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TOURNAMENT
POLICY & GUIDELINES

PLAYER REGISTRATION

1.1 ENTRY & PARTICIPATION

Tournament registration shall only be considered confirmed upon successful payment verification and official acceptance by the Organizing Committee.

The Tournament Committee reserves the right to:

  • approve or decline entries;
  • reseed or merge brackets;
  • adjust categories or divisions;
  • modify tournament structures;
  • revise schedules and operational procedures

whenever necessary in the interest of competitive fairness, logistics, safety, and overall tournament experience.

Participation in Match Day Pickle! tournament is entirely voluntary and undertaken at the participant’s own discretion.

1.2 ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS

  • Registration is open to all eligible pickleball players who comply with the official Match Day Pickle! (“MDP”) tournament rules and regulations.
  • Players must provide complete and accurate registration information.
  • All players must comply with the required skill level and division requirements.
  • Players may only participate in divisions and categories approved by the Tournament Committee.
  • The Tournament Director and Organizing Committee reserve the right to approve, reject, transfer, or remove any registration deemed inconsistent with tournament policies.

1.2  AGE & DIVISION RULES

MDP tournaments are open to multi-generational players and shall follow the official tournament age brackets below:

  • 19–34 years old
  • 35–49 years old
  • 50 years old and above

The tournament categories may include:

  • Men’s Doubles (MD)
  • Women’s Doubles (WD)
  • Mixed Doubles (MxD)

Players must compete only within their official age bracket and approved skill division.

Players are also allowed to submit an additional entry by competing against an opponent in a higher skill division only.

1.3 SKILL LEVEL DECLARATIONS

All participants are required to register under the division that accurately reflects their current pickleball skill level. (measured thru DUPr rating).

Tournament skill divisions based on DUPr rating, includes:

  • Novice (3.2 and below)
  • Low Intermediate (3.21–3.69 DUPR)
  • High Intermediate (3.70–4.20 DUPR)
  • Advanced (4.21 and above DUPR)

All players must maintain a DUPR Reliability Rating of at least 60%.

Players who have achieved two (2) podium finishes (Gold, Silver, or Bronze) in the same category in any major pickleball tournament shall no longer be eligible to remain in the same division and may be required to move up to the next skill level.

The Tournament Committee reserves the right to review, verify, and reassess player skill levels at any time.

1.4 OFFICIAL COMMUNICATION

  • The official communication channel for all tournament updates shall be the email address submitted during registration.
  • Participants are responsible for monitoring their inbox, spam, and junk folders for announcements, schedules, instructions, and updates.
  • Supplementary reminders via SMS, Viber, Messenger, WhatsApp, and/or other messaging platforms may be sent when feasible but are not guaranteed.
  • Failure to receive communications due to incorrect contact details, full inboxes, spam filtering, or technical limitations shall remain the participant’s responsibility.

1.5 REGISTRATION DEADLINES

Official registration deadlines shall be announced through Match Day Pickle!’s official channels.

  • Registrations submitted after the deadline may only be accommodated subject to slot availability. (filler system)
  • Incomplete registrations and unpaid fees shall not be considered confirmed entries.
  • The Organizers reserve the right to close registration earlier once tournament slots are fully occupied.

1.6 WAITLIST RULES

  • Once a division or category reaches maximum capacity, succeeding applicants shall automatically be placed on the waitlist.
  • Waitlisted players shall only be confirmed once an official slot becomes available.
  • Waitlisted entries shall be processed on a first-come, first-served basis.
  • Players on the waitlist shall be notified directly by the Organizing Committee if a slot becomes available.
  • The Organizers reserve the right to decline waitlisted applications if scheduling or tournament structure no longer permits additional entries.

1.7 FALSE INFORMATION & DISQUALIFICATION CLAUSE

  • Submission of false, incomplete, misleading, or inaccurate information may result in:
    • immediate disqualification;
    • forfeiture of matches;
    • removal from medal contention;
    • suspension from future MDP tournaments.
  • Misrepresentation of skill level, age bracket, identity, or eligibility shall be grounds for disciplinary action.
  • The Tournament Committee’s findings and decisions regarding eligibility and disqualification shall be final and non-appealable.

