IN or OUT Guide

Everything you need to know to organize amazing pickleball games

IN or OUT is the easiest way to organize pickleball games. Create games in seconds, let players sign up with one click, and manage everything through SMS - no apps or login required.

Click any section below to learn more about that topic

🎯 Game Modes Explained

First-Come First-Served vs Waitlist Mode - which to choose and why

🚀 Creating a Game

Step-by-step guide to setting up games and sharing with players

👥 Managing Your Game

How to promote, move, and remove players with SMS notifications

📱 SMS Messages

See exactly what messages players receive for every action

🎮 Player Experience

What players see when they join your games

💡 FAQs

Best practices and advanced features to run smooth games

🎯

Game Modes Explained

IN or OUT offers two distinct registration modes that give you completely different levels of control over who joins your game. Choose the right one based on your event type and how you want to manage players.

⚡

First Come First Serve Mode

Transparent, instant joining with automatic waitlist management

🔄 How Players Join

  1. 1
    Players click your game link and see all current players listed by name - complete transparency
  2. 2
    If spots are available, players instantly join and get SMS confirmation with their player number
  3. 3
    When full, new players go to waitlist with position shown (e.g., "You are #3 on the waitlist")
  4. 4
    Cancellations automatically promote the next person with instant SMS notification

👀 What Players See

  • Full player list: Names of everyone currently confirmed
  • Real-time availability: "2 spots available" or "Game is full - join waitlist"
  • Instant feedback: Immediate confirmation or waitlist position
  • Transparent process: Can see exactly who's playing

⚙️ How You Manage It

Your management interface will typically show:

  • Confirmed Players: Full roster (4/4 players)
  • Waitlist: Small overflow (1-2 people waiting)
  • Your role: Monitor and handle exceptions
  • System does: All automatic promotions and notifications

See detailed management examples in the "Managing Your Game" section →

📱 Organizer Notifications

You can choose to receive SMS alerts for:

  • Someone joins: "Mike Chen just joined your game. 1 spot remaining."
  • Game becomes full: "Your game is now FULL! All 4 spots taken."
  • Someone cancels: "Mike Chen cancelled. 1 spot now available."
  • One spot left: "Only 1 spot remaining!"
  • Waitlist starts: "First person added to waitlist."

💡 Perfect for:

Regular club games, casual meetups, open community events, recurring weekly games. Creates excitement as players watch the game fill up. Fair, transparent, and requires minimal management from you.

⏳

Waitlist Mode (Application-Based)

Complete control over player selection with private applications

🔄 How Players Join

  1. 1
    Players click your link but cannot see who else applied - completely private process
  2. 2
    Everyone goes to your private waitlist (even if spots available) - no automatic confirmation
  3. 3
    You manually review all applications and strategically select players
  4. 4
    Selected players get promoted with one click - you control timing and selection

👀 What Players See

  • Game details only: Location, time, duration - no player information
  • Application notice: "The organizer will review applications and select players"
  • No visibility: Can't see who else applied or how many spots are left
  • Patient waiting: Players expect this to be a selection process

⚙️ How You Manage It

Your management interface will typically show:

  • Confirmed Players: Just you initially (1/4 players)
  • Waitlist: All applicants waiting for your decision (4+ people)
  • Your role: Strategic team curation and selection
  • You control: Every promotion, timing, and decision

See detailed management examples in the "Managing Your Game" section →

🎯 Strategic Selection Process

With Waitlist mode, you can:

  • Balance skill levels: Mix beginners with experienced players
  • Consider personalities: Choose players who work well together
  • Time your decisions: No rush - select when you're ready
  • Maintain privacy: Players can't see who else wants to play
  • Handle VIPs: Ensure certain people get priority

📱 Communication Strategy

Best practices for Waitlist mode:

  • Set expectations: Let players know selection may take time
  • Send updates: "Still reviewing applications - decisions by Friday"
  • Be selective: Players understand this is curated, not first-come
  • Communicate changes: If you need to adjust selection criteria

💡 Perfect for:

Competitive tournaments, skill-level specific games, private group events, exclusive gatherings, team balancing scenarios. Complete control over team composition and player selection with privacy.

🚀

Creating Your First Game

Now that you understand the game modes, let's create your first game! The setup process is mostly the same - you'll choose your mode and set your preferences.

