Rethinking 'Quality' in Pickleball
A lot of higher‑rated players today complain about the so‑called quality of players.
At BPC, we define quality differently.
Quality is about kindness, courtesy, respect, and integrity — playing in the right spirit. Too often, players with lower DUPR ratings who play fair are dismissed as 'bad quality', while higher‑rated players who are toxic, abusive, or terrible at losing dominate the court.
Coming from a corporate background, I’ve seen toxicity being rewarded and promoted. However, BPC was designed to be the exact opposite of corporate politics.
What BPC Stands For
Safe space: A place for eligible players to connect and play with like‑minded people.
Inclusivity: Ratings balance games, not exclude players. Nobody was born with a rating, so nobody has the right to complain about “quality” while being toxic themselves.
Healthy competition: Fun and competitive play is welcome, but viciousness and abuse are not.
No cliques: Toxic groupism and exclusion have no place in BPC.
My Best Pickleball Memories
Whether in Sydney or Bangalore, my favorite games have always been with players who simply wanted to enjoy an evening of fun while playing competitively. That balance — competition with connection — is what makes the sport meaningful.
The 'Rating Trap'
Many players internalize exclusion when they start out as beginners, and later try to exclude others who haven’t yet reached their level. This is toxic groupism.
The BPC promise is simple: recreation and stress relief.
We don’t promise entry into cliques formed around ratings that are temporary and dynamic. Players who attach too much importance to ratings will eventually face exclusion themselves when their performance dips.
Every player faces that moment — a grounding where pride takes a fall and humility becomes inevitable.
BPC’s Approach To Inclusivity
We don’t subscribe to false notions of 'player supremacy'. Irrespective of their DUPR rating, every intermediate-level player gets an equal shot to play and improve. We maintain soft thresholds for experienced intermediate players and offer memberships to those aspiring to climb higher.
BPC has stopped hosting tournaments because player comparison, rating pressures, and cash prizes often overshadow fun and connection. Personally, I enjoy tournaments most when paired with new partners, get to meet new people and share the broader pickleball community experience.
I wish the tournament scene would return to the way it was in 2024–25: a handful of quality events instead of constant weekly competitions. But the landscape has changed, and one must move with the times.
The Future of BPC
Games will continue every week with new hosts, new players, and possibly new venues. Wherever we play, the community will remain strong because our values are rooted in diversity, inclusion, and collaboration.
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