1.8  PARTNER / DIVISION CHANGES & PLAYER SUBSTITUTIONS

  • Partner substitutions, category adjustments, division changes, and second-entry requests may only be considered within the official adjustment windows announced by the Organizers.
  • All requests remain subject to competitive review, operational feasibility, and tournament approval.
  • Replacement players must comply with all applicable age bracket and skill division requirements.
  • The Organizers reserve the right to deny any change request that may compromise fairness, scheduling integrity, or tournament operations.
  • No substitutions shall be permitted once tournament play has officially started unless expressly approved by the Tournament Director under extraordinary circumstances.

1.9 PLAYER ENTITLEMENTS (Apparel & Loot Bags)

  • Unless otherwise stated, one unique registered individual shall only be entitled to: (regardless of the number of divisions or categories entered.)
    • one (1) official event shirt; and
    • one (1) loot bag,
  • Apparel production shall be based on submitted registration details and confirmation timelines.
  • Late size requests, delayed responses, or post-confirmation changes may be accommodated if availability allows.
  • Loot bag contents may vary depending on:
    • sponsor participation;
    • seasonal campaigns;
    • product availability;
    • partnership deliverables
  • Specific loot bag contents are not guaranteed.
  • Delivery schedules for shirts, medals, and other event materials are estimates only and may vary depending on production and logistics.

1.10 DUPR PARTICIPATION

  • For DUPR-enabled divisions:
  • All players must maintain an active DUPR account.
  • Players must join the official Match Day Pickle! tournament club before the announced deadline.
  • Failure to comply with DUPR requirements before scheduled match play may result in temporary ineligibility.
  • Matches involving incomplete DUPR compliance may be withheld from official submission.
  • The Tournament Committee reserves the right to validate DUPR eligibility and reliability ratings at any time.

1.11 REGISTRATION DEADLINES

  • Partner substitutions and player transfers are only permitted until the official lineup submission deadline announced by the Organizers.
  • Any request for substitution must be formally submitted and approved by the Tournament Committee.
  • Replacement players must comply with the same age bracket and skill division requirements.
  • The Organizers reserve the right to reject substitutions that may compromise competitive fairness.
  • No substitutions shall be permitted once tournament play has officially started, except under extraordinary circumstances approved solely by the Tournament Director.

REFUND POLICY

Match Day Pickle! implements a strict refund policy to ensure proper event planning, court reservations, staffing, logistics preparation, and supplier commitments.

2.1 GENERAL REFUND RULE

All registrations are considered FINAL.

Registration fees paid are generally NON-REFUNDABLE except under limited circumstances expressly stated in this policy.

2.2 REFUND ELIGIBILITY

Refunds shall only be granted under the following circumstances:

  • Official cancellation of the tournament by the Organizers;
  • Natural disasters, force majeure events, or unforeseen emergencies that make continuation of the tournament impossible;
  • Government restrictions, public safety emergencies, or venue-related incidents that prevent the event from proceeding.

2.3 REFUND AMOUNT

In approved refund cases, players shall only be entitled to receive thirty percent (30%) of their total paid registration fee.

The remaining portion shall be considered allocated to non-recoverable operational expenses, including but not limited to:

  • venue reservations;
  • manpower and staffing;
  • production costs;
  • player kits and tournament materials;
  • supplier commitments;
  • administrative and processing costs.

2.4 VOLUNTARY WITHDRAWAL REFUNDS

  • Voluntary player withdrawal requests made at least fifteen (15) days prior to the official tournament date may qualify for a full refund, subject to administrative review and processing.
  • Withdrawal requests made less than fifteen (15) days before the tournament shall generally no longer qualify for full refunds due to operational commitments, production timelines, and finalized event allocations.
  • The Organizers reserve the right to deduct applicable transaction, processing, or administrative fees where necessary.

2.5 REPLACEMENT PLAYERS AND INTERNAL ARRANGEMENTS

  • Registered players who are unable to attend may arrange for a replacement player subject to Tournament Committee approval.
  • Replacement players must comply with all applicable age bracket, skill division, and tournament eligibility requirements.
  • Any financial arrangement, reimbursement, transfer of registration fees, or compensation between the original registered player and the replacement player shall remain strictly a private arrangement between the parties involved.
  • Match Day Pickle! and the Organizing Committee shall not mediate, guarantee, supervise, or assume liability for any private agreements between players.

