RULES AND PLAYING CONDITIONS

• The court permit is valid from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM only. The extension of time will not be possible after 5:00 PM.

• The venue of the tournament will be Rush Arena, Cooke Town.

• Players are not allowed to change their partners in the middle of tournament for doubles.

• Matches will be played as per the schedule/fixture given.

• The players are responsible for to get informed about the match timings.

• Players are required to report to the tournament official at the reporting time mentioned.

• Players who do not turn up 15 minutes after the reporting time of the match will be assumed to have given a walkover to their opponents.

• Tournament Format

  • The tournament will follow League + Knock out format.

  • Top two participants will qualify for Knockout stage

  • The draw prepared by the organizers shall be final.

  • No reseeding or redraws will be entertained.

  • Teams from league stage will advance to the knockout rounds based upon the following criteria:

    • Match Wins

    • Point differential

    • Total Points scored

    • Total Points against

    • If there is a tie considering all the above parameters, then tie breaker match will be played (21pt single set)

  • Result of a Walkover

    • The non-offending Participant will be awarded a 21–0 victory.

    • The offending Participant will receive a 0–21 loss recorded in the standings.

• Match Format

  • Early Rounds

    • One game to 21 points

    • Teams/players switch ends at 11 points

    • Win by 2 points

    • Maximum cap of 25 points

    • If the score reaches 24-24, the next point wins.

  • Semi-Finals & Finals

    • Best of 3 games

    • Each game to 11 points

    • Win by 2 points

    • No score cap.

• Serving Rules

  • Rally scoring will be used.

  • Only one serve attempt is allowed (except for a let caused by external interference).

  • Underhand serve only.

  • Paddle contact must be below the waist.

  • Feet must remain behind the baseline while serving.

  • The serve must land diagonally in the opponent's service court.

• Double Bounce Rule

  • After the serve:

  • The receiving side must allow the ball to bounce once before returning.

  • The serving side must also allow the return to bounce once.

  • Thereafter, volleys are permitted.

• Non-Volley Zone (Kitchen)

  • Players may not volley while standing in the kitchen.

  • A player's momentum after a volley must not carry them into the kitchen.

  • Players may enter the kitchen only to play a bounced ball.

• Strictly only Non-Marking / Sports shoes are allowed inside the court premises.

• The tournament organizer reserves the right to change the format if in its opinion, there is no sufficient time to complete the matches.

• The decision of umpires will be final in such an event of the above.

• Players will be given ONLY 2-minutes warm-up time before the match.

• No player shall leave the court during a match without umpire’s permission.

• In case of injury, the injured player may receive medical treatment. The player may withdraw from the match due to injury. If the player fails to resume play after 7 min, they forfeit the match. Medical timeout will be considered only once for a player in the tournament.

• If a player has consecutive matches one after other, then that player shall be allowed a maximum of 10 minutes to rest between the matches.

• Under no circumstances shall play be delayed to enable a player to recover strength or wind or to receive advice. The umpire shall be the sole judge of any delay in play.

• The umpire’s decision on ball in/out calls shall be final.

• Any player / team official engaging in misconduct or indulging in an argument with official / opponent / any player may be subject to penalties, including warning or disqualification.

• Examples of Misconduct:

  • Abusing or intimidating others (players, officials, or spectators)

  • Using profanity or making insulting comments

  • Making deliberate attempts to disrupt the game

  • Damaging equipment or facilities

  • Failing to comply with instructions from tournament officials

  • Unsportsmanlike conduct (e.g., deliberately delaying the game)

• Penalties:

  • First offense: Warning

  • Second offense: Disqualification from the tournament

• During the game, the ball shall not be replaced unless it is damaged or defective. The umpires shall consult both players before replacing the ball. The ball will be changed only if both players or teams gives the consent to change.

• Qualified and professional panel Umpires will be posted for this tournament. During play the decision of the umpires would be final and binding on all players.