2026 SOUTHERN CHAMPIONSHIPS

Jan 01, 2027 - Jan 10, 2027

Level 1

2026 SOUTHERN CHAMPIONSHIPS

Jan 01, 2027 - Jan 10, 2027

Level 1

When

Registration opens

Apr 15, 2026

8:00 AM EST

Registration ends

Dec 13, 2026

11:55 AM EST

Registration Cost

$ 80.00

Price changes to USD 95.00 on Dec 21st

Click here for fee schedule

Where

Get Directions

Rhythm and Rally

3661 Eisenhower Parkway

Macon, GA, 31206

Tournament Description

<strong style="font-size:28px; color:#0F6B47;">WELCOME TO THE 2026 SOUTHERN CHAMPIONSHIPS</strong>

</div>

<strong>Southern Championships has expanded to <span style="color:#0F6B47;">TWO WEEKENDS</span></strong><br>

January 1st-3rd: Ages 50+ | 60+ | 70+ | 80+ <br>

January 8th-10th: Ages 15+ | 35+<br>

<strong>Be sure to check the schedule below to plan your events and maximize your tournament experience!</strong>

</div>

<strong>⚠️⚠️ IMPORTANT REQUIREMENT: ALL PLAYERS AND PARTNERS MUST HAVE MEDALED IN A SOUTHERN SANCTIONED EVENT IN 2025 ⚠️⚠️</strong>

</div>

<em>*Footnote: The Southern Championships January 2026 events are excluded from this medaled requirement.</em>

</div>

</div>

<strong>PLAN YOUR EVENTS NOW!</strong><br>

<strong>2026 SOUTHERN CHAMPIONSHIPS SCHEDULE</strong>

</div>

<strong style="font-size:18px; text-decoration:underline;">January 1st through January 3rd, 2027</strong><br>

<strong style="font-size:16px;">Friday, January 1st:</strong> Men’s and Women’s Singles – Ages 50+ | 60+ | 70+ | 80+<br>

<strong style="font-size:16px;">Saturday, January 2nd:</strong> Men’s and Women’s Doubles – Ages 50+ | 60+ | 70+ | 80+<br>

<strong style="font-size:16px;">Sunday, January 3rd:</strong> Mixed Doubles – Ages 50+ | 60+ | 70+ | 80+<br>

</div>

<strong style="font-size:18px; text-decoration:underline;">January 8th through January 10th, 2027</strong><br>

<strong style="font-size:16px;">Friday, January 8th:</strong> Men’s and Women’s Singles – Ages 15+ | 35+ <br>

<strong style="font-size:16px;">Saturday, January 9th:</strong> Men’s and Women’s Doubles – Ages 15+ | 35+ <br>

<strong style="font-size:16px;">Sunday, January 10th:</strong> Mixed Doubles – Ages 15+ | 35+ <br>

</div>

<strong>⚠️ Competition each day may begin as early as 8:00 AM and the latest start time 4:00 PM.</strong>

</div>

</div>

<li>REGISTRATION COST: $80 (INCLUDES ONE EVENT) | ADDITIONAL EVENTS: $20 EACH</li>

<li>LAST DAY TO REGISTER AND BE GUARANTEED A FREE TOURNAMENT SHIRT: DECEMBER 14TH, 12:00PM</li>

<li>PLAYERS MAY PLAY BOTH WEEKENDS; HOWEVER, AT LEAST ONE PLAYER MUST BE THE CORRECT AGE FOR THAT EVENT</li>

</ul>

</div>

<strong style="font-size:20px;">DIVISIONS OFFERED – SKILL LEVELS (DUPR REQUIRED)</strong><br><br> <strong>All players must have a valid DUPR rating</strong>, which will be used from their player profile.<br><br>

SKILL LEVELS

</div>

2.5 | 3.0 | 3.5 | 4.0 | 4.5

</div>

<strong>⚠️ TEAM RULE:</strong> A team must play at the skill level of the higher rated player (or higher) and the age group of the younger player.<br>

