Please scroll down and read the info labeled "ORIGINAL INITIAL HOMEPAGE INFORMATION BELOW" first!

UPDATE 4: Saturday, July 13th Venue Relocation!!! 2024 Alaska State Championship - UPA & USSP Charity Event (email was sent July 12th)

Hello Pickleball Addicts!

An urgent update! Due to inclement weather forecasted for Saturday, 13 July, we have finally agreed to a reasonably priced venue. Most Anchorage facilities have been exhausted and determined not within a reasonable budget...too steep in pricing in most cases. With that said, I have decided to close on Grizzly Family Fitness located at 1507 N Double B St, Palmer, AK 99645. Please review the start times on the tournament homepage for your event!

We are tapped out on funds! So, no Sunday or Monday indoor facility planned if inclement weather is an issue. Please be prepared to play at Bartlett HS courts these days with a remote chance of playing at Lake Otis provided the hockey league isn't occupying it first.

We'll discuss more details tomorrow at Grizzly.

See you at the courts soon paddle-up and ready!

Kimo

Tournament Director

UPDATE 3 - UPDATE 3: WEATHER/REFUND POLICY - 2024 Alaska State Championship - UPA & USSP Charity Event

(email sent July 10, 12:30am)

Hello again, pickleball addicts!

Just a friendly reminder that since we posted the tournament back in March, the cancellation and refund policy still remain the same. We are anticipating weather delays this weekend. The weather forecast comes from weather.gov and weather.com. For your planning, here is what is being forecasted:

Thursday

Mostly cloudy, with a high near 65. Southeast wind around 5 mph.

Thursday Night

Mostly cloudy, with a low around 49. East wind 5 to 10 mph.

Friday

Mostly cloudy, with a high near 67. Southeast wind 5 to 10 mph.

Friday Night

Cloudy, with a low around 50.

Saturday

A chance of rain after 10am. Cloudy, with a high near 64.

Saturday Night

Rain likely. Cloudy, with a low around 49.

Sunday

Rain likely. Cloudy, with a high near 62.

Sunday Night

Rain likely. Cloudy, with a low around 48.

Monday

Rain likely. Cloudy, with a high near 63.

Monday Night

Rain likely. Cloudy, with a low around 47.

As you know, weather forecast can be subjective and a hit and miss. Here is a snippet of the Refund Policy section depicted on the tourney's homepage: "THERE WILL BE NO REFUNDS FOR WEATHER RELATED CANCELLATIONS. IN CASE OF WEATHER DELAYS, AN ATTEMPT TO PLAY ALL MATCHES SCHEDULED FOR THAT DAY WILL BE MADE IN THAT DAY OR MOVED TO FOLLOWING AVAILABLE TOURNAMENT DAYS.

With that being said, all cancelled events due to weather, the event fees will be donated to the Alzheimer Association's Alaska Chapter!

Please be patient if we do encounter rain delays as we will do our best to keep you informed and back on the courts if possible. We do not have an indoor venue as a contingency. Thank you in advance for your patience and understanding!

Paddle-Up and Always Ready, Pickleball Addicts!

Your friendly neighborhood Tournament Director,

Kimo

UPDATE 2

(email sent July 5, 11am - only 21 players have read this email below as of 7/9/24 at 2:20pm)

This is a friendly reminder that Events are being developed today and tomorrow. There are roughly 10 or more players needing to complete registration. If you have a partner in any Event that has a red-white Pacman Ghost next to his or her name on the Events page Here, he or she must complete their registration to make your team complete. Your team will be placed on a waitlist after today if this is not completed. Please reach out to your teammate to ensure this happens. Other teams may advance to take your vacancy if there is a waitlist already established.

Additionally, there are a number of you needing a partner. Please go to the Players Needing Partner List Here and reach out to a player of interest via the email button next to their name depicted as "Need a Partner - Click to Contact". If all else fails, reach out to the Registration Desk for further assistance at (254) 394-1587 or email victoryroadpickleball@gmail.com.

More emails to follow....!

See you at the courts soon paddle-up and ready!

Kimo

Tournament Director

PLAYER'S UPDATE 1:

1st email sent to players June 27th, 8:30pm (Please check your SPAM folder...showing 19 only read/52 has not read yet as of 1 July):

"Alaska State Championship - UPA & USSP Charity Event

Venue: Bartlett High School Tennis Courts - 1101 Golden Bear Dr., Anchorage, Alaska 99504

Dates: July 11-15, 2024

Thu, Fri, & Mon - Tentative 1st Round Start Times: 3:00pm (Check-in times 30 min prior)

Sat & Sun - Tentative 1st Round Start Times: 9:00am (Check-in times 30 min prior)

Welcome Pickleball Addicts!

