<b>Amateur Format</b>
We will do our best to provide the maximum possible number of games for each team by combining or splitting events to guarantee maximum value from your participation. The format for amateur events will depend on the number of teams participating in the bracket. Here is exactly what the formats may look like:
<b>6 Teams:</b> One single pool of six teams will play a round robin. Matches are one game to 11, win by 2. The top four teams advance to the playoffs.
<b>8 Teams: </b> Two pools of four teams will play a seeding round robin. Matches are one game to 15, win by 2. Only the top six teams will make it to the playoffs. The top team from each pool will get a bye and go straight to the semifinals, while the remaining four teams will battle in the quarterfinals.
<b>Please note that any pool with six or more teams will play round robin games to 11, win by 2.</b>
<b>Playoffs and Medal Rounds</b>
All quarterfinal matches are played as one game to 15, win by 2. Semifinals and Gold medal matches are the best two out of three games, all games to 11, win by 2.
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<b>Pro Format</b>
For double elimination events, the winner bracket matches are the best two out of three games to 11, win by 2. Back draw matches and the Bronze medal match are one game to 15, win by 2.
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<b>Officiating and Equipment</b>
We strive to provide a pro tour environment. Final matches will be fully refereed, and we will place referees on as many medal round games as possible. Official pickleball rules will be strictly enforced throughout the tournament.
Only UPA-A and/or USAP-approved paddles are permitted on the courts.
<b>Tournament Ball</b>
<b>Amateur Divisions</b> - Franklin X40
<b>Pro Division</b> - Lifetime 48 Pro
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<b>Court Etiquette & Player Expectations</b>
To maintain the highly competitive, pro-tour environment you expect, all athletes must adhere to these baseline standards on and off the court.
<b>General Conduct</b>
Exhibit good sportsmanship toward opponents, staff, referees, and spectators at all times.
<b>Keep it Clean</b>: Profanity, outbursts, and aggressive displays of frustration, such as throwing a paddle or intentionally smashing a ball out of play, are strictly prohibited.
<b>Respect the Venue</b>: Treat the facility and tournament equipment with care, and adhere to any venue dress codes.
<b>Match Play</b>
<b>Line Calls</b>: Call lines promptly, honestly, and accurately. If a ball cannot be clearly called out, it is considered in. Do not involve spectators in line-call discussions.
<b>Keep it Moving</b>: Play at a prompt, steady pace. Avoid intentional delays, stalling, or actions meant to distract your opponent.
<b>Conflict Resolution</b>: Attempt to resolve on-court disputes calmly and fairly. If an agreement cannot be reached, bring it to the attention of a floor monitor or match official.
<b>Post-Match</b>: Always tap paddles or shake hands at the end of every match.
If you witness a violation of these standards, please report it to the tournament desk. The tournament director reserves the right to disqualify and remove any player who exhibits aggressive, abusive, or unsportsmanlike behaviour, without a refund.
<b>Attendance & Forfeits</b>
<b>Arrival & Check-In</b>
<b>Show Up Early</b>: Players are expected to arrive at the venue at least 30 minutes before their scheduled start time. Plan your travel and parking accordingly so you are fully prepared when your bracket is called.
<b>Match Readiness</b>
<b>The Clock is Running</b>: Report to your court immediately when your match is called.
<b>Warm-Up Rules</b>: To keep matches moving and respect everyone's time, players are strictly limited to a two-minute warm-up on the court before their match begins. Five minutes for the first match
<b>Late Arrivals & No-Shows</b>
<b>Bracket Forfeits</b>: If a division has already started and a team fails to report, their matches will be marked as a withdrawal and forfeited in the system to preserve the match-ups and timeline for the remaining competitors.
<b>DUPR Impact</b>: A forfeit will not affect your numerical DUPR score, but it will permanently show up on your DUPR match history.
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<b>Join Our Officiating Team</b>
To help us deliver a true pro tour experience, we are actively recruiting dedicated referees to oversee our matches. We highly encourage that all medal matches be officiated using a tablet to provide live scoring for the players and online spectators. We compensate our officials per match based on their current certification tier. Please send us a message or email us directly at info@apexpbc.ca if you are available and interested.
-Uncertified Referees: $7 per standard match and $10 for Best two out of three matches.
-Level 1/2 Referees: $10 per standard match and $15 for Best two out of three matches.
<b>Join Our Volunteer Team</b>
We are also looking for dedicated volunteers to join our crew. Whether you want to be right in the action as a basket runner, keeping our matches on time and managing the courts, or helping our media team capture the weekend's energy, we would love to have you on board. We cover all meals for our volunteers during their shifts, and you get a frontline view of the best competitive pickleball in the GTA, plus registration discounts if you want to play. Please send us a message or email us directly at info@apexpbc.ca if you are available and interested.
<b>Questions?</b>
If you have any questions, please send us a message or email us directly at info@apexpbc.ca.
