TOURNAMENT RULES & IMPORTANT INFORMATION
The Dink Minor League Pickleball UAE @ Picklers
Saturday, November 14, 2026
All participants must review the following rules before registering.
This event follows the official 2026 The Dink Minor League Pickleball Rules & Policies Guide. Where MiLP rules do not address a particular playing situation, the applicable UPA-A rules apply.
By registering, participants agree to the official competition rules and the event-specific policies published below.
1. DUPR DIVISIONS & ELIGIBILITY
DUPR 16
Maximum combined team DUPR: 16.300
Maximum individual player DUPR: 4.600
DUPR 12
Maximum combined team DUPR: 12.300
Maximum individual player DUPR: 3.600
Each team must consist of two men and two women.
The combined ratings of all four players must remain within the applicable division limit, and no individual player may exceed the division's individual maximum.
All players must have a valid DUPR account.
2. DUPR RATING LOCK POLICY
Each player's DUPR rating is locked upon completion of their official individual registration, including acceptance of the required waiver and payment.
Ratings are locked individually, not when the Team Captain creates the team.
Subsequent legitimate rating increases or decreases will not affect a properly registered player's eligibility or the team's locked aggregate.
Players must use their genuine DUPR accounts. Fraudulent or deliberately manipulated ratings are prohibited.
3. UNRATED PLAYERS (NR)
Unrated players may participate using the following assigned ratings:
DUPR 12: 3.000
DUPR 16: 4.000
These ratings count toward the team's combined DUPR total.
Picklers Policy:
Unrated players must disclose their previous competitive pickleball experience.
The standard assigned rating will apply unless credible evidence establishes that a different rating is required under MiLP regulations.
Any adjustment must be determined and communicated before the player is approved to compete.
4. REGISTRATION & TEAM CAPTAINS
Every team must designate a participating player as Team Captain.
Each player must individually complete registration, accept the required waiver, and pay the registration fee.
Registration Fee: AED 250 + AED 25 service fee per player.
Creating a team or appearing on the registration list does not confirm that every player has completed registration and payment.
The maximum number of teams is 8 per division.
The Team Captain is responsible for player eligibility, team communication, match readiness, lineup declarations, and coordination with tournament officials.
Clubs entering multiple teams should use their club name followed by A, B, C, etc.
An optional non-playing Team Manager may be registered through the official tournament software.
5. MATCH FORMAT & COMPETITION STRUCTURE
Each team matchup consists of four doubles matches, in the following order:
1. Women's Doubles
2. Men's Doubles
3. Mixed Doubles 1
4. Mixed Doubles 2
Each player must participate in two doubles matches per matchup. Mixed doubles partnerships cannot be repeated within the same matchup.
ROUND-ROBIN STAGE
All four doubles matches must be played, regardless of whether one team has already secured the matchup.
KNOCKOUT STAGE
If a team wins the first three matches, the matchup ends 3–0. The fourth match is cancelled and is not submitted to DUPR.
If the teams finish tied 2–2, the matchup is decided by a DreamBreaker.
GROUPS & PLAYOFFS
With 8 registered teams in a division:
- Two groups of four teams
- Three round-robin matchups per team
- Top two teams from each group qualify for the semifinals
- Semifinal winners advance to the final
- Semifinal losers compete for third place
If a division has between 3 and 7 registered teams, Picklers will publish the applicable group and playoff structure before tournament day, maintaining the official MiLP minimum-play guarantee.
A division with fewer than 3 eligible teams will not proceed as a separate division.
GROUP STANDINGS & TIEBREAKERS
Official MiLP ranking criteria apply in the following order:
1. Team matchup winning percentage, including DreamBreakers
2. Head-to-head matchup winning percentage, where applicable
3. Game point differential percentage
4. Individual match winning percentage
5. Any additional official MiLP software tiebreakers required
For playoff seeding across different groups, the official MiLP cross-pool seeding rules apply.
6. MiLP RALLY SCORING
All matches are played to 21 points, win by 2.
- Every rally counts as a point, whether serving or receiving.
- The winning point must be scored while serving.
- The trailing team continues normal rally scoring.
WINNING-POINT FREEZE
A team cannot win the match on a receiving rally.
Example:
Team A leads 20–14 and is receiving. If Team A wins the rally, it does not receive its 21st point. It gains the serve and must score the winning point while serving.
When both teams reach 20–20 or higher, normal rally scoring applies, but a team must still win by two points and score the final winning point while serving.
SERVING ROTATION
- There is no Server 1 or Server 2.
- Only one player serves per service possession.
- Doubles partners remain on their respective right and left sides.
- The right-side player serves when the team's score is even.
- The left-side player serves when the team's score is odd.
- Partners may change their left/right positions during a timeout or at the 11-point end change, provided the change is announced before play resumes.
END CHANGE & TIMEOUTS
Teams switch court ends when the first team reaches 11 points.
A one-minute end-change break is permitted.
Each team receives one additional timeout per match.
