New Jersey's All State Pickleball League: Bridging the Gap Between Recreational and Competitive Play for Everyday Players

The All State Pickleball League is the first statewide pickleball league for the average player in New Jersey. The league uses public parks and private facilities to bring the sport to those more interested in weekly league play than high-level, high-stakes tournaments. Cofounders Stephen Conger, Michele Dabal, and Tracie Holmes started the league to bridge the gap between recreational and competitive pickleball players. The league had a successful inaugural season in fall 2022, with 66 teams and approximately 700 players competing in the 3.0, 3.5, and 4.0 divisions. The league’s success has continued, with 100 teams and 1,000 players expected for the upcoming spring season.

The league’s format is successful, and lack of court space is the only factor that has held back growth. The team captains recruit players whom they are certain can play throughout a 10- to 12-week schedule, and each team is capped at 12 players who are slotted in divisions based on skill levels. Operating costs are covered by annual fees of $30 per player.

The team captains usually secure the sites, and the league is able to get certificates of insurance through the (USA Pickleball) club membership and get that location covered.

The league is preparing for future growth and the possibility of becoming a nationwide league with one league in each state, culminating in regional and national tournaments. The founders believe that the pickleball enthusiasm has not yet peaked, and they are excited about the league's potential for growth.

https://usapickleball.org/news/all-state-pickleball-league-brings-competititve-play-to-everyday-players-in-the-garden-state/