<strong>🏅 QUALIFICATION:</strong> Both players must have medaled in a Southern sanctioned tournament in 2025 to qualify for the Southern Championships.<br><br>

<strong>📅 AGE REQUIREMENT:</strong> Age is calculated as of 12/31/2026<br><br>

<strong>🔧 MATCH GUARANTEE & BRACKET POLICY 🔧</strong><br>

• Southern Pickleball guarantees a minimum of four (4) matches per team per event.<br>

• Tournament management reserves the right to combine brackets as needed to create playable divisions.<br>

• If brackets are combined, awards will be based on the original bracket in which the player registered.<br>

• Tournament management reserves the right to change formats or make any changes.<br><br>

<strong>📊 RATINGS (DUPR) 📊</strong><br>

• DUPR ratings will be used for all events.<br>

• All matches will be reported to DUPR.<br>

• The Tournament Director reserves the right to move players up or down as deemed appropriate.<br>

• After registration closes, all player ratings will be reviewed.<br>

• Players whose updated DUPR rating (with 50% or higher reliability) exceeds the registered division will be moved to the appropriate higher bracket.<br>

• Players with a DUPR reliability below 50% may appeal to play in a lower division.<br>

• Players must initially register in the division allowed by their current DUPR rating.<br>

• Appeals must be submitted via email to info@southernpickleball.com before registration closes.<br>

• Both partners (if applicable) must agree to the appeal.<br><br>

<strong>🤝 PARTNER POLICY 🤝</strong><br>

• Players may register with a partner or select “Need a Partner.”<br><br>

<strong>If registering with a partner:</strong><br>

• The selected partner must register within five (5) days of the first player’s registration.<br>

• Failure to do so will result in the team being placed on the waitlist.<br>

• Once the partner registers, the team will automatically move to the active list if space is available.<br>

• Registration is not guaranteed until both players are registered and all fees are paid in full.<br><br>

<strong>⚠️ NEED A PARTNER:</strong> Selecting “Need a Partner” does not guarantee the tournament will find a partner.<br>

• This feature is provided as a courtesy so players may connect with one another.<br>

• Players without partners must withdraw according to the tournament’s refund policy.<br><br>

<strong>🏓 MATCH PLAY 🏓</strong><br>

• There are no referees.<br>

• All matches are self-monitored.<br><br>

<strong>📐 FORMAT 📐</strong><br>

• Events will be played using round-robin brackets or pool play, followed by medal brackets and/or medal matches.<br>

• Matches are played to 15 points, win by 2.<br>

• 7-team brackets or pools will play matches to 11 points, win by 2.<br>

• Tournament management reserves the right to change formats or make any changes.<br><br>

<strong>📺 MEDIA & LIVESTREAM COVERAGE 📺</strong><br>

• Select matches at Southern–hosted State Championships will be livestreamed on Southern TV.<br>

• Players and fans are encouraged to visit <a href="https://SouthernPickleballTV.com" target="_blank">SouthernPickleballTV.com</a> and subscribe for free to watch live matches, highlights, and exclusive championship coverage.<br>

</div>

Additional Information

<p>

The Southern Pickleball Association adheres to the guidelines set forth in the USA Pickleball Rulebook. All gameplay, officiating, and judgment decisions during our events are based on these rules to ensure consistency and fairness for all players. Southern Pickleball reserves the right to deviate from the USA Pickleball rules at the discretion of the tournament management.

</p>

<p>

We encourage all participants to familiarize themselves with the USA Pickleball Rulebook to understand the standards and expectations that govern our games. For more information or to access the rulebook, please visit <a href="https://usapickleball.org/what-is-pickleball/official-rules/" target="_blank">USA Pickleball's official website</a>.

</p>

In addition, the Southern Pickleball Association allows <b><u>paddles that are on the official UPA-A amateur and the USA Pickleball paddle approved list</u></b>.

It is the player's responsibility to make sure their paddle is currently approved by UPA-A and/or USA Pickleball for amateur tournament play.