📝

Basic Game Setup (Both Modes)

Core steps that are the same regardless of which mode you choose

🏗️ Fill Out Game Details

  1. 1
    Location & Court: Enter venue name and specific court number if needed
  2. 2
    Your Info: Name and phone number for organizer SMS notifications
  3. 3
    Date & Time: When your game starts (duration defaults to 90 minutes)
  4. 4
    Player Count: How many total players needed (includes yourself if you're playing)
  5. 5
    Optional Message: Any special instructions or equipment notes

📱 What You Get After Creating

Your Confirmation SMS:

You receive:
Your pickleball game at Oak Park Courts on Sat, Jan 25 at 2:00 PM has been created! Reply "1" for management link or "2" for game details.

Ready-to-Send Invitation:

🏓 Join our pickleball game!

📍 Location: Oak Park Courts
📅 Date: Saturday, January 25, 2025
⏰ Time: 2:00 PM
⏱️ Duration: 90 minutes
👥 Spots: 4 players needed

🎯 Let us know if you're IN or OUT by clicking the link below:
https://inorout.club/game.html?id=abc123

First 4 are in.

See you on the court!🏓
⚡

First Come First Serve Setup

Quick setup for automatic, transparent games

⚙️ Mode-Specific Choices

  1. 1
    Select "First Come First Serve" - players will see each other and join automatically
  2. 2
    Set Organizer Notifications: Recommended - Game Full, Someone Cancels
  3. 3
    Optional Alerts: Someone Joins, One Spot Left, Waitlist Starts

🎯 What Happens Next

  • Players see transparency: Complete player list and real-time availability
  • Automatic flow: Players join instantly, overflow goes to waitlist
  • Auto-promotion: Cancellations immediately promote next person
  • Your role: Monitor, communicate, handle exceptions only

📤 Sharing Your Game

Your invitation message will include:

📋 First Come First Serve Invitation Features:

"First X are in" - Clear fairness message
Transparency promise: Players know they'll see who's playing
Immediate confirmation: Join now, confirmed instantly

⏳

Waitlist Mode Setup

Setup for curated, application-based games

⚙️ Mode-Specific Choices

  1. 1
    Select "Waitlist Mode" - all players will apply and wait for your selection
  2. 2
    Set Organizer Notifications: Recommended - Someone Joins (to track applications)
  3. 3
    Consider Timeline: Plan when you'll review applications and make selections

🎯 What Happens Next

  • Private applications: Players can't see who else applied
  • All to waitlist: Everyone waits for your manual selection
  • Strategic control: You review and choose your ideal team
  • Your role: Active curation, selection timing, communication

📤 Sharing Your Game

Your invitation message will include:

📋 Waitlist Mode Invitation Features:

"Organizer will select players" - Sets expectation for review process
Application language: Players understand this isn't first-come
Selection timeline: Consider adding when decisions will be made

💡 Pro Tips for Waitlist Mode

  • Set expectations: Let applicants know your timeline
  • Communicate criteria: If skill level matters, mention it
  • Plan your process: How will you decide who gets in?
  • Send updates: Keep applicants informed if selection takes time

🎉 You're Ready to Go!

Once you've created your game, copy the invitation message and send it to your group via text, email, or social media. Players will click the link and experience the mode you've chosen.

🔗 Quick Access Reminders:

Reply "1" to any SMS from your game to get your management link
Check "My Games" if you created it on this device

⚙️

Managing Your Game

Your management link is your control center for the game. This special URL gives you complete control over your game - promote players, send messages, edit details, and monitor everything in real-time. Only you have access to this link, and it's how you'll handle all organizer tasks from start to finish.

