhand dink shots from the NVZ line, straight across the net as well as crosscourt shots (criteria – shots clearing the net at the appropriate height and landing in the NVZ) Note: it is common to demonstrate these shots with another person who is also undergoing evaluation.
• forehand and backhand soft drop shot from the NVZ line (criteria – dropping shots into the NVZ when feed shots are presented at different speeds)

May 2018 v 3.1

• forehand and backhand drop shots from the baseline (criteria – shots landing in the NVZ and in a variety of spots)
• forehand and backhand ground strokes (criteria – pace, placement, depth and control of spin)
• forehand and backhand volley from midcourt (criteria – pace, placement and depth)
• overhead shots (criteria – pace and variety of placement)
• lob shot (criteria – height, depth and placement) Note: this shot must go over a volunteer standing near the NVZ line with his paddle raised above his head.
• serves from odd and even courts (criteria – target cones will be set up 3 feet from the baseline – depth; and 3 feet inside the sideline and the centerline of the service area – placement, height and pace)
• return of serves from odd and even courts (criteria –depth [within 3 feet of baseline], placement [within 3 feet of sideline or centerline] and pace)

Evaluation of Performance in a Game - Here’s your opportunity to demonstrate your skills in a game setting. Normally you will participate in at least one doubles game and normally with other players undergoing a rating evaluation. Areas of play that will be evaluated are:

 Mobility – how well you move about the court as you cover your part of the court and set yourself for anticipated shots

 Team coordination and movement – movement in concert with your partner and communication with your partner

 Quickness – reaction to quick shots at the net

 Eye-hand coordination

 Shot variety – demonstrate as many different shots as possible; score is based on skillful execution of the full spectrum of shots, not on winning the game.

 Court awareness – shot anticipation, proper consideration for the NVZ, awareness of court boundaries

 Dink exchange at the net

At the conclusion of the evaluation, the rater will offer an explanation of the evaluation results. He will cover both your strong areas and, if you were not given the sought rating, the areas that need improvement. A copy of the completed Rating Scoresheet should be emailed to you within a few days.

Ratings Committee

Don Stanek (Chairman) 694-5176

Will Williams (Vice Chairman) 

Vicky Noakes 206-3909

Mike Rangel 478-2079

Brian Richardson 237-9366

Michelle Simpson 738-7050

Mary Williams 

Rocky Arrington 420-4791