Introduction

SmartQ is a digital queueing and court assignment system designed specifically for pickleball clubs. It eliminates the need for paddle stacking and manual queueing boards, ensures fair play, and enhances the Open Play experience with automated match assignments, large-screen displays, and voice announcements.

Key Benefits:

●      Fair and balanced player rotation

●      Reduced confusion and waiting time

●      Professional club atmosphere with branded displays

●      Data tracking for loyalty and performance

Core Features

Smart Player Assignment

SmartQ provides two powerful tools to streamline match assignments:

●      Smart Assign Button: At the start of an Open Play session, this button automatically assigns players to available courts and places others in the “Next” boxes. This ensures that all courts are filled quickly and fairly without manual intervention.

●      Mix Button: When pressed, SmartQ intelligently mixes and matches players in the “Next” and “Waiting” boxes according to the set algorithm. This prevents

repetitive pairings and ensures variety in matchups, keeping play dynamic and engaging.

Player Matching Algorithm

SmartQ uses a skill-based matching algorithm to create balanced games:

●      Each player is labeled with a skill level (beginner, intermediate, advanced, etc.).

●      The algorithm matches players of similar levels to ensure fair and competitive games.

●      The algorithm can be set to either of three mixing strategies:

a) Strict - same skill levels only,

b) Balanced - adjacent skill levels can play, and

c) Mixed - random but balanced game plays.

Users retain full control with a manual override option, allowing adjustments for requests and user preferences. This feature promotes fairness and enhances the playing experience for all participants while maintaining the user’s full control over the queueing.

Game Results Tracking

SmartQ makes record-keeping effortless:

●      After each game, scores can be input directly into the system.

●      SmartQ automatically calculates each player’s win-loss record, game duration, and number of games played.

These statistics provide valuable insights into player performance and participation, helping clubs monitor equity of play and recognize achievements.

Visual and Audible Announcements

Communication is one of SmartQ’s strongest features:

●      Visual Announcements: Match assignments may be displayed on a large screen, making it easy for players to see when and where they are scheduled to play.

●      Audible Announcements: Voice prompts announce player names and court assignments, ensuring everyone is informed even if they are away from the display.

Together, these features eliminate confusion, reduce delays, and create a professional atmosphere during Open Play sessions.

Player Database

SmartQ maintains a comprehensive database of player information:

●      Stores names, skill ratings, and participation history.

●      Tracks attendance and game records, which can be used to identify loyal players and reward them through club programs

●      Provides administrators with a clear overview of player activity, helping manage sessions more effectively.

This database is the backbone of SmartQ, enabling both fairness in assignments and long-term engagement tracking.

Customization

SmartQ allows clubs to personalize the system to reflect their identity and sponsors:

●      Club Logo: Upload your logo to appear on the large-screen display, reinforcing your brand presence during Open Play.

●      Sponsor Banners: Showcase sponsor images or messages alongside match announcements. This provides visibility for partners and helps generate revenue opportunities.

●      Themes: Adjust background colors and display styles to match your club’s branding or event theme. This creates a professional and engaging atmosphere

for players and spectators. By tailoring the look and feel of SmartQ, clubs can elevate the experience and strengthen their community identity.

Archive & Loyalty Tracking

SmartQ keeps a detailed record of player participation and game history:

●      Archiving: Completed sessions are stored for future reference. This allows administrators to review past matches, attendance, and performance data.

●      Loyalty Tracking: The system identifies frequent players by monitoring participation history. Clubs can use this data to reward loyal members with perks such as priority queueing, discounts, or recognition programs. This feature not only ensures transparency but also helps build stronger relationships with players by

acknowledging their commitment.

System Requirements

●      Internet connection for login/sign up; offline for operation

●      Laptop with modern browser (Chrome, Edge, Safari, Firefox)

●      Optional: projector or large screen TV

●      Optional: Bluetooth speaker for voice announcements

Sign In / Sign Up

●      Go to app.smartqpro.com

●      For first time users, click Sign Up and create your account.

●      Sign in with your username and password

User Interface Map

This section provides a detailed guide to the User Interface of the SmartQ web app, explaining how each tab organizes player data, match results, and session history, while the top buttons deliver quick-access tools for automated assignments and large-screen displays to ensure smooth and professional Open Play management.

Queueing Tab

This is the central worksheet for managing active play:

●      Displays all players currently waiting to be assigned.

●      Shows which players are already placed in “Next” boxes (ready for upcoming matches).

●      Allows administrators to assign players to courts quickly and fairly.

●      Provides a clear overview of session flow, ensuring no one is overlooked.

Database Tab

The foundation of SmartQ’s player management:

●      Input player names and assign skill levels.

●      Maintain a structured list of all registered players.