2.6 NON-REFUNDABLE SITUATIONS

No refund shall be granted for:

  • voluntary withdrawals submitted beyond the allowable refund window;
  • scheduling conflicts;
  • injury or medical concerns occurring before the event;
  • disqualification due to policy violations;
  • dissatisfaction with tournament format or results.

2.7 PROCESSING TIMELINE

Approved refunds shall be processed within thirty (30) to sixty (60) business days from official confirmation by the Organizing Committee.

TOURNAMENT RULINGS

These rules are established to ensure fair play, consistency, sportsmanship, and proper tournament management during all Match Day Pickle! events.

 

3.1 TOURNAMENT OPERATIONS

Match Day Pickle! is committed to efficient, organized, and professional tournament execution.

However, participants acknowledge that schedules, brackets, court assignments, match sequencing, and start times may change due to operational realities, including but not limited to:

  • no-shows;
  • withdrawals;
  • match duration variances;
  • weather conditions;
  • venue limitations;
  • technical issues;
  • safety concerns;
  • Force majeure situations.

Exact match start times cannot be guaranteed.
Participants are expected to remain attentive, available, and prepared when called for play.

3.2 TOURNAMENT STRUCTURE

Match Day Pickle! shall adopt a Pool Play with Crossover Final format for all applicable tournament categories unless otherwise announced by the Tournament Committee.

POOL STAGE

  • Each category shall consist of a maximum of two (2) pools, designated as Pool A and Pool B.
  • Each pool may accommodate a maximum of five (5) teams or pairs.
  • All matches within each pool shall be played in a round-robin format, where every team competes against all other teams in the same pool.
  • A pool consisting of five (5) teams guarantees each team a minimum of four (4) matches during the Pool Stage.
  • The Tournament Committee reserves the right to merge, divide, or adjust pool composition based on registration numbers, withdrawals, or operational requirements.

 

POOL CHAMPIONS

  • Upon completion of the Pool Stage, the highest-ranked team in each pool shall be declared the Pool Champion.
  • Each Pool Champion shall receive a Pool Champion Medal.

 

CROSSOVER FINAL

  • For categories with two (2) pools, the Pool A Champion shall compete against the Pool B Champion in the Crossover Final Match.
  • The Crossover Final shall be a winner-take-all championship match to determine the Overall Category Champion.
  • The Crossover Final shall not be seeded regardless of each Pool Champion’s record or point differential.

 

SINGLE POOL CATEGORIES

  • If a category consists of only one (1) pool, no Crossover Final Match shall be conducted.
  • The Overall Category Champion shall be determined based on the final Pool Stage standings unless otherwise decided by the Tournament Committee.

 

AWARDS

  • Pool Champions shall receive the official Pool Champion Medal.
  • Sponsor-provided prizes, trophies, and championship awards shall only be awarded to the Overall Category Champion, unless otherwise announced by the Tournament Committee.

 

OFFICIAL TOURNAMENT FLOW

PHASE 1 – Pool Stage (Round Robin)

PHASE 2 – Pool Champions

PHASE 3 – Crossover Final

PHASE 4 – Overall Category Champion

The Tournament Committee reserves the right to adjust pools, schedules, court assignments, and tournament structure whenever necessary to preserve competitive balance, operational efficiency, and player safety.

3.3 MATCH FORMAT

  • All Pool Stage matches shall be played using a round-robin format.
  • Teams shall compete only against opponents assigned within their respective pool.
  • Pool standings shall determine the Pool Champion for each pool.
  • For categories with two (2) pools, the Pool Champions shall advance to the Crossover Final Match to determine the Overall Category Champion.
  • For categories with only one (1) pool, the final standings shall determine the Overall Category Champion unless otherwise directed by the Tournament Committee.
  • The Tournament Director reserves the right to modify match schedules, court assignments, or match sequencing whenever necessary to ensure the orderly conduct of the tournament.

3.4 SCORING SYSTEM

The official scoring format for each stage of the tournament shall be announced by the Tournament Committee prior to the start of play.