🎮 What You Can Do With Your Management Link:

Player Control: Promote from waitlist, move to waitlist, remove players entirely
Communication: Send announcements, weather updates, location changes
Game Updates: Edit time, location, court details, player count
Real-Time Monitoring: See who's confirmed, waitlisted, and recent activity

🔗

Finding Your Management Link

Multiple ways to access your game management dashboard

💻 Method 1: "My Games" Page (Recommended)

The easiest way if you're on the same device where you created the game:

  1. 1
    Go to IN or OUT website on the same device you used to create the game
  2. 2
    Click "My Games" in the navigation menu
  3. 3
    Find your game in the list and click "Manage"

✅ Why This is Best:

Always available: No need to find old text messages
One-click access: Direct link to your management dashboard
See all games: Manage multiple games from one place

📱 Method 2: Text Message

If you're on a different device or "My Games" isn't available:

  1. 1
    Text +1 (970) 610-1003 with "1" OR reply "1" to any SMS you received about your game
  2. 2
    Get instant link: You'll immediately receive your management URL via SMS

Example Text Exchange:

You send to +1 (970) 610-1003:
1
You receive:
🎯 MANAGE your pickleball game at Oak Park Courts on Sat, Jan 25: https://inorout.club/manage?id=abc123&key=xyz789

💡 Pro Tip:

Save the number: Add +1 (970) 610-1003 to your contacts as "IN or OUT Support" for easy access to manage any future games!

🆘 Method 3: Contact Support

If none of the above work:

📞 What to Include When Contacting Support:

Your phone number: The one you used when creating the game
Game details: Date, time, location name

💡 Access Tips

  • Use same device: "My Games" works best on the device where you created the game
  • Multiple devices: Use the SMS method to get the link on different devices
⚡

First Come First Serve Management

Players automatically fill confirmed spots, overflow goes to waitlist

🔄 How It Works

  • Spots available: Players go directly to "Confirmed Players"
  • Game full: New players go to "Waitlist"
  • Someone cancels: First waitlisted player auto-promotes
  • Your role: Monitor and handle exceptions

👥 What You See (Typical First Come First Serve Game)

Your Management Dashboard:

✅ Confirmed Players (4/4):

Sarah Johnson (Organizer)
⏳ TO WAITLIST
❌ REMOVE
Mike Chen
⏳ TO WAITLIST
❌ REMOVE
Emma Davis
⏳ TO WAITLIST
❌ REMOVE
Lisa Park
⏳ TO WAITLIST
❌ REMOVE

⏳ Waitlist (1 player):

Alex Rodriguez
✅ PROMOTE
❌ REMOVE

Most players went straight to confirmed - only overflow on waitlist

🎯 Your Management Focus

🔧 Key Actions:

Monitor automatically: System handles most flow
Handle exceptions: Remove no-shows, move problem players
Communicate changes: Weather updates, court changes

⏳

Waitlist Mode Management

All players start in waitlist - you manually select who gets confirmed

🔄 How It Works

  • Everyone starts waitlisted: Even when spots are available
  • No automatic confirmation: You control every decision
  • Manual promotion: Click "PROMOTE" to confirm players
  • Your role: Strategic team curation

👥 What You See (Typical Waitlist Mode Game)

Your Management Dashboard:

✅ Confirmed Players (1/4):

Sarah Johnson (Organizer)
⏳ TO WAITLIST
❌ REMOVE

⏳ Waitlist (4 players):

Mike Chen
✅ PROMOTE
❌ REMOVE
Emma Davis
✅ PROMOTE
❌ REMOVE
Alex Rodriguez
✅ PROMOTE
❌ REMOVE
Lisa Park
✅ PROMOTE
❌ REMOVE

Everyone (except organizer) waits for your decision to promote

🎯 Your Management Focus

🧠 Strategic Selection:

Review applications: Consider all candidates carefully
Curate strategically: Balance skills, personalities, timing
Control timing: No rush - select when you're ready

🛠️

Universal Management Tools

Same powerful tools work in both modes

⚡ Player Management Actions

  • PROMOTE: Move player from waitlist to confirmed spots
  • TO WAITLIST: Move confirmed player back to waitlist
  • REMOVE: Delete player from game entirely (they get notified)
  • Add manually: Include friends without smartphones or online registration

📝 Game Management Actions

  • Edit game details: Change time, location, court number, duration
  • Update player count: Increase or decrease spots needed
  • Change notifications: Adjust which alerts you receive
  • Cancel game: End the game and notify all players

📢 Communication Tools

  • Send announcements: Custom messages to all players, confirmed only, or waitlist only
  • Weather updates: Quick templates for common situations
  • Location changes: Inform players about court or venue changes
  • Equipment reminders: Tell players what to bring

📊 Monitoring Your Game

Your management dashboard shows:

  • Real-time player count: Confirmed players vs total needed
  • Waitlist status: How many people are waiting
  • Player contact info: Names and phone numbers for coordination
  • Game details: Time, location, and all settings at a glance
  • Recent activity: Who joined, canceled, or was promoted recently

🔒 Management Link Security

🛡️ Keep Your Link Safe:

Don't share publicly: Only you should have the management link
No expiration: Link works until after your game is over
Unique to your game: Each game has its own management URL

📱

SMS Message Flows

See exactly what SMS messages players and organizers receive in each scenario. Each mode has its own flow, plus universal messages that work for both.

