Rules and Regulations

1. General Gameplay Rules

Court and Equipment Standards

• Matches will be played on standard pickleball courts with appropriate net height and dimensions.

• Players must use USAPA-approved paddles and pickleballs.

Serve and Return Procedures

• Standard pickleball serving rules apply.

• Players must serve from behind the baseline and follow proper rotation.

Coaching Guidelines

• Coaching is only allowed between games and during designated timeouts.

2. Match Play Details

Game Format

• Rally scoring to 21 points, win by 2.

• If a game reaches 25 points, win by 1 applies.

• Freezing Rule: When a team reaches 20 points, they must win on their own serve. They can still earn points while returning but cannot win until successfully scoring on their serve, unless it’s the 25th point.

Match Structure

• Matches consist of Women's Doubles, Men's Doubles, and Mixed Doubles.

• Each player will play with each person on their team.

DreamBreaker Tiebreaker

• DUPR 12: Played as a rotating mixed doubles game.

• DUPR 14: Played as skinny Singles.

• DUPR 16: Played as rotational Singles.

• DUPR 18: Played as full court standard Singles

• Home team sets the lineup first, and the Away team answers.

• Rotate players in every 4 points.

• Game to 21, win by 1, doesn’t have to be on your serve.

Match Scoring

• If a team wins 4 or more games, they will earn 3 points.

• If a team wins in a DreamBreaker, they will earn 2 points.

• If a team loses in a DreamBreaker, they will earn 1 point.

• If a team loses in 4 or more games, they will receive 0 points.

3. Scheduling and Rescheduling Protocols

Match Scheduling

• Matches are scheduled weekly, defaulting to 6:30 Wednesday nights, then anytime Saturday and anytime Sunday.

• It is the home team’s responsibility to secure a court for the match. Matches generally take 2 hours.

• If a match cannot be played on the proposed date (home team proposes), the match must be played with substitutes.

Responsibilities of Home and Away Teams

• The away team submits their lineup and match order first. The home team answers.

• The home team is responsible for entering lineups into the scoresheet.

4. Player Eligibility and Substitutions

Minimum Match Requirement

• Teams must participate in at least 80% of scheduled match to qualify for playoffs.

Substitution Policy

• Teams may register up to 2 subs per season. If a team can not bring 4 players to the match, they will forfeit.

• Substitutes must align with the division’s skill level and guidelines.

5. Code of Conduct

Sportsmanship Expectations

• Players are expected to respect teammates, opponents, referees, and organizers.

• Excessive arguing, unsportsmanlike conduct, or rule violations may result in warnings or penalties.

Dispute Resolution Process

• Disputes should be resolved on-court when possible.

• If needed, the advisory board will review disputes and make final rulings.

6. Weather and Court Conditions

Weather-Related Cancellations

• In case of inclement weather, matches should be rescheduled within one week.

Rescheduling Due to Weather

• The home team must coordinate with the away team to determine an appropriate reschedule date.

7. Playoffs and Championships

Playoff Qualification

• Teams qualify for playoffs based on Points. See Match Play Details.

Championship Match Format

• Standard match play applies, with DreamBreaker™ in case of ties.

• Certified Referees on site.

8. Equipment and Uniforms

Player Responsibilities

• Players are responsible for bringing their own paddles and appropriate footwear.

• Coaching is allowed in between points.

• Side line spectators and player cannot direct on court players to make a call.

9. Rule Updates

Review Process

• Rules will be reviewed before each season.

• Players may submit feedback, and adjustments will be made as needed.