1. Tournament Overview

This Pickleball Tournament is structured to ensure fair competition, efficient match flow, and optimal court utilization. The event will utilize eight (8) courts, with one (1) court assigned per bracket during the elimination stage. Each court will be supervised by two (2) assigned umpires to ensure proper officiating, accurate scorekeeping, and enforcement of tournament rules.

2. Tournament Format

• The tournament will feature a maximum of 40 teams, divided into 8 brackets with 5 teams per bracket.
• Each bracket will follow a round robin format, ensuring all teams play a minimum of four (4) matches.
• The Top 2 teams from each bracket will advance to the Round of 16, transitioning into a single elimination format.

3. Match System

• Matches will adopt the SPS (Service Point System), supported by assigned umpires for validation and control.
• Matches shall be played in a single-game format across all stages.
• A paddle spin or coin toss will determine initial serve and side.
• A two (2) minute interval will be observed during court side changes.

4. Officiating

• Each court will have two (2) designated umpires assigned throughout the tournament.
• Umpires are responsible for:
  • Monitoring line calls and resolving disputes when necessary
  • Recording and confirming scores
  • Ensuring compliance with tournament mechanics
  • Managing match flow and enforcing time intervals
• The decision of the assigned umpires shall be final and binding during match play.

5. Competition Phases

5.1. Elimination Round (Bracket Stage)

• Format: Round Robin
• Scoring: Sudden Death Format
• No timeouts allowed
• Top 2 teams per bracket advance

Tie-Breaker & Advancement (Double or Triple Tie)

In the event of a two-way or three-way tie, the following criteria shall be applied sequentially to determine ranking:

• Head-to-Head Result / Mini Standings
  • For 2 teams: winner of the direct match
  • For 3 teams: standings based on matches among the tied teams only
• Net Points Differential — Points Scored minus Points Conceded within the tied group.
• Total Points Scored — Higher total points earned within the tied group.

5.2. Round of 16

• Format: Single Elimination
• Scoring: Sudden Death Format
• No timeouts allowed

5.3. Quarterfinals

• Format: Single Elimination
• Scoring:
  • Race to 11 points
  • Win by 2
  • Maximum cap at 15 points (slide scoring)

5.4. Semifinals

• Format: Single Elimination
• Scoring:
  • Race to 15 points
  • Win by 2
  • Maximum cap at 21 points
• Each team is allowed one (1) timeout per match.

5.5. Finals

• Format: Championship Match
• Same mechanics as Semifinals.
• Each team is allowed a maximum of two (2) timeouts per match, with only one (1) timeout permitted per change of ends.

6. Medical Timeout

Each player is entitled to one (1) medical timeout per match, not exceeding five (5) minutes, subject to approval by tournament officials.

7. General Provisions

• Players must report at least ten (10) minutes prior to their scheduled match.
• A grace period of five (5) minutes from the official match time will be strictly observed. Failure of a team to appear within this period shall result in automatic forfeiture.
• Only officially registered players are allowed to compete.
• Tournament organizers and officials reserve the right to make final decisions on all disputes.