⚡

First-Come First-Served Flow

Transparent, instant joining with automatic waitlist management

1️⃣ Player Joins (Spot Available)

Player receives:
You're confirmed for Pickleball at Oak Park Courts on Sat, Jan 25 at 2:00 PM! You are Player 3 of 4. Reply 2 for game details or 9 to cancel.

2️⃣ Player Joins (Game Full → Waitlist)

Player receives:
You've been added to the waitlist for Pickleball at Oak Park Courts. You are #2 on the waitlist. We'll notify you if a spot opens up! Reply 2 for game details or 9 to cancel.

3️⃣ Someone Cancels → Auto-Promotion

Next waitlisted player receives:
Good news! You've been promoted from the waitlist to confirmed for the pickleball game at Oak Park Courts on Sat, Jan 25 at 2:00 PM! You are Player 4 of 4. Reply 2 for details or 9 to cancel.
⏳

Waitlist Mode Flow

Application-based system with manual player selection

1️⃣ Player Applies

Player receives:
Thanks for signing up for Pickleball at Oak Park Courts on Sat, Jan 25 at 2:00 PM! The organizer will review applications and select players. You'll be notified if selected. Reply 9 to cancel your application.

2️⃣ Organizer Selects Player

Selected player receives:
Great news! You've been promoted from the waitlist to confirmed for the pickleball game at Oak Park Courts on Sat, Jan 25 at 2:00 PM! You are Player 4 of 4. Reply 2 for details or 9 to cancel.
📢

Universal Messages

Messages that work the same in both registration modes

⏰ 24-Hour Reminder

All confirmed players receive:
🏓 Reminder: Your pickleball game is tomorrow at 2:00 PM at Oak Park Courts. Looking forward to seeing you! Reply 2 for details or 9 to cancel.

❌ "I'm Out" Response

Player receives:
Thanks for letting us know you can't make the pickleball game at Oak Park Courts on Sat, Jan 25 at 2:00 PM. We appreciate the heads up!

📢 Custom Announcements

Example organizer message:
Weather looks perfect for tomorrow! Bring sunscreen and extra water. Court 3 has new nets!
🎯

Organizer Notifications

Optional alerts you can receive to stay updated on your game

Player joins:
🎯 HOST ALERT: Mike Chen just joined your pickleball game at Oak Park Courts on Sat, Jan 25. 1 spot remaining.
Game becomes full:
🎯 HOST ALERT: Your pickleball game at Oak Park Courts on Sat, Jan 25 is now FULL! All 4 spots are taken.
Player cancels:
🎯 HOST ALERT: Mike Chen cancelled their spot for your pickleball game at Oak Park Courts on Sat, Jan 25. 1 spot now available.
🎮

What Players See

Understanding what players experience helps you choose the right mode and set proper expectations. Here's exactly what happens when someone clicks your game link.

⚡

First Come First Serve Experience

Complete transparency with instant confirmation or waitlist placement

👀 What Players See

  • Full player list: Names of everyone currently confirmed
  • Real-time availability: "2 spots available" or "Game is full - join waitlist"
  • Current roster: Sarah Johnson (Organizer), Mike Chen, Emma Davis...
  • Instant feedback: Immediate confirmation or waitlist position

🔄 Player Journey

  1. 1
    Click link: See complete game interface with all player names visible
  2. 2
    Check availability: "1 spot available" or "Game is full - join waitlist"
  3. 3
    Enter details: Name and phone number in simple form
  4. 4
    Click "COUNT ME IN!" - or select "OUT" if they can't make it
  5. 5
    Instant result: Confirmed spot or waitlist position with SMS confirmation

