Pickleball Doubles Rules – Muslim Sports Day

Format:

Single Elimination

  • Teams are eliminated after one loss

  • Winning teams advance through a randomly drawn bracket

  • A 3rd place match may be played between semifinal losers

  • Forfeits result in an automatic win for the opponent

Team Composition:

  • Each team consists of 2 players

  • Max roster size: 2 players per team

  • All teams must be single-gender only

  • All players must be registered before their first match

  • No roster changes allowed after the first match

Match Format:

  • Matches are played best of 3 games

  • Each game played to 11 points, win by 2

  • Only the serving team can score points

  • Serve alternates between teammates and sides after each fault

Rules of Play:

  • Standard USA Pickleball doubles rules apply unless modified

  • Underhand serve only, below the waist, diagonally across the net

  • The double bounce rule applies:

    • Ball must bounce once on each side after serve before volleys allowed

  • No volleying in the non-volley zone (the “kitchen”)

  • After the serve, players continue to hit the ball until a fault is made

  • Service Order:

    • First team to serve only gets one server

    • Afterward, both teammates get to serve before side-out

  • Switch sides after each game

Code of Conduct:

  • Respectful, modest, and Islamic behavior is expected at all times

  • Only one team member may raise disputes with the match supervisor

  • Aggressive behavior, foul language, or taunting may result in:

    • Verbal warning

    • Point penalty

    • Disqualification from the match

  • No alcohol, tobacco, or illegal substances allowed

Uniform & Equipment:

  • Players must wear modest athletic attire

  • Tournament provides paddles and balls, but players may bring their own paddles

  • Shoes must have non-marking soles (especially if played indoors)

Dispute Resolution:

  • Neutral match supervisor available to settle rule issues or scoring disputes

  • Disputes must be raised immediately by a team member

  • If unresolved, the Organizing Committee will make the final decision