3.5 WARM-UP DURATION

  • Players shall be granted a maximum warm-up period of five (5) minutes before the official start of the match.
  • Warm-up periods may be shortened during scheduling delays or operational adjustments.
  • Excessive delays caused by players may result in penalties.

3.6 TIMEOUTS

  • Each team may request one (1) timeout per game unless otherwise announced.
  • Timeouts shall generally last for one (1) minute.
  • Medical timeouts may be granted solely at the discretion of the Tournament Committee.
  • Abuse or intentional delay through repeated timeout requests may result in penalties.

3.7 TIE-BREAKER RULES

In the event of a tie in the final standings of the Pool Stage, the following tie-breaker criteria shall be applied in the order listed below until the tie is resolved:

A. TIE BETWEEN TWO TEAMS

If two (2) teams finish with identical win-loss records, the team that won the head-to-head match between the tied teams shall be ranked higher.

B. TIE AMONG THREE OR MULTIPLE TEAMS

If three (3) or more teams finish with identical win-loss records, the following criteria shall apply in sequence:

  1. Overall Point Differential among the tied teams.
  2. Head-to-Head Result between the remaining tied teams after the point differential has reduced the tie to two (2) teams.
  3. Total Points Scored.
  4. Fewest Total Points Allowed.
  5. Coin Toss, conducted by the Tournament Committee, if all preceding criteria remain tied.

3.8 MATCH CALLS, DEFAULT & WALKOVER POLICY

  • Players are responsible for monitoring official announcements and reporting promptly when their match is called.
  • Participants are expected to remain reasonably available near their assigned competition area.
  • A team may be declared in default if:
    • a player fails to appear when called;
    • a player arrives beyond the prescribed grace period;
    • a player refuses to continue play;
    • a player commits a serious violation of tournament rules or conduct standards.
  • A default or walkover shall result in the automatic forfeiture of the match.
  • The Tournament Committee reserves the right to impose additional disciplinary actions for repeated offenses or conduct deemed detrimental to the integrity of the event.
  • Tournament officials retain final authority over match scheduling, court assignments, and operational match flow decisions

3.9 LATE ARRIVAL RULES

  • Players must check in at least one (1) hour prior to their scheduled first match.
  • A maximum grace period of ten (10) minutes shall be allowed.
  • Failure to appear within the grace period may result in automatic default.
  • The official tournament clock shall prevail in all cases.

3.10 PROTEST PROCEDURES

  • Only officially registered players may file protests.
  • Protests must be submitted immediately after the match concerned.
  • Protest submissions must be directed to the Tournament Committee.
  • The Tournament Committee shall review all protests and issue an official decision.
  • Protest fees, if applicable, shall be announced by the Organizers.

Decisions of the Tournament Committee shall be final and non-appealable.

3.11 TOURNAMENT CULTURE AND CONDUCT

We welcome competition. We do not welcome disrespect.

  • All players, coaches, guests, sponsors, spectators, and staff are expected to uphold professionalism, fairness, sportsmanship, and courtesy.
  • Respect must be shown toward:
    • opponents;
    • referees;
    • volunteers;
    • venue staff;
    • organizers;
    • spectators
  • The following behaviors may result in disciplinary action:
    • abusive language;
    • intimidation;
    • harassment;
    • cheating;
    • aggressive confrontations;
    • repeated hostility;
    • disruptive entitlement;
    • conduct detrimental to the event
  • Sanctions may include:
    • verbal warnings;
    • point penalties;
    • forfeiture;
    • disqualification;
    • removal from the venue;
    • suspension from future events

3.12 LEAN ORGANIZING TEAM

Match Day Pickle! operates through a lean and dedicated organizing team committed to delivering a quality player experience.

Participants acknowledge that immediate responses to all inquiries may not always be possible during peak operational periods. Professional courtesy, patience, and respectful communication are expected.

3.13 DISPUTES & RESOLUTION

  • Participants are encouraged to raise concerns respectfully through official tournament channels.
  • Organizer decisions regarding these shall be final and binding:
    • brackets;
    • scheduling;
    • defaults;
    • operational rulings;
    • disputes;’
    • disciplinary matters

3.14 CONDUCT & SPORTSMANSHIP

  • All players, coaches, guests, and spectators are expected to uphold professionalism, fairness, and respect.
  • Unsportsmanlike conduct including harassment, verbal abuse, intimidation, aggression, cheating, or disruptive behavior shall not be tolerated.
  • The Tournament Committee reserves the right to remove or disqualify any participant whose behavior compromises the safety, integrity, or enjoyment of the tournament.

