Joining your first Link & Dink game
Join one of the core groups to find an organizer and get into the conversation. An RSVP is for a specific game. If the listing asks you to register with a facility or another organizer, finish that step too.
1. Find people you want to play with
Open Find play and look for your area and the kind of play you want. The Montgomery and Frederick rooms include New to Pickleball, Learn & Meet Others, and Compete. Read the group's description before joining; a group can have its own eligibility requirements.
Not sure where your game fits? Find your bracket. A bracket helps you find people at a similar stage. You can browse without a DUPR rating.
2. Check whether you're joining or requesting
You can read public group information before signing in. Sign in when Link & Dink asks you to join a group or RSVP to a game.
Join this group is the entry to the group. Some groups let you join directly. Others use Ask to join so the organizer can review your request. An invitation can also show Join this group.
Request sent means your group request is pending. Check its status before assuming you have access to the chat. You can withdraw a pending request if your plans change.
Joining a group and RSVPing are separate actions. A public game may let you RSVP without joining its group first; follow that game's requirements.
3. Choose a dated game
Open Sessions & RSVP on a group page, or check the community schedule. Read the actual game's date, time, court location, eligibility, fee and available spots. The schedule includes different activities, including youth programs, so choose a listing that fits you.
Nothing on the calendar yet means the group has no upcoming game shown there. It isn't a standing reservation. Ask about the next game after joining the chat, or look for another dated listing.
4. RSVP and check the result
Use the RSVP control for your game. The app may ask you to confirm that you meet its stated eligibility or skill requirement. Read it before confirming, then check the result:
- You're in confirms your Link & Dink RSVP for that game. Finish any other registration step listed.
- Request sent is a pending group request.
- Waitlist means you don't yet have a confirmed place.
- Full means that game has no available spot shown.
Some games need a minimum number of players. More to fire means they are still gathering players. Game’s on means the displayed player minimum has been reached. Recheck the event for changes before leaving.
If an action fails or its result doesn't load, refresh the game and check its status before assuming the RSVP succeeded.
5. Finish any separate registration
Some games are registered or paid for with a facility or another organizer. Follow Register with the facility, Register with host, or Finish registration when the listing shows that step.
A group join, a chat message or a Link & Dink RSVP does not replace a separate registration or payment. Check the destination's own confirmation. If registration with the organizer is still needed but there's no link, ask the organizer for it.
Fees and cancellation rules depend on the event. Read the listing and its registration terms.
Before you head to the court
Reopen the game's details. Confirm the time, location, current status and any remaining registration steps. Use the listed address or directions; ask the organizer if the meeting point or equipment arrangement is unclear.
If you can't make it, update your game RSVP and follow any separate cancellation instructions. Leaving a group is a different action from cancelling a game RSVP.
Common first-game questions
Do I need to join a chat to have a spot?
Chat membership is for staying connected. A spot depends on the game's RSVP and any separate registration requirements.
Do I need a DUPR rating?
You can browse groups and choose a bracket without one. A particular game may have its own eligibility or skill confirmation.
Is every game free?
Check the event's fee. Link & Dink lists different activities, including events registered or paid for elsewhere.
Can I just turn up because I joined the group?
Pick a dated game and check its confirmation and organizer's instructions before travelling.
What if there's no game listed?
Check the wider schedule or ask the group about its next game. A chat isn't a promise of a game at a particular time.