Grand Pickleball League
GTA Utah
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Tournament Rules

Official rules and regulations for the Grand Pickleball League Tournament

📋 General Rules

  • All matches will follow USA Pickleball (USAPA) official rules unless otherwise specified
  • Players must check in at least 30 minutes before their scheduled match time
  • Failure to appear within 10 minutes of match start will result in a forfeit
  • Players must wear appropriate athletic attire and non-marking court shoes
  • Tournament officials' decisions are final
  • Unsportsmanlike conduct may result in point penalties or disqualification

🎯 Scoring & Match Format

  • All matches are played to 11 points, win by 2
  • Championship matches are played to 15 points, win by 2
  • Rally scoring will be used for all matches
  • Teams switch sides when the first team reaches 6 points (or 8 in championship)
Round Points to Win Format
Pool Play 11 (win by 2) Single Game
Quarterfinals 11 (win by 2) Best of 3
Semifinals 11 (win by 2) Best of 3
Finals 15 (win by 2) Best of 3

👥 Doubles Rules

  • Teams must consist of 2 players who registered together
  • No substitutions allowed once the tournament begins (except for injury with medical clearance)
  • Both players must be present for the match to begin
  • Partners must alternate serves within each service turn
  • Both players on a team can stand anywhere on their side of the court

🏓 Service Rules

  • The serve must be made underhand with paddle contact below the waist
  • The serve must be made diagonally crosscourt and land in the opposite service court
  • Only one serve attempt is allowed (no let serves - if ball hits net and lands in, play continues)
  • The server must keep both feet behind the baseline until the ball is struck
  • The serve must clear the non-volley zone (kitchen) including the line

🚫 Non-Volley Zone (Kitchen) Rules

  • Players may not volley the ball while standing in the non-volley zone
  • Players may not volley the ball while touching the non-volley zone line
  • A player's momentum cannot carry them into the kitchen after a volley
  • Players may enter the kitchen to play a ball that has bounced
  • The non-volley zone is 7 feet from the net on each side

⚠️ Kitchen violations result in a fault and loss of rally

🔄 Double Bounce Rule

  • The ball must bounce once on each side before volleys are allowed
  • The receiving team must let the serve bounce before returning
  • The serving team must let the return bounce before their third shot
  • After both bounces occur, the ball can be volleyed or played off the bounce

❌ Faults

  • Hitting the ball into the net
  • Hitting the ball out of bounds
  • Volleying from the non-volley zone
  • Violating the double bounce rule
  • Touching the net or net post during play
  • Ball hitting a player or anything they are wearing/carrying
  • Double hitting the ball

🎾 Equipment Requirements

  • Paddles must meet USAPA specifications (max dimensions, no prohibited materials)
  • Tournament will provide official pickleballs (Franklin X-40 outdoor balls)
  • Players may use their own USAPA-approved paddles
  • Eye protection is recommended but not required
  • Non-marking court shoes are required

🤝 Code of Conduct

  • Players are expected to demonstrate good sportsmanship at all times
  • Verbal abuse, profanity, or unsportsmanlike behavior will not be tolerated
  • Players must respect officials, opponents, and spectators
  • Deliberately delaying play is prohibited
  • Players must call lines fairly and give the benefit of the doubt to opponents

🏆 Play fair, have fun, and respect the game!

📄 Download Full Rulebook (PDF)