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Southern Pickleball is proud to announce the <b>2026 SOUTHERN SENIORS GEORGIA STATE CHAMPIONSHIPS</b>, presented by <b>AARP</b>. This tournament will be hosted at <b>LIFE TIME, PEACHTREE CORNERS</b> in <b>Peachtree Corners/Norcross, Georgia</b>.
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This is a <b>50+ ONLY TOURNAMENT</b>. Turns out there really is a benefit to getting older! You've earned your place in one of the fastest-growing divisions in pickleball. Come celebrate the players who continue to prove that age is just a number and that great pickleball only gets better with experience.
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<b>2026 SOUTHERN SENIORS GEORGIA STATE CHAMPIONSHIPS</b> is designed for players who enjoy great competition, camaraderie, and a first-class tournament experience. Whether you're competing for medals or simply enjoying a weekend of pickleball with friends, this event promises plenty of action at one of Georgia’s great facilities.
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<b>ABOUT AARP</b>
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AARP is a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization dedicated to empowering people to choose how they live as they age. Founded in 1958, AARP serves more than 125 million Americans age 50 and older and their families by advocating for health security, financial stability, and personal fulfillment.
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With offices in every state, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands, AARP works at both the federal and state levels on issues that matter most to older adults, including Social Security, Medicare, prescription drug affordability, caregiving, and financial security. AARP also provides trusted information, resources, tools, and programs that help people navigate health, money, aging, and community engagement.
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<a href="https://aarp.org" target="_blank">CLICK HERE to Learn More About AARP</a>
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<b>EXPLORE GWINNETT</b>
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Gwinnett is one of the fastest-growing and most diverse destinations in the Southeast, offering a unique blend of international culture, incredible dining, outdoor recreation, and vibrant community experiences. From globally inspired cuisine and a thriving craft beer scene to beautiful parks, trails, and family-friendly attractions, Gwinnett provides something for everyone.
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Visitors can explore charming downtown districts filled with local restaurants, live music, open-air markets, and year-round events. Gwinnett is also home to the award-winning Gas South District, metro Atlanta's premier mid-size convention, entertainment, and meetings destination.
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<a href="https://www.exploregwinnett.org/" target="_blank">CLICK HERE to Explore Gwinnett</a>
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<b><u>SCHEDULE OF PLAY</u></b>
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<b>Saturday, October 10</b> – Men's & Women's Doubles<br>
<b>Sunday, October 11</b> – Mixed Doubles
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Play may begin as early as 8:00 AM. Specific start times for each event will be posted and emailed to players within 24–48 hours after the close of registration.
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<b><u>REGISTRATION & FEES</u></b>
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<b>EARLY BIRD SPECIAL: JULY 1 – AUGUST 1</b><br>
<b>$45 INCLUDES TWO (2) EVENTS</b>
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<b>REGULAR REGISTRATION: AUGUST 2 – OCTOBER 4</b><br>
<b>$65 INCLUDES TWO (2) EVENTS</b>
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Pickleball.com charges a $5 per-event service fee.
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<b>LAST DAY TO REGISTER AND RECEIVE A FREE TOURNAMENT SHIRT: SEPTEMBER 27th @ 11:55 PM</b>
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<b><u>DIVISIONS OFFERED</u></b>
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Men's & Women's Doubles | Mixed Doubles
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<b><u>SKILL LEVELS (DUPR REQUIRED) </u></b>
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2.5 | 3.0 | 3.5 | 4.0 | 4.5
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<b>DUPR RATING RANGES</b><br>
• 2.5 Division: 2.999 and below<br>
• 3.0 Division: 3.000–3.499<br>
• 3.5 Division: 3.500–3.999<br>
• 4.0 Division: 4.000–4.499<br>
• 4.5 Division: 4.500–4.999
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<b><u>AGE GROUPS</u></b>
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50-59 | 60-69 | 70-79 | 80+
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<em>Age is determined as of 12/31/2026</em>
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If the tournament director combines any brackets, medals will be awarded based on players’ original registration.
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<b>TEAM RULE:</b> Teams must compete at the skill level of the higher-rated player (or higher) and in the age group of the younger player.
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<b><u>MATCH GUARANTEE</u></b>
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• 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>
• Tournament management reserves the right to change bracket formats.<br>
• If brackets are combined, medals will be awarded based on the original registered division.
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<b><u>RATINGS (DUPR)</u></b>
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• DUPR ratings will be used for all events – Southern Pickleball uses the <b>DUPR Overall Rating</b> (not Mixed Doubles or 50+ ratings)<br>
• Players with a DUPR rating of NR (No Rating) may still play, but must have a DUPR ID<br>
• If a player’s DUPR rating is NR, the system will use the player’s self-rating from their pickleball.com profile<br>
• Players may play up in skill level, but may not play down in age group<br>
• To create a new DUPR ID or check your DUPR rating, <a href="https://www.dupr.com" target="_blank"><b>CLICK HERE to Visit DUPR.com</b></a><br>
• All matches will be reported to DUPR<br>
• Players are responsible for verifying match scores immediately after each match, before their next match begins<br>
• Score corrections may not be possible once the next match has started, so players are strongly encouraged to verify scores promptly<br>
• Tournament Director reserves the right to move players up or down in SKILL LEVEL as deemed appropriate<br>
• After registration closes, all players' DUPR ratings will be updated and 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 rating below 50% reliability may appeal to play in a lower division<br>
• Players must initially register in the higher division mandated by their current DUPR rating<br>
• Appeals must be submitted via email to <a href="mailto:info@southernpickleball.com"><b>info@southernpickleball.com</b></a> before registration closes<br>
• Both partners (if applicable) must agree to the appeal
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<b><u>PARTNER POLICY</u></b>
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• Players may register with a partner or select "Need a Partner"<br>
• <b>IF REGISTERING WITH A PARTNER:</b> The selected partner must register within five (5) days of the first player's registration. Failure to do so will result in the team being placed on the waitlist. Once the partner registers, the team will automatically move to the active list if space is available. Registration is not guaranteed until both players are registered and paid.<br>
• <b>IF SELECTING "NEED A PARTNER":</b> Choosing this option does not guarantee the tournament will find a partner. This feature is provided as a courtesy so players may connect with one another. It is ultimately the player's responsibility to find a partner. Players without partners must withdraw according to the tournament refund policy deadline to be eligible for any partial refund. <b>See Refund Policy below.</b>
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<b><u>MATCH PLAY</u></b>
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• No referees<br>
• All matches are self-monitored
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<b><u>MEDIA & LIVESTREAM COVERAGE</u></b>
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• Players and fans are encouraged to subscribe to Southern Pickleball TV — it's FREE!<br>
• <a href="https://www.youtube.com/@southernpickleballtv" target="_blank"><b>CLICK HERE TO WATCH SOUTHERN PICKLEBALL TV, MATCHES, HIGHLIGHTS & PODCASTS — SUBSCRIBE FOR FREE</b></a>
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