7. DREAMBREAKER – SINGLES TIEBREAKER
A DreamBreaker is played when the four doubles matches finish tied 2–2.
- Singles match to 21 points, win by 2
- Same MiLP rally-scoring and winning-point rules
- All four players from each team must participate
- Players rotate every four rallies, regardless of which team scores
- Teams switch ends when the first team reaches 11 points
- Each team receives one timeout
PLAYER ROTATION
Player 1: First 4 rallies
Player 2: Next 4 rallies
Player 3: Next 4 rallies
Player 4: Next 4 rallies
The same rotation repeats until the DreamBreaker is completed.
LINEUP DECLARATION
The Home team has one minute to declare its complete four-player order.
The Away team then has one minute to declare its order.
The declared rotation must be followed throughout the DreamBreaker.
SINGLES SERVING
Players serve from the right when their team's score is even and from the left when odd.
The winning point must be scored while serving.
The DreamBreaker determines the overall team matchup winner. Results are handled through the official MiLP tournament reporting process.
8. HOME & AWAY DESIGNATIONS
Before each team matchup, captains participate in a coin toss or equivalent random selection.
The winner chooses one of three options:
- Home or Away designation
- Serve or receive first
- Starting court end
The other captain chooses from the remaining two options, and the coin-toss winner receives the final option.
HOME TEAM
Responds to the Away team's mixed doubles lineup and declares its DreamBreaker rotation first.
AWAY TEAM
Declares its mixed doubles lineup first and responds to the Home team's DreamBreaker rotation.
Mixed doubles lineups are declared after the Men's Doubles match.
The same team serves first, or receives first, throughout the four doubles matches.
Teams begin each subsequent doubles match at the court end where they finished the preceding match.
9. DUPR RESULTS & AUTOMATIC SUBMISSION
This is an official DUPR-rated tournament.
All eligible played matches must be submitted to DUPR.
Results are automatically transmitted when a team matchup is marked completed in Pickleball.com.
IMPORTANT:
- DUPR submission is mandatory for eligible matches.
- Players cannot opt out of submission.
- Players cannot request removal of legitimate results because of their effect on DUPR ratings.
- Completed eligible matches remain reportable even if the team later withdraws.
- DUPR determines rating changes through its own algorithm.
- Picklers cannot guarantee whether a rating will increase, decrease, or remain unchanged.
Picklers Policy:
Tournament officials will verify recorded scores and match statuses before finalizing each matchup.
Eligible results will be submitted consistently, without individual exemptions based on player preference or rating impact.
10. FORFEITS, NO-SHOWS & WITHDRAWALS
If a player or team fails to appear, withdraws before play begins, or cannot field the required players:
- The affected match is recorded as a 21–0 forfeit.
- The result counts toward tournament standings and point differential.
- Unplayed forfeits and withdrawals are not submitted to DUPR.
If a team withdraws after completing matches:
- Previously completed eligible results remain reportable.
- Remaining unplayed matches are forfeited.
- The withdrawing team cannot re-enter the competition.
Disciplinary forfeits are recorded under the applicable MiLP rules, with unplayed results excluded from DUPR reporting.
Withdrawals must be communicated immediately to tournament officials.
11. INJURY & RETIREMENT
If a player cannot continue because of injury, the affected team retires from that match.
The retiring team retains its points.
The opposing team is awarded a winning score of 21 or higher, sufficient to establish a two-point margin.
EXAMPLES
Injury at 10–2, leading team retires:
Final score: 10–21
Injury at 2–10, trailing team retires:
Final score: 2–21
Injury at 2–0, leading team retires:
Final score: 2–21
If the retiring team has already scored 20 or more points, the opposing team's score is increased sufficiently to secure a two-point margin.
DUPR REPORTING FOR RETIREMENTS
Under official MiLP rules:
- Matches that never started are not submitted.
- Retired matches where both teams scored fewer than 7 points before play stopped are not submitted.
- Matches where at least one team reached 7 points are generally eligible for DUPR submission under the applicable retirement procedures.
Examples:
2–0 retirement: Not submitted
6–6 retirement: Not submitted
7–0 retirement: Eligible for submission
7–7 retirement: Eligible for submission
10–2 retirement: Eligible for submission
Picklers Policy:
All injuries must be reported immediately to tournament officials.
Retirements will be recorded using the appropriate tournament software status.
The official MiLP reporting rules will apply consistently. Any exceptional reporting correction must be processed through the authorized MiLP/DUPR support procedure.
12. SUBSTITUTE PLAYERS
Substitutions are permitted subject to official MiLP eligibility requirements.
- The substitute must have a DUPR rating.
- The substitute must satisfy the division's individual rating maximum.
- The substitution must not move the team into a higher DUPR aggregate.
- The team must maintain the required two-men, two-women composition.
- All substitutions must be registered and approved before the replacement player competes.
DURING THE TOURNAMENT
Substitutions are permitted for injury or genuine player unavailability, not tactical player rotation.
An injured player who is substituted out cannot return later in the event.