●      Select which players are participating in the current Meet.

●      Ensures accurate player data for fair assignments and tracking.

Game Results Tab

A dedicated table for recording match outcomes:

●      Input scores for every game played during the Meet.

●      Automatically updates player records with win-loss results.

●      Tracks game duration and number of games played.

●      Provides transparency and accountability for all matches.

Player Stats Tab

A performance-focused view of player activity:

●      Displays individual statistics such as wins, points, games played, and total play time.

●      Helps administrators monitor equity of play and identify standout performers.

Archive Tab

A historical record of past Meets:

●      Stores all game results from previous sessions.

●      Allows administrators to review attendance, performance, and trends.

●      Provides valuable data for loyalty programs and long-term club planning.

Top Gamer Tab

Recognition and loyalty tracking made simple:

●      Displays the number of Meets attended by each player.

●      Highlights consistent participants for rewards or recognition.

●      Encourages player engagement and community building.

Settings Tab

The control center for customization and management:

●      Adjust court numbers, skill level categories, and display preferences.

●      Upload logos, sponsor banners, and themes.

●      Manage administrator roles and permissions.

●      Fine-tune SmartQ to match your club’s unique needs.

Top Buttons

Quick-access functions for smooth operation:

• Smart Assign: used at the start of the Meet to automatically assign players to courts and “Next” boxes. This ensures all courts are filled quickly and fairly.
• Projector Mode: pops out the display screen for projection onto a second display (projector or flat-screen TV). This enhances communication by making match assignments visible to all players.
• End Meet: to end the Open Play meet and send its data to the Archive.
• Clear Screen: resets the screen data.

Quick Setup Guide

Step 1: On the Settings Tab, select the “Number of Courts” available for queueing under the Court Configuration section. .

Step 2: On the Database Tab, add player names and skill levels for your community by clicking the “New to Database” button. .

Step 3: On the Database Tab, select players for this Open Play meet and click “Add Selected.”

This action would put the selected players to the “Waiting Players” box on the Queueing Tab, as shown below:

In the “Waiting Players” box, the user can click the pause button to indicate which players have not arrived or not available for queueing yet. In this way, only the readily available players will be queued.

Step 4: In the Queueing Tab, the user can click the “Smart Assign” button to automatically assign players to the “Court Boxes” and “Next Boxes.”

Step 5: In the “Court Box”, click the “Start Match” button to start the timer.

Step 6: In the “Court Box”, click the blue “Speaker” icon to announce the players for that match.

Clicking the “Speaker” button will trigger the visual and audible announcement as shown below.

You may do Steps 5 & 6 for the other Court boxes.

Step 7: In the “Court Box”, click the blue “End Match” button at the end of the match. This will trigger the automatic announcement of the next players queued for

that court.

Step 8: In order to randomize the player assignment, the user may use the purple “Mix” button which can be found inside the “Waiting Players” box. This will trigger

the assignment of players to courts among players currently in the “Next Boxes #2 to #4 and the “Waiting Players” box. Note that “Next Box #1” is locked and

will not be included in the randomization.

As an option, the user can manually assign players to any box, including “Next Box #1” by click-dragging the player name to the intended box.

Settings Tab

The Settings Tab is where administrators can fine-tune SmartQ’s behavior and appearance, ensuring the system reflects the club’s identity while supporting smooth and fair Open Play management. It provides full control over display options, court setup, branding, sponsor visibility, announcements, voice settings, and data

management.

Key Functions:

Appearance

○      Choose between light or dark display themes.

○      Apply a custom color scheme to match your club’s style or event branding.

Court Configuration

○      Select the number of courts available for play.

○      Define the player matching algorithm strategy:

■      Strict: Matches players of the same skill level only.

■      Semi-Mix: Allows adjacent skill levels to play together.

■      Mix: Creates balanced teams across skill levels for variety.

Court Branding

○      Customize SmartQ with your venue or club’s name.

○      Upload your logo for display during sessions.

○      Add a header background image to reflect your club’s branding or event theme.

Sponsor Management

○      Create a carousel of sponsor or partner logos.

○      Display these logos prominently on the screen in Projector View.

○      Enhance sponsor visibility and generate value during Open Play.

Announcement

○      Create custom messages to flash on the screen in Projector View.

○      Useful for welcoming players, sharing event updates, or promoting club activities.

Text-to-Speech Announcements

○      Manage voice announcements by adjusting speech rate, pitch, volume, voice type, and style.

○      Use the Test Announcement button to preview settings before live use.

○      Ensures clear and professional communication during sessions.

Data Storage

○      Export or import complete system data, including settings, sessions, and archives.

○      Clear the Player Database when starting fresh.

○      Perform a Hard Reset of the app to restore default settings.