 

WAIVER & LIABILITY

WAIVER AND RELEASE OF LIABILITY

In consideration of my participation in any Match Day Pickle! (“MDP”) tournament, event, or related activity organized by Match Day Pickle Organization Inc. (“Organization”), I hereby acknowledge, understand, and voluntarily agree to the following:

4.1 ASSUMPTION OF RISK

I understand that participation in pickleball tournaments and related activities involves inherent risks including but not limited to:

    • slips and falls;
    • collisions with players or objects;
    • paddle or ball impact injuries;
    • muscle strains and physical injuries;
    • dehydration and fatigue;

I voluntarily assume full responsibility for all risks associated with my participation whether

caused by negligence, accidents, facility conditions, actions of other participants, or otherwise.

4.2 MEDICAL ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

I certify that:

    • I am physically fit and medically capable of participating in the tournament;
    • I have no medical condition that may endanger myself or others;
    • I fully accept responsibility for my own medical expenses;
    • The Organization does not provide medical insurance or medical coverage.

In case of emergency, I authorize the Organization and its representatives to secure necessary medical assistance on my behalf.

4.3 WAIVER & RELEASE

I hereby release, waive, discharge, and hold harmless Match Day Pickle Organization Inc., its officers, directors, organizers, employees, staff, volunteers, sponsors, venue owners, affiliates, and partners from any and all liability, claims, damages, actions, causes of action, costs, or expenses arising from:

    • injury
    • disability;
    • death;
    • property damage;
    • loss;
    • accidents;
    • negligence;
    • participation-related incidents

This waiver applies to the fullest extent permitted by applicable laws.

4.4 SKILL VERIFICATION

I affirm that the skill division & category I selected accurately reflect my current pickleball playing ability.

I acknowledge that the Tournament Committee reserves the right to:

    • verify my skill level;
    • forfeit matches;
    • disqualify me from medal contention;
    • reassign me to another division
    • remove me from the tournament due to misrepresentation

 

4.5 COMPLIANCE WITH TOURNAMENT RULES

I agree to comply with all official tournament policies, rules, schedules, and decisions made by the Tournament Director and Organizing Committee.

Failure to comply may result in:

  • penalties;
  • forfeiture;
  • disqualification;
  • removal from the venue;
  • suspension from future tournaments

 

4.6 VOLUNTARY PARTICIPATION

I confirm that:

  • I have carefully read and fully understood this Waiver and Release;
  • I am signing voluntarily and without coercion;
  • I understand that this is a legally binding release of liability.

 

4.7 PARENT / GUARDIAN CONSENT FOR MINOR PARTICIPANTS

For participants below nineteen (19) years old, the undersigned parent or legal guardian certifies that:

  • they are legally authorized to act on behalf of the minor participant;
  • they consent to the minor’s participation in the tournament;
  • they fully agree to all tournament policies and liability waivers;
  • they agree to indemnify and hold harmless the Organization from claims related to the minor participant

MEDIA RELEASE

5.1 CONSENT TO PHOTOGRAPHY & RECORDING

By participating in Match Day Pickle! tournaments and activities, all players, guests, sponsors, vendors, and attendees acknowledge and agree that they may be photographed, filmed, livestreamed, or recorded.

5.2 Authorized Use of Media

Match Day Pickle Organization Inc. and its authorized representatives may use photographs, videos, recordings, interviews, names, likenesses, and voices for:

  • promotional campaigns;
  • social media content;
  • marketing materials;
  • livestreams;
  • advertisements;
  • event recaps;
  • press releases;
  • educational and archival purposes

5.3 COMPENSATION WAIVER

Participants acknowledge that no financial compensation, royalties, fees, or remuneration shall be provided for the use of such media.

5.4 MEDIA COVERAGE LIMITATIONS

  • All media assets shall be released solely through official Match Day Pickle! channels.
  • No exclusive, priority, or individualized media coverage is guaranteed.
  • Media coverage remains selective and operationally dependent.
  • Not all players, teams, sponsors, matches, or activities may be featured.

