About Our Tournaments
A few things to bear in mind about our tournaments:
1.
The object of the tournament is to network and have fun. Towards that end, you will be changing partners and opponents throughout the day (giving more of an opportunity to build relationships within the industry). We will play a ladder format, to guarantee everyone gets to play. The problem with traditional tournaments is at the end, only a handful of hot shot players are still playing and everyone else either has to hang around or they leave. We don’t want that. We all love to compete, but there are other tournaments out there for that. This is about competing, but also networking and having fun. Registration will include a guaranteed number of games, a rental paddle if needed, food and beverages, plenty of networking, and some swag to bring home (depending on sponsorships).
2.
We will usually limit tournament participation to 50 or 100 players. Non-players can pay a reduced registration fee to access networking at the event.
3.
Tournaments tend to run about 4 hours, with plenty of time for networking between games. Tournaments will usually be held indoors or under cover.
4.
In most cases, we’ll have a pickleball pro there an hour before the scheduled kickoff time to give instruction for those new to pickleball. We will also try to reserve a spare court for people to share between games, to help warm up or get to know the game a bit.
5.
In the interest of time, games will be doubles (men’s, women’s or mixed doubles will all play in the same pool).
6.
As most players will not have much pickleball experience, we will not be asking for DUPR ratings (at least not initially). Later, we may add tournaments for higher levels of play which DUPR ratings may be used.
7.
Usually, we will not serve alcohol at our tournaments. Most pickleball venues do not have a liquor license, and generally alcohol and pickleball don’t mix well! Some of our venues do offer alcohol and players would be welcome to continue networking on their own after our event in the venue’s bar or restaurant. Heck, we might join you!
8.
We will provide light, healthy snacks and smoothies and other beverages (subject to what is offered by the venue).
9.
We will not tolerate foul or abusive language. Violators will be asked to leave, and no refund will be offered for their registration or sponsorship. Remember, this is to build business relationships. Don’t be the egomaniac who gets kicked out for losing his temper. No one wants to do business with that guy.
10.
Anyone who appears to be under the influence of alcohol or drugs will not be allowed to participate in the event and no refund will be offered for their registration or sponsorship.
11.
As these are professional business networking events, attire must also be professional and modest. No mid-riff shirts, muscle shirts, short shorts, etc. Any Spandex type leggings should be covered with athletic skirts, shorts, or extra long shirts. Violators will be asked to remedy the situation or asked to leave.
12.
Remember that pickleball is a sport that requires some level of physical fitness, coordination, and stamina. People get hurt. They get hit by their partner’s paddle, they fall down (usually when trying to back peddle) and bonk their head, they twist an ankle, they get hit by smashed pickleballs, they get overenthusiastic and try to jump the net after a victory and, well, it doesn’t end well. Use your best judgement. If it is more prudent not to play, you can still sign up to attend, watch, and network!