📱 Interface Example

First Come First Serve - Player's View:

🏓 Pickleball Game

Join the fun on the court

📍 Location: Oak Park Courts
📅 Date: Saturday, January 25, 2025
⏰ Time: 2:00 PM
⏱️ Duration: 90 minutes

👥 Players

1 spot available
  • Sarah Johnson (Organizer)
  • Mike Chen
  • Emma Davis

🏓 Join This Game

COUNT ME IN!
OUT

Full transparency - players see exactly who's playing and how many spots are left

Why Players Love This Mode:

Transparency builds trust: They see who's playing
Instant gratification: Immediate confirmation or clear waitlist position
Fair process: First-come basis is universally understood
Social proof: Seeing others join encourages participation

⏳

Waitlist Mode Experience

Private application process with organizer selection

👀 What Players See

  • Game details only: Location, time, duration - no player information
  • Application notice: "The organizer will review applications and select players"
  • No player visibility: Can't see who else applied or how many spots are left
  • Selection process: Clear expectation that this isn't first-come

🔄 Player Journey

  1. 1
    Click link: See game details but no player list or availability count
  2. 2
    Read application notice: Understand this is a selection process
  3. 3
    Enter details: Name and phone number for organizer review
  4. 4
    Click "SUBMIT APPLICATION" - or select "OUT" if not interested
  5. 5
    Wait for selection: SMS confirmation that application was received

📱 Interface Example

Waitlist Mode - Player's View:

🏓 Pickleball Game

Join the fun on the court

📍 Location: Oak Park Courts
📅 Date: Saturday, January 25, 2025
⏰ Time: 2:00 PM
⏱️ Duration: 90 minutes

📝 Application-Based Registration

The organizer will review all applications and select players.

You'll be notified if you're selected for this game.

📝 Apply for This Game

SUBMIT APPLICATION
OUT

No player information visible - private application process

Player Expectations in Waitlist Mode:

Understand it's curated: Not just first-come, but selective
Patient waiting: Expect time for organizer to review and decide
Private process: Can't see competition or game status
Quality over speed: Value being selected over instant confirmation

🛠️

Universal Player Features

Features that work the same regardless of registration mode

💬 Interactive SMS Commands

After joining, players can interact with your game via SMS replies:

  1. 2
    Reply "2": Get complete game details, location, and player info
  2. 9
    Reply "9": Cancel registration and free up their spot
  3. 📱
    Reply "STOP": Opt out of all SMS notifications
  4. ❓
    Reply "HELP": Get information about available commands

📅 Game Updates

Players automatically receive:

  • 24-hour reminders: Automatic notification the day before
  • Organizer announcements: Weather updates, court changes, etc.
  • Status changes: Promotion from waitlist, game cancellations
  • Confirmation messages: Immediate feedback on their actions

🎮 "I'm Out" Option

Both modes include an "OUT" button that:

📱 Smart "Out" Feature:

Records unavailability: Lets organizer know they can't make it
Prevents reminder spam: Won't get pestered if game needs players
Courteous communication: Better than just not responding
No waitlist needed: Clear "no" instead of false hope

❓

Frequently Asked Questions

Get answers to the most common questions about using IN or OUT. From setup to troubleshooting, we've got you covered.

🚀

Game Setup and Creation

Questions about creating and configuring your games

📱 Which organizer notifications should I choose?

Recommended for beginners:
  • Game becomes full: Always helpful to know you're set
  • Someone cancels: Critical for finding last-minute replacements
Optional notifications:
  • Someone joins: Only if you like frequent updates (can be a lot of texts)
  • One spot left: Skip this if you already get "Someone joins"
  • Waitlist starts: Useful if you want to know when overflow begins

👤 Should I include myself in the player count?

Yes, if you're playing, include yourself in the total. When you create the game, check "I will be playing in this game" and count yourself. For example, if you need 4 total players including yourself, set the player count to 4. You'll automatically be added as Player 1.

📅 Can I edit game details after creating?

Yes! You can edit most game details anytime:
  • Location and court number
  • Date and time
  • Duration
  • Number of players needed
  • Optional message
  • Your notification preferences
Cannot be changed: Registration mode (First Come First Serve vs Waitlist)

🔗 How do I share my game with players?

