Tournament Rules

1. General Rules

• The tournament follows the Official USA Pickleball Rulebook unless otherwise stated.
• All teams must check in at least 10 minutes before their match time.
• Matches will be played on indoor courts using 40-hole neon outdoor balls.
• Players are responsible for their own paddles and attire.

2. Tournament Format

• Format: Round-robin (each team plays all others in their group).
• Teams: Doubles format (two players per team).
• Game Length: Single game to 11 points, win by 2 points.
• Scoring: Traditional side-out scoring (only the serving team can score).
• Advancement: The top teams from each group will advance to knockout rounds/finals.

Note: The tournament format is subject to change based on court availability. The final format will be shared one week before the tournament start date.

3. Match Rules

• Serving Rules:
  • The first serve is determined by a coin toss.
  • The server must serve underhand from behind the baseline.
  • The serve must land in the diagonal service box.
• Gameplay Rules:
  • Two-Bounce Rule: The ball must bounce once on each side before volleys are allowed.
  • Kitchen (Non-Volley Zone) Rule: Players cannot volley while standing in the non-volley zone.
• Faults: A fault occurs when:
  • A serve is out or does not clear the net.
  • A player volleys in the non-volley zone.
  • The ball bounces twice before being returned.
  • A player violates the double-bounce rule.

4. Round-Robin Standings & Tiebreakers

• Points System:
  • Win = 2 points, Loss = 0 points.
• Tiebreakers: If two or more teams have the same record, rankings will be determined in the following order:
  1. Head-to-head result
  2. Point differential (total points scored minus total points conceded)
  3. Total points scored
  4. Coin toss (if still tied)

5. Conduct & Time Rules

• Match Time Limit: Each match must be completed within 20 minutes.
• Forfeits:
  • If a team fails to show up or 5 mints late arrives, they will forfeit the match, and the opposing team will be awarded the points.
• Code of Conduct:
  • Unsportsmanlike behavior (arguing, paddle throwing, excessive celebrations, foul language) may result in warnings or disqualification.

6. Player Registration & Substitution Rules

1. A player cannot be registered in more than one team for the tournament.
2. Once a player is registered for a team, they cannot play for another team for the rest of the tournament under any circumstances.
3. Teams are allowed to replace players until their first match of the tournament. Once a team has played its first match, no replacements are allowed except in cases of injury or personal unavailability.
4. If a player is replaced due to injury or personal reasons after the tournament has started, the replacement must be approved by the tournament committee.
5. A replacement player cannot be an already registered player in the tournament.
6. Any player who has been substituted out of a team cannot join another team in the tournament.
7. A replaced player cannot rejoin the same team later in the tournament.
8. The tournament committee reserves the right to verify and approve all player registrations, substitutions, and replacements.

7. Umpiring Volunteer Rules

1. Teams must provide a volunteer umpire as per the tournament schedule.
2. Failure to provide an umpiring volunteer for a scheduled match may result in penalties, including match forfeiture or point deductions.
3. The umpiring volunteer must be familiar with the basic rules of pickleball and officiate fairly.

8. Prizes & Recognition

• Winners & Runners-Up will receive trophies and certificates.

Contact Information: For any inquiries regarding the tournament, please reach out to the TSN Ugadi Pickleball Committee.

We look forward to an exciting and competitive tournament. Best of luck to all participants!