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1. Registration Fees & Prize Pool Structure

VAPA is excited to offer competitive pickleball divisions with cash prizes while supporting tournament operations and charitable giving.

Registration Fees

Registration fees are charged individually. Both teammates must register and complete payment to secure their team's spot.

Prize Pool Allocation

Skill Divisions (2.5–4.5)

• 50% of registration fees contribute to the division's prize pool.
• The remaining 50% supports tournament expenses and charity donations.

Open Divisions

• 75% of registration fees contribute to the division's prize pool.
• The remaining 25% supports tournament expenses and charity donations.

Each division's prize pool is distributed as follows:

• 1st Place (Gold): 50%
• 2nd Place (Silver): 30%
• 3rd Place (Bronze): 20%

Guaranteed Prize Pool Calculations at Full Registration

Each division has a maximum capacity of 16 teams (32 players).

These payouts are projected amounts based on all 16 team spots being filled. Actual payouts will be calculated using registration fees collected for each division.

If a division does not reach full capacity, its prize pool will be adjusted according to the applicable 50% or 75% allocation.

Prize pools are calculated separately for each division.

2. Tournament Divisions

Maximum of 16 teams per division.

3. Tournament Format & Scoring

Each division will consist of two stages: Round Robin Pool Play and Single-Elimination Playoffs.

Stage 1: Round Robin Pool Play

• Each division contains 16 teams divided into 4 pools of 4 teams.
• Each team plays every other team within its pool once.
• Every team is guaranteed 3 pool-play matches.
• Each match consists of one game to 11 points, win by 1.
• Pool-play results determine seeding for the championship bracket.

Stage 2: Single-Elimination Championship Bracket

All 16 teams advance to the single-elimination bracket, regardless of their pool-play record.

Teams are seeded from No. 1 through No. 16 based on their performance during pool play, compared with all teams in their division.

Seeding and Tiebreaker Criteria

1. Total match wins
2. Head-to-head results, when applicable
3. Point differential (points scored minus points allowed)

If teams remain tied after these criteria, the tournament director will determine the final seeding using an announced additional tiebreaker.

Elimination Round Scoring

Round of 16, Quarterfinals & Semifinals

• One game to 11 points, win by 2.
• Teams switch sides when the first team reaches 6 points.
• Losing teams are eliminated from championship contention.

Medal Matches

Gold & Silver Championship Match

• One game to 15 points, win by 2.
• Teams switch sides when the first team reaches 8 points.
• The winning team earns Gold; the runner-up earns Silver.

Bronze Medal Match

• One game to 15 points, win by 2.
• Teams switch sides when the first team reaches 8 points.
• The winner receives the Bronze medal and third-place prize.

Match Guarantee

Each team is guaranteed a minimum of 4 matches:

• 3 round-robin matches
• At least 1 single-elimination match

Pool sizes and match formats may be adjusted based on final registration numbers. Any changes will be communicated before the affected division begins.

4. DUPR Ratings & Eligibility

All divisions are DUPR-rated and DUPR-enforced. Tournament match results will be submitted to DUPR.

Both players on a team must meet the rating requirements for their registered division.

Division Rating Limits

Players must register in a division appropriate for their verified skill level.

Players Without DUPR Ratings

If one teammate is Not Rated (NR), VAPA will use the rated teammate's DUPR as an initial reference for division eligibility.

If neither teammate has a DUPR rating, select Contact Organizer and provide both players' information for placement review.

All unrated player placements are subject to tournament director approval.

5. DUPR Verification & Tournament Integrity

VAPA is committed to fair competition and accurate skill-based placement.

Tournament directors will review player DUPR ratings and match histories after registration closes.

Important policies:

• Registering does not lock a player's DUPR rating.
• Ratings may be reviewed again before the tournament.
• Teams exceeding division eligibility requirements may be reassigned.
• VAPA reserves the right to move players to an appropriate skill division based on verified rating and performance data.

Reporting Skill-Level Concerns

Players may report suspected skill-level violations to tournament organizers at least 72 hours before their scheduled event.

Tournament directors will investigate reported concerns and review relevant DUPR and match-history information.

Teams found to have registered below their appropriate skill level may be moved to a higher division without a refund. Serious or intentional violations may result in disqualification.

6. Minimum Registration Requirements

VAPA reserves the right to combine, modify, or cancel divisions that do not meet minimum registration requirements.

Our goal is to provide competitive matches and the best possible tournament experience for all registered players.

If divisions are combined:

• Organizers will communicate changes to affected teams.
• The revised format will guarantee at least 4 matches per team.
• Prize pools will be recalculated and communicated as appropriate.
• Unaffected divisions will retain their original prize allocations.

If VAPA cancels a division and cannot provide an acceptable alternative, affected players will receive a full refund.

7. Tournament Start Times & Draw Changes

VAPA reserves the right to adjust division start times due to registration numbers, court availability, weather-related issues, or other unforeseen circumstances.

Registered players will be notified of significant schedule changes.

Player Meeting

A mandatory player meeting will take place approximately 15 minutes before each division's scheduled start time.

Final brackets and pool assignments may be updated until the player meeting due to:

• DUPR eligibility reviews
• Late registration changes
• Player withdrawals
• Team substitutions
• Last-minute cancellations

Players are responsible for checking their assigned division, start time, and court assignments.

8. Player Check-In & Late Arrival Policy

Players are encouraged to arrive at least 30 minutes before their scheduled division start time to complete check-in and prepare for competition.

A player arriving more than 15 minutes after their scheduled division start may have their match recorded as a forfeit.

Tournament matches will not be delayed to accommodate late arrivals.

Repeated missed matches may result in removal from the division at the tournament director's discretion.

9. Approved Paddle Requirements

All players must use paddles approved by either USA Pickleball (USAP) or the United Pickleball Association (UPA) at the time of the tournament.

Paddles that have been modified, delaminated, or otherwise altered in a manner that invalidates their approval are prohibited.

VAPA reserves the right to inspect paddles and determine equipment eligibility throughout the event.

Players using noncompliant equipment may be required to change paddles or face disciplinary action.

10. Registration, Payments & Refund Policy

Registration Requirements

To secure a team entry:

• Both teammates must complete registration.
• Both teammates must pay their respective entry fees in full.
• Each player must identify and confirm their doubles partner.
• All registration requirements must be completed before the event.

No payments will be accepted on tournament day.

Cancellation & Refund Policy

Withdrawals on or before December 1, 2026
Players who withdraw by December 1 will receive a refund of their registration fee, minus a $20 cancellation fee.

Withdrawals after December 1, 2026
No refunds or credits will be issued after the cancellation deadline.

Tournament or Division Cancellation
If VAPA cancels an event or division, affected players will receive a full refund.

11. Tournament Director Authority

VAPA tournament directors reserve the right to make reasonable adjustments to schedules, court assignments, pool configurations, player eligibility, and match procedures to maintain fairness, safety, and efficient tournament operations.

Any significant changes will be communicated to affected participants as soon as practical.

Our goal is to provide a competitive, organized, and enjoyable tournament experience while supporting a meaningful charitable cause.