We are excited to have you compete at this inaugural Alaska State Championship tournament AND at a fantastic venue! Players, this is a qualifier for the United Worldwide Championships. Thank you, sincerely, for being a part of the "United" Pickleball Association & US Senior Pickleball *All Ages* Charity experience!

Players, this is a three-fold tournament:

1) Players throughout Alaska and the lower 48 will "Unite" and compete and attempt to medal for a Championship Division spot at United Pickleball Association's World Championships held at Dallas this November 4-10th. Be advised, UPA rules say that Championship Divisions are "Only players who have medaled in a United States Championships Event", but a disclosure MAY come to those who loses his or her partner to beforehand and allow others to register as his or her new partner with or without a state championship medal. Peruse through the Dallas's November Worldwide Championship's tournament homepage to familiarize yourself with the current policy for Championship Division qualifications.

UPA World Championships HERE

Be advised, the Dallas tourney is already at 1350+ players and we're still 4 months out from its registration deadline!!

2) To raise funds toward the Alzheimer's Association ALASKA Chapter! Please visit the Alaska Chapter's site and consider generously giving to a greater cause!

Alaska Chapter Alzheimer's Association HERE

3) TO FINALLY PLACE ALASKA ON THE WORLDWIDE MAP AND PICKUP NEW PLAYERS FROM THE LOWER 48 AND OTHER COUNTRIES!!!

This email is informational to get you ready for the tournament (more emails to follow):

GENERAL INFORMATION

-Make sure you are correctly listed in your events – correct skill/age level along with partners can be checked.

Player Details HERE

-Brackets are being developed as we speak. Completion of bracket development may be tentatively completed by 11:59pm, July 4th. If two or less teams are in your skill/age event, be prepared to be combined with another event. Otherwise, contact the Tournament Director of your intentions. Tournament Director has the right to combine skill/age events.

-Both team players must complete registration separately to be officially registered. Please confirm your partner is registered. All registration fees must be paid using the tournament software prior to registration deadline, 11:59pm, July 4th. We will not have cash to exchange or receive checks during Check-in! Contact the Registration Desk number via text or call at (254) 394-1587 if you need assistance completing your registration.

-We will be using up to 12 outdoor courts with taped court lines and temp nets on eight tennis painted surface courts and up to four asphalt courts similar to Ben Boeke Hockey Rinks.

Ball – Vulcan Pickleballs

-Food: Gatorade, water, and snacks will be provided daily. Feel free to bring your own food and beverages. For Sat & Sun, we are planning Hula Hands and one other option TBD for lunch about noonish. You also have a number of high-quality sit-down restaurants and fast foods at Tikatnu Commons as well!

Tikatnu Restaurants HERE

-There are no bench seats. Please feel free to bring your own foldable chairs, tables, and canopy tents for shading which are permitted outside of the fenced in playing area. Player backpack will not be allowed on the courts. Towels and drink containers can be taken inside and set against the perimeter of the fence. You may link your paddle backpack onto the outside of fence if desired.

-There will be two Porta-Johns onsite along with nearby restaurants with restrooms at Tikahtnu Commons. Although Port-Johns will be on site, a precautionary consideration would be to bring your own toilet paper and hand sanitizer.

-If you registered after June 28th, you will NOT receive a free T-shirt. You can purchase one at cost: Short Sleeve for $25 if any are available.

-Raffle tickets will be on sale for $5 each with a discounted price of $20 for 5 tickets. ALL proceeds will go toward the Alzheimer's Association Alaska Chapter!!! Prizes from jewelry, racquets, paddles, clothing, tote bags, to lots of misc pball gear!! A combined price tag of over $2000! Please login to your Pickleballbrackets.com player registration and update your registration with raffle ticket purchases. You'll receive these tickets at Check-in or you may purchase tickets then or throughout the tourney weekend!

-It is the players responsibility to be on time and prepared to play. If you are delayed or need to cancel for any reason, please contact the Tournament Director as soon as possible.

VOLUNTEERS: The following volunteer jobs are in need of filling for each day and in the following areas:

-Check-in

Check people into the event, hand out any necessary items as needed.

-Court Monitor

Watch the courts to ensure players who are playing should be there. Answer questions from players, look for matches that may require an official due to issues on the court. (Ensure scorecards are completed correctly)

-General Helper

An overall helper wherever needed.

-Score Table

Enter scores as they come in, and distribute new matches to players, and provide the medals and take photos.

Thank you for considering to volunteer! We would sincerely appreciate your generosity with your time!

Volunteers HERE

On this homepage, click on the black button on the right side that says, Click to Volunteer. We have volunteer t-shirts to wear.