After creating your game, you'll get a "Copy Invitation Message" button that creates a complete invitation including:
  • All game details (location, time, duration)
  • The registration link
  • Clear instructions for players
  • Mode-appropriate messaging
You can paste this complete message into texts, emails, social media, or any messaging app.

🏟️ What's the court number field for?

Use this to specify which court(s) at your location. Examples: "Court 3", "Courts 1-2", "Center Court", "Pickleball Courts A&B". This helps players find you at venues with multiple courts. It's optional but very helpful at larger facilities.
⚙️

Game Management

Questions about managing players and running your games

📱 How do I get my management link?

Try these methods in order:
  1. 1
    Check "My Games": On the same device and browser where you created the game, click "My Games" in the navigation
  2. 2
    Text "1": Reply "1" to any SMS you received about your game - you'll get the management link instantly
  3. 3
    Contact IN or OUT: If the above don't work, reach out to IN or OUT support with your game details

🔄 What's the difference between "Promote" and "Remove"?

Promote: Moves a player from waitlist to confirmed spots. They get an SMS saying they're now confirmed.

Remove: Completely deletes a player from the game. They get notified they've been removed and won't receive any more notifications about this game.

To Waitlist: Moves a confirmed player back to the waitlist (useful if you need to make room for someone else).

👥 Can I add players manually?

Yes! Use the "Add Player Manually" section in your management interface. This is perfect for:
  • Friends who don't use smartphones
  • Players who prefer not to use the online system
  • Last-minute additions you want to include
You can add them directly to confirmed spots or to the waitlist, with or without phone numbers.

📢 How do I send announcements to players?

Go to the "Communication" tab in your management interface. You can:
  • Send custom messages to all players, just confirmed players, or just waitlisted players
  • Use quick messages like game reminders or location details
  • Send updates about weather, court changes, or equipment needs
All messages go out as SMS and include your game details for context.

❌ What happens when I remove a player?

If you remove a confirmed player:
  1. They get an SMS saying they've been removed from the game
  2. If there's a waitlist, the first person automatically gets promoted
  3. The promoted person gets an SMS saying they're now confirmed
If you remove a waitlisted player: They just get notified of removal and everyone else moves up one position.

🚫 How do I cancel my entire game?

In your management interface, go to "Game Actions" tab and click "Cancel This Game". You can include a reason (like "Weather conditions" or "Court unavailable"). All players will automatically receive an SMS notification about the cancellation with your reason.
🔧

Troubleshooting

Solutions to common problems and technical issues

📱 Players aren't getting SMS messages - what's wrong?

Check these common issues:
  • Phone number format: Make sure numbers include area codes (555) 123-4567
  • International numbers: May not be supported depending on your location
  • Carrier blocking: Some carriers block automated messages - ask players to check spam
  • STOP commands: If a player previously replied "STOP", they won't get messages
Solution: Have players text "START" to re-enable SMS if they previously opted out.

⏰ I need to change the game time - what should I do?

Here's the best process:
  1. 1
    Edit game details: Update the time in your management interface
  2. 2
    Send announcement: Immediately notify all players about the time change
  3. 3
    Monitor responses: Watch for cancellations due to the new time
Note: Time changes often cause cancellations, so be prepared to promote from waitlist or find replacements.

🤔 Players are confused about the registration process - help!

For First Come First Serve: Emphasize that it's "first X are in" and they'll see who else is playing.

For Waitlist Mode: Clearly communicate that you'll be selecting players and include your timeline.

Common clarifications to include:
  • "Click the link to join - don't just reply to this message"
  • "You'll get a confirmation text when you register"
  • "Reply '2' to any text about the game for details"
  • "Reply '9' to any text to cancel your spot"

🚫 Someone wants off the waitlist but can't figure out how

Tell them to:
  1. Reply "9" to any SMS they received about the game
  2. Or click "OUT" if they go back to the game link
  3. Or ask you to remove them - you can do it from your management interface
They'll get a confirmation SMS that they've been removed from the game.

📞 What if I need to contact IN or OUT support?

When contacting support, include:
  • Your phone number (organizer)
  • Specific problem you're experiencing
  • What you've already tried
This helps support find your game quickly and resolve issues faster.
Ready to create your first game?
🚀 Create Game Now