Rules

Game rules and code of conduct

Tournament Format

  • First, group stage matches in pools of (at least) 4 teams, followed by a knockout phase (semi-finals and medal matches, depending on pool size).
  • All matches consist of 1 game to 11 points. A 2-point difference is not required, so a score of 11-10 is possible.
  • At 6 points, players switch sides.
  • There are no time-outs.

Group Stage Results

The team with the most match wins wins the group. In case of a tie, the head-to-head result is considered first, followed by the net points (points scored minus points conceded). If there is still no winner, the total number of points scored is considered.

Important Rules

  1. The receiving team makes the in/out calls. In case of doubt or if not seen, the ball is considered in. Make all calls loud and clear.
  2. The team always calls out the score before serving so everyone can hear it. If the score is incorrect, stop play before the return. Stopping later counts as a fault.
  3. Make sure the correct player is serving and receiving.
  4. If you (or anything you wear) enter the non-volley zone (NVZ or kitchen) during or after a volley, you lose the point. Call it if your opponent enters the NVZ. You may also point out foot faults on serves or in the NVZ.
  5. Coaching during the match, in any form, from anyone other than your teammate is not allowed and will be penalized; the point will be awarded to the opponent.
  6. If a team is not present 10 minutes after the scheduled start time, the team forfeits the match 6-0.
  7. If you win the toss, you may choose to serve, receive, choose a side, or give the choice to the opponent.
  8. The winner reports the score to the tournament desk immediately after the match.
  9. Matches are played with the yellow Gamma Pickleball ball.
  10. No time-outs are allowed.
For any other matters, the tournament organization will decide. This consists of:
  • Peter Knippenberg
  • Thea Knippenberg
  • Richard Engels
  • Natasja Engels
  • Marco de Groot

Team Composition

Each team must consist of 3 players. The composition is flexible. It is preferred that each team has at least one female player, but this is not mandatory.
For each match against another team, you will play once with each of your teammates (i.e., player A and B together, A and C, and B and C).
Each player plays at least 6 matches.

DUPR Rating

We use DUPR ratings. DUPR stands for Dynamic Universal Pickleball Rating. The DUPR scores of the 3 players on a team are added together. If a player does not yet have a DUPR rating, they will be assigned a minimum rating of 2.5.

There are 2 categories:

  • Beginners (total DUPR <9.0 maximum)
  • Intermediate (DUPR between 9.0 and 12)
DUPR ratings are checked upon registration.

Example team composition, DUPR scores:
Player 1 = no DUPR = 2.5
Player 2 = 3.003 ~ 3.0
Player 3 = 3.390 ~ 3.4
Total = 2.5 + 3.0 + 3.4 = 8.9.
The team can be placed in the "Beginners" category because the total is below 9.0 and no player has a DUPR rating higher than 3.74.

Incomplete Teams

If a team does not register 3 players, the organization will try to find additional players to complete the team. This is only possible if there are multiple incomplete registrations. The organization will contact you about this!