TOURNAMENT OPERATIONS

Attention DUPR Addicts: Applicable to tournaments hosted by Victory Road Pickleball L.L.C. (VRP), (such as this tournament), players should also be a member of the DUPR Victory Road Pickleball Club first before requesting assistance. While participating at the tournament, a good practice would be for players to upload his/her match results into DUPR soon after each match completion. ALL team members from each team will need to be present while uploading results and validating results. If several attempts to reach your opponent(s) for validation fail, you may reach out to the VRP Tournament Director for assistance. We will try to have a laptop available for you to upload match results under the DUPR Victory Road Pickleball Club.

***Don’t forget to do a club search in DUPR for Victory Road Pickleball Club and become a member!!!

DUPR HERE

START TIMES

The schedule for start times for bracket play for each day will be published on the tournament listing.

Start Times HERE

On the tournament homepage, click “Start times”. To see your bracket grouping click the “Players Registered”, then click “Show all players”. We will be posting the confirmed adjusted brackets & start times, tentatively no later than Jul 7th. Please check the tournament website again that evening. Be advised, we may still be registering players after the registration deadline to increase event sizes as needed.

From me, your friendly neighborhood TD and our VOLUNTEERS, thank you for choosing to play the Alaska State Championship under the Unite Pickleball Association and US Senior Pickleball Charity Event! The success of this tournament depends on volunteers, workers, and ALL players!

PS. Starting today, June 27th, if a current registered player refers any number of players at any skill/age level to register, please contact Tourney Director with your referral(s) and the newly registered player(s) will receive a $15 discount!!!

**Again, please check your emails and/or public tourney homepage daily as updates are provided as necessary to keep our players as informed as possible. OKAY…enough with the friendly reminders!

Feel free to reach out to me anytime via text first then phone call if needed. Looking forward to meeting with you at Bartlett HS courts soon!

We hope you have a great tournament experience!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

ON THE ROAD TO PICKLEBALL VICTORY!!!!!!

Kimo Hansen

Tournament Director, Ops. Mgr.

victoryroadpickleball@gmail.com"

********************ORIGINAL INITIAL HOMEPAGE INFORMATION BELOW*********************************

Welcome to the Alaska State Championship under the United Pickleball Assoc. & US Senior Pickleball *ALL AGES* charity event!

This is also an Alzheimer's Association ALASKA Chapter fundraising event! Please see the following link to support this amazing organization:

https://act.alz.org/site/TR?px=22433388&fr_id=17194&pg=personal

On behalf of more than 6 million Americans living with Alzheimer’s and over 11 million caregivers — thank you in advance!

Now, which state has the best pickleball players?

The answer will be revealed soon enough, courtesy of the inaugural United Pickleball State Championships (UPSC), a series of tournaments conducted across all 50 states in the country. The Medalists from each of these tournaments will automatically secure invitations to the year-end United Pickleball Associations World Pickleball Championships in Dallas, TX, and all event medalists will incur the following discounted registration at the following rates:

Gold - 100% ( Free event Registration )

Silver - 50% off

Bronze 33% off

The first UPSC event was hosted by Pickleball.com on Feb. 20 in Mesa, AZ in conjunction with the PPA Tour’s Mesa Arizona Cup.

Each UPSC event will be held at one of the largest pickleball tournaments in each state.

At the United Pickleball Associations World Pickleball Championships, a Champions Division will feature all the champions from each division nationwide battling against each other for pickleball supremacy.

Why Should I play in the State Championship Series?

Participating in the State Championship Series offers players a unique and thrilling opportunity to showcase their skills on a bigger stage, contributing to the vibrant and growing pickleball community. The series, spanning all 50 states, provides an inclusive platform for players of varying ages and skill levels to engage in spirited competition while fostering camaraderie among enthusiasts across the nation. The chance to compete in the largest pickleball tournament in each state ensures a diverse and competitive field, creating an environment that encourages players to push their limits and improve their game.

Moreover, the prospect of earning a coveted spot in the year-end United Pickleball Associations World Pickleball Championships in Dallas, TX adds an extra layer of excitement and motivation. With all event fees waived or discounted for medalists from each state, the Champions Division at the United Pickleball Associations World Pickleball Championship is not only a celebration of skill but also a rewarding experience for those who excel in their divisions. UPAWPC brings together the best players from across the country, offering a grand stage for the ultimate showdown and the quest for pickleball supremacy. Whether you're a seasoned competitor or a newcomer to the sport, the UPAWPC promises a memorable journey filled with competition, sportsmanship, and the chance to etch your name in the annals of pickleball history.

