Andrews TXPickleball
Good To Know

Tournament Rules

Everything you need to know before you step on the court. When in doubt, ask. Good luck out there.

Note: these are the general rules that apply across the board. Every tournament we post also comes with its own specific details — entry fee, field size, exact schedule, and anything else unique to that event — right there on its sign-up page. When the two differ, that tournament's page wins.

Quick Reference

The Short Version

Format

Doubles

Teams of two play others in the field, starting with pool or bracket play depending on the event.

Scoring

Games to 11, Win by 2

Standard rally scoring. Matches are best 2-out-of-3 games. If a third game is needed, it's played to 7, win by 2.

Conduct

Self-Officiated, Good Faith

Players call their own lines and faults. Play fair, speak up early on close calls, and ask if partners can't agree.

Eligibility & Registration

  • Open to all skill levels, teams of two (doubles) unless a tournament's page says otherwise.
  • Both players on a team must be registered and paid before a team's entry is considered complete.
  • Field size, entry fee, and any residency requirements are set per tournament — check that tournament's sign-up page for specifics.
  • Substitutions for an injured or absent partner may be allowed — let us know before your first match.

Match Format

  • Bracket play is single-elimination, best 2-out-of-3 games to 11 (win by 2); a third game, if needed, is played to 7, win by 2.
  • Byes, seeding, and pool play structure depend on the number of teams registered for that event.
  • Standard pickleball serving and double-bounce rules apply.
  • Teams switch sides of the court after each game; the team that won the previous game serves first.
  • A short warmup is allowed before each match if courts are available — matches otherwise start promptly at their scheduled time.

Equipment

  • Bring your own paddle. Balls will be provided at each court.
  • Sneakers or other non-marking court shoes are recommended.

Conduct & Sportsmanship

  • Matches are self-officiated. Call your own lines and faults honestly — when in doubt, the call favors the opponent.
  • If partners can't agree on a call, replay the point or ask a tournament official nearby.
  • Unsportsmanlike conduct, arguing, or abuse directed at other players may result in a warning or disqualification at our discretion.
  • Be at your assigned court at your scheduled time. Scheduled times are estimates, so arrive early — repeated late arrivals may result in a forfeit.

Weather & Rescheduling

  • Tournaments are played rain or shine when it's safe to do so. If weather turns unsafe, play pauses and resumes once conditions clear.
  • If a tournament can't be completed the same day, we'll reschedule it. If you can't make the rescheduled day, you'll be refunded.
  • Check the Tournaments page for any last-minute schedule updates on tournament day.

Awards

  • Champions and runner-up teams are recognized at the conclusion of each tournament.
  • Final standings are posted on the Results page once the tournament wraps up.

Questions about a specific tournament? Message @andrewstxpickleball on Instagram.