I have been into pickleball for the past two years and had my fair share of tournament experience both as a player and an organizer. Medyo disappointed lang ako na grabe ang sandbagging issue specially sa lower skill level. I've encountered intermediate and advance players playing in beginner category, and proud pa sa medal nila. Parang naging norm nalang to play one skill level lower sa tournament just to have an even playing field.
I've experienced players who got banned by their club when that player tried to warn the organizers about sandbagging attempts of another club member. I've heard of protest being disregarded and the protester being called a crybaby for making the protest. May narinig pa akong nanghihingi ng protest fee kun may protest ka sa other players. Parang stigmatized talaga ang papprotest and tinotolerate ang sandbagging. Is winning really that important to a player/club na they are willing to do dishonest acts just to secure a win? Proud pa kung ipost ng club yung coach na nanalo sa beginner category.
Nakakawalang gana lang magorganize ng tournament tapos you tried your best to even out the playing field for everyone tapos may makakalusot na isang sandbagger na sisira sa experience.