Champions Division

Participants who secure skill-level gold at a state championship are eligible for a complimentary event fee to the United Pickleball Associations World Pickleball Championship in Dallas, TX. This exclusive offer recognizes and rewards excellence in the Champions Division and ensures the best possible competition. This United Pickleball Associations World Pickleball Championship will take place from November 4th to the 9th.

Alaska State Championship Divisions Offered

We are excited to offer a range of divisions to cater to players of varying age groups and skill levels:

Skill Levels: 3.0, 3.5, 4.0, 4.5, 5.0

Age Groups: 18U, 19+, 35+, 50+, 60+, 70+

Playing Divisions: MS, WS, MD, WD, MXD

Please note that participants can choose only one division for Singles (S), Gender Doubles (GD), and Mixed Doubles (MXD).

Registration Starts

March - Apr Early Registration = $45 + event fees

May - June = Registration = $55 + event fees

July = Late Registration = $65 + event fees

All Doubles & Singles Events are $15 each

*Please make sure your T-shirt sizes are accurate in your profile. Deadline for FREE T-shirt is 24JUN2024!!

*Skill and Age bracket splits developed after registration deadline.

*ALL AGES can play Sat/Sun but there are only three brackets! (18U,19+,35+)

*Actual event start times will be provided once brackets are developed at or near registration deadline June 27th.

*Tournament Director has the right to combine skill/age brackets based on skill/age team numbers.

This important tournament is also a fundraiser opportunity by participating in The Longest Day & Walk to End Alzheimer's to raise funds and awareness for the care, support and research efforts of the Alzheimer’s Association. Please click the following link to donate 100% of your contribution to:

http://act.alz.org/goto/AlaskaUnitedPballStateChampionshipFundraiser

SCHEDULE:

2024/07/11: Thursday, Senior Men's & Senior Women's Doubles (SKILL: 3.0 - 5.0 AGE: 50+, 5-year splits)

2024/07/12: Friday, Senior Mixed Doubles (SKILL: 3.0 - 5.0 AGE: 50+, 5-year splits)

2024/07/13: Saturday, ALL AGES Men's & Women's Doubles (SKILL: 3.0 - 5.0 AGE: 8+,19+,35+)

2024/07/14: Sunday, ALL AGES Mixed Doubles (SKILL: 3.0 - 5.0 AGE: 8+,19+,35+)

2024/07/15: Monday, ALL AGES Men's & Women's Singles (SKILL: 3.0 - 5.0 AGE: 8+,19+,35+)

TIME: TBD as we get closer to registration deadline of 11:59pm July 4th.

 

MATCH FORMAT

ROUND ROBIN with top THREE or more seeded teams advancing to the SE playoff for Gold, Silver, & Bronze medals (for a non-pool event).

NON-POOL PLAY

Brackets of 3 will be DOUBLE ROUND ROBIN with each match 1 to 15 by 2.

Brackets of 4 will be ROUND ROBIN with each match best 2 of 3 games to 11 by 2.

Brackets of 5-7 will be ROUND ROBIN with each match 1 to 15 by 2.

POOL PLAY

-If an event has 8 or more players/teams, the event may be divided into two or more pools with the seeded teams after round robin from each pool advancing to the SE playoffs 1 to 15 by 2.

-The teams advancing to finals will play for Gold/Silver best 2 of 3 games to 11 by 2.

-Bronze match is 2 of 3 games to 11 by 2.

Players will utilize "World Pickleball" rating (WPR) from their player profile first - if there is no WPR, then the "Pickleball Brackets" rating (PBR) is used second. Self-rating is used thirdly if no WPR or PBR and the responsibility of the player to set at a skill that is NOT lower than their DUPR or UTPR.

DUPR: Match results will be submitted to DUPR within two weeks after the tournament has completed AND players become a member of the DUPR Club: Victory Road Pickleball. Otherwise, players must input his/her own match results and wait for all player's verification. Please go to the following link to the DUPR Club Victory Road Pickleball to join the club:

https://mydupr.com/dashboard/browse/clubs/5935929113

Refunds will be available up to 2 weeks before the tournament registration closing date of 11:59pm, June 27th. ALL refunds will be charged a $15 processing fee. Refunds based on emergencies will be issued on a case-by-case basis.

THERE WILL BE NO REFUNDS FOR WEATHER RELATED CANCELLATIONS. IN CASE OF WEATHER DELAYS, AN ATTEMPT TO PLAY ALL MATCHES SCHEDULED FOR THAT DAY WILL BE MADE OR MOVED TO FOLLOWING AVAILABLE TOURNAMENT DAYS.

Refunds will be processed one week after completion of the tournament and will take anywhere from 10-15 days to process.