<a href="https://equipment.usapickleball.org/paddle-list/" target="_blank">https://equipment.usapickleball.org/paddle-list/</a>

</p>

<p>

Players found to be playing with an unapproved paddle may be subject to forfeit at the discretion of the tournament director and/or tournament referee.

</p>

<p>

Additionally, players discovered to have two or more DUPR accounts may also be subject to withdrawal from the tournament at the discretion of the tournament director. Players with multiple DUPR accounts should contact <a href="mailto:support@dupr.com">support@dupr.com</a> to have their accounts merged. Thank you for helping us uphold the integrity of the sport!

</p>

<p style="font-weight:bold;">Customer Service & Support</p>

<p>

Southern Pickleball is happy to answer questions and assist with any issues related to registration, scheduling, divisions, or tournament policies. Please send all correspondence to <a href="mailto:info@southernpickleball.com">info@southernpickleball.com</a>.

</p>

<p>For the fastest and most accurate service, include the following information in your message:</p>

<li>Your partner’s full name (if applicable)</li>

<li>Phone number and email address for both players</li>

<li>The bracket you are currently playing and/or the bracket you wish to play</li>

<li>Providing complete information will help us answer your questions</li>

</ul>

</div>

Refund Policy

<strong>WITHDRAWAL & CANCELLATION POLICY</strong>

</div>

• Cancellation Deadline: DECEMBER 2nd at 11:55pm ET<br>

• Withdrawals before the deadline receive a refund minus a $20 processing fee<br>

• All approved refunds will be issued the week following the conclusion of the tournament<br>

• Pickleball tournament service fees are non-refundable<br>

• Tournament entry may close at any time if daily capacity limits are reached

</div>

<br>

<strong>🌤️ WEATHER & TOURNAMENT INSURANCE 🌤️</strong>

</div>

Optional Weather & Tournament Insurance is available for $12 and may be purchased during registration.

</p>

<div style="font-weight:bold;margin-top:10px;line-height:1.2;">Tournament Insurance covers:</div>

• Weather-related cancellations, and<br>

• Withdrawals due to injury or family emergency for the player or their partner.

</div>

<br>

Players who purchase Tournament Insurance will receive a 100% refund of registration and event fees if they are unable to compete in at least one event during the tournament. Registration fees are non-transferable.

</p>

</div>

Venue Details

Rhythm and Rally

3661 Eisenhower Parkway
Macon, Georgia, 31206
United States

Parking Information

Parking Fee: No Fee

Travel information

Lodging

Garner Macon West

110 Plantation Inn Drive

Macon, Georgia , 31210

Tour

When

Registration opens

Apr 15, 2026

8:00 AM EST

Registration ends

Dec 13, 2026

11:55 AM EST

Registration Cost

$ 80.00

Price changes to USD 95.00 on Dec 21st

Click here for fee schedule

Where

Get Directions

Rhythm and Rally

3661 Eisenhower Parkway

Macon, GA, 31206

Tournament Description

<strong style="font-size:28px; color:#0F6B47;">WELCOME TO THE 2026 SOUTHERN CHAMPIONSHIPS</strong>

</div>

<strong>Southern Championships has expanded to <span style="color:#0F6B47;">TWO WEEKENDS</span></strong><br>

January 1st-3rd: Ages 50+ | 60+ | 70+ | 80+ <br>

January 8th-10th: Ages 15+ | 35+<br>

<strong>Be sure to check the schedule below to plan your events and maximize your tournament experience!</strong>

</div>

<strong>⚠️⚠️ IMPORTANT REQUIREMENT: ALL PLAYERS AND PARTNERS MUST HAVE MEDALED IN A SOUTHERN SANCTIONED EVENT IN 2025 ⚠️⚠️</strong>

</div>

<em>*Footnote: The Southern Championships January 2026 events are excluded from this medaled requirement.</em>

</div>

</div>

<strong>PLAN YOUR EVENTS NOW!</strong><br>

<strong>2026 SOUTHERN CHAMPIONSHIPS SCHEDULE</strong>

</div>

<strong style="font-size:18px; text-decoration:underline;">January 1st through January 3rd, 2027</strong><br>