The substitute must remain in the team for the remainder of the event.
AWARDS & PRIZES
Picklers Policy:
All players who actually competed for a podium-finishing team, including approved substitutes, are eligible for that team's advertised awards.
Players replaced before the tournament who did not compete in any match are not eligible for medals or prizes.
Any team cash-prize allocation is awarded to the eligible participating team members, with the total team prize remaining unchanged regardless of substitutions.
13. SCHEDULE, ARRIVAL & MATCH TIMING
Date: Saturday, November 14, 2026
Start: 1:00 PM
Venue: Picklers, Al Quoz, Dubai
All players must arrive early enough to complete check-in and be ready for their scheduled matches.
Detailed check-in instructions and court assignments will be shared before the event.
WARM-UP
Teams have five minutes in total after arriving on court to warm up, complete the Home/Away selection process, and begin the first match.
BETWEEN MATCHES
A maximum of two minutes is permitted between consecutive doubles matches.
No additional extended warm-up is provided.
If a team is not ready at the two-minute mark, it forfeits its timeout for that match, in accordance with MiLP rules.
DREAMBREAKER TRANSITION
A total of five minutes is allocated between the final mixed doubles match and the DreamBreaker, including lineup declarations.
Teams must remain available and ready when called.
14. SCORE VERIFICATION & DISPUTES
Players and team captains are responsible for checking that their match scores are correctly recorded.
Any dispute must be raised immediately with tournament officials, preferably before leaving the court.
Picklers Policy:
- Officials verify scores before finalizing matchups.
- Corrections are permitted for genuine scoring or administrative errors supported by verifiable information.
- Legitimate results cannot be changed or removed to protect a player's DUPR rating.
- Disputes raised after submission will be reviewed only where there is credible evidence of an error.
- Any necessary post-submission correction will be referred through the official DUPR/MiLP process.
The Tournament Director has final authority over tournament score disputes, subject to official MiLP rules.
15. SPORTSMANSHIP, COACHING & EQUIPMENT
All participants must respect opponents, referees, teammates, staff, and spectators.
Unsportsmanlike conduct, abusive behavior, cheating, match fixing, and deliberate DUPR manipulation are prohibited.
Coaching is permitted between rallies while the ball is not in play, provided it does not disrupt continuous play or unfairly interfere with opponents.
Only players actively participating in a match may make line and fault calls, subject to the authority of an appointed referee.
Spectators and non-playing teammates must not influence line calls.
All paddles must comply with the official equipment approval requirements applicable to MiLP competition.
Picklers Policy:
Proven intentional match fixing or DUPR manipulation will result in disqualification and forfeiture of prizes.
Other misconduct will be handled under the official MiLP and UPA-A disciplinary procedures, including applicable warnings, penalties, or ejection.
16. FOOD & BEVERAGE
Outside food and beverages are not permitted, except for:
- Personal drinking water
- Small personal snacks
- Medical or specific dietary requirements
Joga, our official food and beverage provider, will offer food and refreshments for purchase throughout the event.
All participants and spectators are asked to respect this policy.
17. FACILITIES & SPECTATORS
The tournament takes place at Picklers' fully indoor, air-conditioned facility in Al Quoz, Dubai.
Players have access to changing rooms, showers, the Pro Shop, and available club facilities.
Spectators, family, and friends are welcome.
All visitors must respect court access restrictions, designated player areas, and tournament staff instructions.
18. OFFICIAL COMMUNICATION
Tournament announcements, schedules, and important information will be shared through the dedicated Picklers Tournaments WhatsApp group.
Join here:
https://chat.whatsapp.com/B8AI86qZxQx92l9PzSYeAR?s=cl&p=i&ilr=4&iam=2
All players and team captains are strongly encouraged to join.
19. PRIZES & PODIUM
Both DUPR 12 and DUPR 16 divisions will recognize:
1st Place
2nd Place
3rd Place
Cash prizes, medals, and JOOLA prizes will be awarded according to the tournament's announced prize allocation.
The awards ceremony will take place following completion of the competition.
20. OFFICIAL RULES & TOURNAMENT AUTHORITY
This tournament follows the official 2026 The Dink Minor League Pickleball Rules & Policies Guide.
Where MiLP rules do not specifically address a playing situation, the applicable UPA-A rules apply.
The Tournament Director is responsible for enforcing the competition rules, administering the tournament, and resolving disputes in accordance with those regulations.
All published event-specific policies will be applied consistently to participating teams.
No exceptions will be granted to mandatory DUPR submission or eligibility requirements for personal preference or competitive advantage.
OFFICIAL MiLP RULES:
https://www.dupr.com/minorleague/rules
DUPR COMMUNITY GUIDELINES:
https://www.dupr.com/community-guidelines
By registering, all participants acknowledge and accept the applicable tournament rules, scoring procedures, DUPR reporting requirements, and published event policies.
For questions or clarifications, please contact Picklers before registering.
SEE YOU AT PICKLERS!