5.5 OWNERSHIP OF CONTENT

All official tournament media, photographs, videos, and recordings produced by Match Day Pickle! or its authorized partners shall remain the exclusive property of the Organization.

5.6 SOCIAL MEDIA CONDUCT

Participants are encouraged to share tournament content responsibly and respectfully.

The Organization reserves the right to request removal of any content deemed defamatory, misleading, offensive, or damaging to the tournament’s reputation.

PRIZE AND CLAIMS

6.1 PRIZE ELIGIBILITY

Only officially registered and qualified participants are eligible to receive tournament prizes.

Players who are disqualified, suspended, or found in violation of tournament rules shall automatically forfeit prize eligibility.

6.2 PER BRACKET WINNER RULE

Each tournament bracket per division shall only declare one (1) official champion or winning pair unless otherwise announced by the Organizers.

6.3 PRIZE DISTRIBUTION

Prizes may include:

  • Trophies;
  • Medals;
  • Sponsored products;
  • Gift Certificates;
  • Cash Prizes;
  • Promotional Items

Prize allocation and structure may vary on event circumstances.

6.4 CLAIMING OF PRIZES

  • Winners must personally claim prizes unless prior authorization is approved.
  • Winners may be required to present valid identification.
  • Unclaimed prizes beyond the announced claiming period may be forfeited.

6.5 SPONSOR PRIZE ADJUSTMENTS

The Organization reserves the right to substitute prizes of equal value in cases involving sponsor availability, logistics, or unforeseen circumstances.

6.6 TAXES AND LEGAL COMPLIANCE

Any taxes, government charges, or legal obligations arising from prize acceptance shall be the sole responsibility of the recipient.

DATA PRIVACY POLICY

Match Day Pickle Organization Inc. respects and protects the privacy of all participants, sponsors, vendors, partners, and guests in accordance with the Philippine Data Privacy Act of 2012 and related regulations under the organization , National Privacy Commission, Philippines data privacy regulator.

8.1 COLLECTION OF INFORMATION

The Organization may collect personal information including but not limited to:

  • full name;
  • age;
  • contact details;
  • emergency contact information;
  • payment information;
  • photographs and videos;
  • tournament records;
  • DUPR information

8.2 PURPOSE OF COLLECTION

Collected information may be used for:

  • tournament registration;
  • player verification;
  • emergency coordination;
  • scheduling;
  • communication;
  • tournament operations;
  • promotional and media purposes;
  • sponsor coordination;
  • security & safety monitoring

8.3 DATA PROTECTION

The Organization shall take reasonable administrative, organizational, and technical measures to protect personal information against unauthorized access, disclosure, misuse, or loss.

8.4 SHARING OF INFORMATION

Participant information may only be shared with:

  • authorized tournament staff;
  • official event partners;
  • payment processors;
  • venue operators;
  • emergency responders;
  • legal authorities when required by law

The Organization shall not sell personal information to unauthorized third parties.

8.5 PARTICIPANT RIGHTS

Participants may request access, correction, or removal of personal information subject to applicable laws and operational requirements.

8.6 CONSENT

By registering and participating in Match Day Pickle! events, participants acknowledge and consent to the collection, processing, storage, and use of their personal information in accordance with this policy.

FORCE MAJURE

The Organization shall not be held liable for delays, interruptions, rescheduling, reduced operations, or cancellations arising from circumstances beyond reasonable control including but not limited to:

  • severe weather conditions;
  • natural disasters;
  • public emergencies;
  • government restrictions or actions;
  • venue limitations;
  • internet outages;
  • power interruptions;
  • transportation disruptions;
  • health emergencies;
  • security concerns.

Operational adjustments resulting from such circumstances shall not automatically entitle participants to refunds, compensation, or damages.

FINAL AUTHORITY CLAUSE

The Tournament Director and Match Day Pickle Organization Inc. reserve the exclusive right to interpret, amend, revise, or enforce all tournament policies whenever necessary to ensure fairness, operational efficiency, safety, and the overall integrity of the event.

All official decisions made by the Organizers shall be final and binding.