<strong style="font-size:16px;">Friday, January 1st:</strong> Men’s and Women’s Singles – Ages 50+ | 60+ | 70+ | 80+<br>

<strong style="font-size:16px;">Saturday, January 2nd:</strong> Men’s and Women’s Doubles – Ages 50+ | 60+ | 70+ | 80+<br>

<strong style="font-size:16px;">Sunday, January 3rd:</strong> Mixed Doubles – Ages 50+ | 60+ | 70+ | 80+<br>

</div>

<strong style="font-size:18px; text-decoration:underline;">January 8th through January 10th, 2027</strong><br>

<strong style="font-size:16px;">Friday, January 8th:</strong> Men’s and Women’s Singles – Ages 15+ | 35+ <br>

<strong style="font-size:16px;">Saturday, January 9th:</strong> Men’s and Women’s Doubles – Ages 15+ | 35+ <br>

<strong style="font-size:16px;">Sunday, January 10th:</strong> Mixed Doubles – Ages 15+ | 35+ <br>

</div>

<strong>⚠️ Competition each day may begin as early as 8:00 AM and the latest start time 4:00 PM.</strong>

</div>

</div>

<li>REGISTRATION COST: $80 (INCLUDES ONE EVENT) | ADDITIONAL EVENTS: $20 EACH</li>

<li>LAST DAY TO REGISTER AND BE GUARANTEED A FREE TOURNAMENT SHIRT: DECEMBER 14TH, 12:00PM</li>

<li>PLAYERS MAY PLAY BOTH WEEKENDS; HOWEVER, AT LEAST ONE PLAYER MUST BE THE CORRECT AGE FOR THAT EVENT</li>

</ul>

</div>

SKILL LEVELS

</div>

2.5 | 3.0 | 3.5 | 4.0 | 4.5

</div>

<strong>⚠️ TEAM RULE:</strong> A team must play at the skill level of the higher rated player (or higher) and the age group of the younger player.<br>

<strong>🏅 QUALIFICATION:</strong> Both players must have medaled in a Southern sanctioned tournament in 2025 to qualify for the Southern Championships.<br><br>

<strong>📅 AGE REQUIREMENT:</strong> Age is calculated as of 12/31/2026<br><br>

<strong>🔧 MATCH GUARANTEE & BRACKET POLICY 🔧</strong><br>

• Southern Pickleball guarantees a minimum of four (4) matches per team per event.<br>

• Tournament management reserves the right to combine brackets as needed to create playable divisions.<br>

• If brackets are combined, awards will be based on the original bracket in which the player registered.<br>

• Tournament management reserves the right to change formats or make any changes.<br><br>

<strong>📊 RATINGS (DUPR) 📊</strong><br>

• DUPR ratings will be used for all events.<br>

• All matches will be reported to DUPR.<br>

• The Tournament Director reserves the right to move players up or down as deemed appropriate.<br>

• After registration closes, all player ratings will be reviewed.<br>

• Players whose updated DUPR rating (with 50% or higher reliability) exceeds the registered division will be moved to the appropriate higher bracket.<br>

• Players with a DUPR reliability below 50% may appeal to play in a lower division.<br>

• Players must initially register in the division allowed by their current DUPR rating.<br>

• Appeals must be submitted via email to info@southernpickleball.com before registration closes.<br>

• Both partners (if applicable) must agree to the appeal.<br><br>

<strong>🤝 PARTNER POLICY 🤝</strong><br>

• Players may register with a partner or select “Need a Partner.”<br><br>

<strong>If registering with a partner:</strong><br>

• The selected partner must register within five (5) days of the first player’s registration.<br>

• Failure to do so will result in the team being placed on the waitlist.<br>

• Once the partner registers, the team will automatically move to the active list if space is available.<br>

• Registration is not guaranteed until both players are registered and all fees are paid in full.<br><br>

