A group of Cebu-based pickleball enthusiasts has launched PickleRank Philippines (PickleRank PH), a platform designed to create a standardized local ranking system for the rapidly growing sport in the country. The initiative aims to address the lack of an official database that accurately measures player abilities, which has often led to protests in tournaments due to unfair bracketing.
Platform Leadership and Features
PickleRank PH is led by Howard and Althea Lazarte. According to Althea Lazarte, the platform was developed after recognizing the need for a structured ranking system in the local pickleball scene. The system includes two main components: personal rankings and matchmaking rankings, along with separate tournament rankings that only apply when a player joins a tournament. This prevents sandbagging, where players intentionally lower their ranks to compete in beginner categories. Tournament rankings remain static once set, ensuring fairness.
Adaptation of Global System
Lazarte explained that the system is patterned after the popular Dynamic Universal Pickleball Rating (DUPR) used worldwide but has been tweaked and adapted specifically for Filipino players. "It's good because it's global, but we need to have our own rankings in the Philippines because no one oversees it since it's global. Here at PickleRank PH, our passion is to promote the sport based on our culture," she added.
Additional Services and Partnerships
Beyond rating calculations, PickleRank PH offers tournament management services, including online registration, bracketing, payment processing, live updates, court bookings, and other community services. The platform has already been used in several tournaments, such as the recently concluded Blazing Torch and True Edge Cup, organized by Antorcha de la Libertad Lodge No. 2 and Espada de Rectitud Lodge No. 3 under The Sovereign Grand Lodge of Visayas and Mindanao–Gran Logia Soberana del Archipielago Filipino (TSGLVM-GLSdAF). To ensure impartial officiating, PickleRank PH has partnered with Bola Pickleball PH to handle tournament operations and verify player rankings.
Impact on Local Tournaments
Tournament organizer Allan Borres Delantar emphasized the benefits of the ranking system in reducing disputes. "There were many complaints based on our previous tournaments because we didn't have formal rankings. We had no basis for a player. So the ranking system is a big help for pickleball," Delantar said. However, Lazarte clarified that participation in the ranking system remains voluntary, allowing players to choose between the individual rating system or tournament-specific rankings.
