THE MANOR PICKLE YARD

General Rules

• Check-in: Players must check in at the tournament desk at least 15 minutes before their scheduled match time. Late check-in may result in forfeit.
• Attire: Proper athletic attire is required. Shoes must be non-marking court shoes. No sandals, flip-flops, or bare feet are allowed.
• Equipment: Players must use a USAPA-approved pickleball paddle. Balls will be provided by the tournament. Players may not use their own balls during matches unless both opponents agree.

Match Format

• Each match is a single game to 11 points, win by 2.
• Rally scoring is used: a point is scored on every serve, regardless of which side serves.
• There is a 30-minute match cap. If the match reaches 30 minutes of play, the player leading at that moment wins. If tied, play continues until one player leads by 2 points, with no further time limit.
• No game may exceed 11 points unless win-by-2 is required (e.g., 11-10 is not a win; play continues until a 2-point lead is achieved, up to the time cap).

Tournament Format

• The tournament is single elimination. The winner of each match advances; the loser is eliminated.
• Bracket positions are determined by random draw, unless seeding is announced prior to the start.
• There is no consolation bracket or third-place match unless specified separately.

Code of Conduct

• Sportsmanship: All players must exhibit respect toward opponents, officials, and spectators. Unsportsmanlike conduct (e.g., profanity, racquet abuse, verbal abuse) may result in a warning, point penalty, or forfeit at the referee’s discretion.
• Disputes: Any rule dispute must be raised immediately to the referee. The referee’s decision is final. No appeals will be considered after the next point is played.
• Referee decisions: Referees have full authority to enforce all rules. Players must comply without argument.

Forfeits and Walkovers

• A player who is not present and ready to play within 10 minutes of the scheduled match time will forfeit the match. The opponent receives a walkover win.
• If both players are late, the first player to arrive within the 10-minute window wins by walkover. If neither arrives, both are eliminated.
• In case of injury or emergency, the tournament director may grant a 15-minute delay at their sole discretion. No further extensions will be given.