<strong>⚠️ NEED A PARTNER:</strong> Selecting “Need a Partner” does not guarantee the tournament will find a partner.<br>

• This feature is provided as a courtesy so players may connect with one another.<br>

• Players without partners must withdraw according to the tournament’s refund policy.<br><br>

<strong>🏓 MATCH PLAY 🏓</strong><br>

• There are no referees.<br>

• All matches are self-monitored.<br><br>

<strong>📐 FORMAT 📐</strong><br>

• Events will be played using round-robin brackets or pool play, followed by medal brackets and/or medal matches.<br>

• Matches are played to 15 points, win by 2.<br>

• 7-team brackets or pools will play matches to 11 points, win by 2.<br>

• Tournament management reserves the right to change formats or make any changes.<br><br>

<strong>📺 MEDIA & LIVESTREAM COVERAGE 📺</strong><br>

• Select matches at Southern–hosted State Championships will be livestreamed on Southern TV.<br>

</div>

Additional Information

<p>

</p>

<p>

</p>

In addition, the Southern Pickleball Association allows <b><u>paddles that are on the official UPA-A amateur and the USA Pickleball paddle approved list</u></b>.

It is the player's responsibility to make sure their paddle is currently approved by UPA-A and/or USA Pickleball for amateur tournament play.

<a href="https://equipment.usapickleball.org/paddle-list/" target="_blank">https://equipment.usapickleball.org/paddle-list/</a>

</p>

<p>

Players found to be playing with an unapproved paddle may be subject to forfeit at the discretion of the tournament director and/or tournament referee.

</p>

<p>

</p>

<p style="font-weight:bold;">Customer Service & Support</p>

<p>

</p>

<p>For the fastest and most accurate service, include the following information in your message:</p>

<li>Your partner’s full name (if applicable)</li>

<li>Phone number and email address for both players</li>

<li>The bracket you are currently playing and/or the bracket you wish to play</li>

<li>Providing complete information will help us answer your questions</li>

</ul>

</div>

Refund Policy

<strong>WITHDRAWAL & CANCELLATION POLICY</strong>

</div>

• Cancellation Deadline: DECEMBER 2nd at 11:55pm ET<br>

• Withdrawals before the deadline receive a refund minus a $20 processing fee<br>

• All approved refunds will be issued the week following the conclusion of the tournament<br>

• Pickleball tournament service fees are non-refundable<br>

• Tournament entry may close at any time if daily capacity limits are reached

</div>

<br>

<strong>🌤️ WEATHER & TOURNAMENT INSURANCE 🌤️</strong>

</div>

Optional Weather & Tournament Insurance is available for $12 and may be purchased during registration.

</p>

<div style="font-weight:bold;margin-top:10px;line-height:1.2;">Tournament Insurance covers:</div>

• Weather-related cancellations, and<br>

• Withdrawals due to injury or family emergency for the player or their partner.

</div>

<br>

</p>

</div>

Venue Details

Rhythm and Rally

3661 Eisenhower Parkway
Macon, Georgia, 31206
United States

Parking Information

Parking Fee: No Fee

Travel information

Lodging

Garner Macon West

110 Plantation Inn Drive

Macon, Georgia , 31210

Tour

2026 SOUTHERN CHAMPIONSHIPS

2026 SOUTHERN CHAMPIONSHIPS

2026 SOUTHERN CHAMPIONSHIPS

2026 SOUTHERN CHAMPIONSHIPS

2026 SOUTHERN CHAMPIONSHIPS

2026 SOUTHERN CHAMPIONSHIPS

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2026 SOUTHERN CHAMPIONSHIPS

2026 SOUTHERN CHAMPIONSHIPS

2026 SOUTHERN CHAMPIONSHIPS

2026 SOUTHERN CHAMPIONSHIPS

2026 SOUTHERN CHAMPIONSHIPS

Tournament Description

Additional Information

Refund Policy

Venue Details

Travel information

Tournament Description

Additional Information

Refund Policy

Venue Details

Travel information