================================================================================ GRAMAM PICKLEBALL TOURNAMENT 2026 OFFICIAL RULES & REGULATIONS ================================================================================ Date: Saturday, July 11, 2026 Location: Pouncey Tract Park, Richmond, VA Inquiries: gramam.va@gmail.com Organized by: Greater Richmond Association of Malayalees (GRAMAM) -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 1. ELIGIBILITY -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- * The tournament is open to GRAMAM members only. * All players must be fully registered and paid before the published deadline. * The GRAMAM Executive Committee (EC) reserves the right to combine or alter categories if participation is insufficient. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 2. TOURNAMENT CATEGORIES -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- * Adult Men's Doubles (Ages 16 and older) * Adult Women's Doubles (Ages 16 and older) * Junior Boys' Doubles (Under 16 years old) * Junior Girls' Doubles (Under 16 years old) -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 3. TOURNAMENT FORMAT -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- * The tournament will begin with a Round Robin group stage. * Top-performing teams from each group will advance to the Playoff rounds. * Playoffs may include Semifinals and Finals depending on overall participation. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 4. MATCH SCORING -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- * Round Robin Matches: - Consists of one single game played to 11 points. - Must win by 2 points. - A hard point cap is set at 15 points (first to 15 wins if tied at 14). * Playoff Matches: - Best-of-3 games format. - Each individual game is played to 11 points (win by 2, cap at 15). -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 5. PLAYING RULES -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- * Standard USA Pickleball rules govern all gameplay. * Underhand serves strictly required (paddle contact below waist, upward arc). * The double-bounce rule applies (each team must play their first shot off the rebound). * Non-Volley Zone (Kitchen) rules must be strictly respected. No volleying inside the kitchen line. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 6. OFFICIATING & LINE CALLS -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- * For early rounds, players will make their own line calls honestly. * If there is any disagreement or uncertainty on a boundary line, the ball is strictly considered "IN" (fair game). * Referees or designated GRAMAM officials will be assigned to coordinate and officiate later playoff rounds. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 7. WARM-UP & TIMEOUTS -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- * Players are permitted a maximum of 3 minutes of court warm-up time prior to commencing each match. * Each team is allowed one 1-minute timeout per game. This cannot be carried over. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 8. TIE-BREAKERS FOR GROUP STANDINGS -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- In the event of a tie in the Round Robin group stage, the following sequence of deciding factors will be used: 1. Head-to-head match result 2. Point differential (points scored minus points allowed) 3. Total cumulative points scored 4. Coin toss -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 9. EQUIPMENT -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- * Official tournament pickleballs will be supplied by the organizers on court. * All participants must bring and use their own USA Pickleball-approved paddles. * Proper athletic footwear (non-marking court shoes) is mandatory. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 10. ATTENDANCE & FORFEITS -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- * Players must be present and ready at the designated court when their match is officially called. * A maximum grace period of 5 minutes is granted before a match is forfeited. * Incomplete teams or late arrivals beyond 5 minutes will result in a automatic Walkover. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 11. SPORTSMANSHIP & CONDUCT -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- * Respect towards opponents, tournament officials, volunteers, and spectators is paramount. * Profanity, paddle abuse, or unsportsmanlike conduct may result in immediate verbal warning, point penalties, or tournament disqualification by the EC. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 12. WEATHER & CANCELATIONS -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- * Outdoor courts are subject to weather conditions. The GRAMAM EC reserves the right to modify schedules, alter match durations, or change formats in the event of rain/adverse weather. * The tournament may be rescheduled or canceled with appropriate refunds if adverse weather makes gameplay impossible. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 13. FINAL AUTHORITY -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- * The GRAMAM Executive Committee has final, supreme authority over all rule interpretations, match rulings, participant conduct reviews, and general tournament administration. ================================================================================ Thank you for competing inside GRAMAM Pickleball 2026! ================================================================================