Event Name: 2026 Junior Pickleball Open Challenge (Doubles)

Date: July 5, 2026

Time: 09:00 AM – 18:00 PM

Venue: Tai Wai, Shatin (To be announced in the Registration Confirmation Notice)

Organizer: Professional Pickleball Association of Hong Kong, China (PPAHK) (hereinafter referred to as "the Organizer")

Co-organizer: Virtus Care Limited

Technical/Officiating Body: Referees Committee (hereinafter referred to as "the Tournament Committee")

 

 

 

I. Categories and Events

1. Age Groups:

• Junior Group A: Ages 12 to 13 (Date of Birth range: July 6, 2012 — July 5, 2014, calculated as of the tournament date)

• Junior Group B: Ages 14 to 15 (Date of Birth range: July 6, 2009 — July 5, 2011)

• Youth Group: Ages 16 to 18 (Date of Birth range: July 6, 2007 — July 5, 2008)

(Note: Age is determined by the participant's actual age on the day of the competition. In the event of overlapping age brackets, eligibility will be determined by the exact date of birth or the final decision of the Organizer.)

2. Competition Events:

· Men’s Doubles

· Women’s Doubles

· Mixed Doubles

 

 

II. Eligibility and Requirements

• Age and Identity: Participants must meet the age requirements specified above. A valid proof of birth (HKID, Passport, or Student Document) must be provided during registration. For applicants under 18, the registration must be signed and confirmed by a parent or legal guardian.

• Health Status: Participants must be in good physical condition and health to compete. A Health Declaration Form (including history of major illnesses and current medications) must be completed upon registration. The Organizers reserve the right to request additional medical certification if necessary.

• Registration Procedure: Online registration and payment of the entry fee must be completed within the designated period. Registration is considered official only upon receipt of a confirmation email issued by the Organizers after successful payment. The Tournament Committee reserves the right to disqualify any applicant with incomplete information or forged documentation.

Entry Restrictions: Each player may register for no more than two events per level (e.g. men’s doubles + mixed doubles).  The organizer reserves the right to adjust the tournament schedule or limit the number of events a player can participate in.

 

III. Registration Procedures and Entry Fees

1. Registration Procedures

• Online Application: This tournament only accepts online registrations. Applicants must complete the registration form via the official website and upload a valid proof of payment (bank-in slip or transaction screenshot) for verification.

• Teammate Information: Participants must complete and submit their own registration forms, ensuring that their teammate's details are clearly provided to ensure successful pairing.

• Restricted Channels: Applications submitted via telephone, email, or WhatsApp will not be accepted.

• Late or Incomplete Applications: Any application submitted after the deadline, or forms without accompanying proof of payment, will not be processed.

• Deadline: 5:00 PM, June 17, 2026 (Wednesday). Please ensure all submission procedures are completed before the deadline.

• Responsibility for Verification: It is the responsibility of the participants to log in to the Professional Pickleball Association of Hong Kong, China (PPAHK) official website (www.ppahk.com.hk) after 12:00 PM on July 3 (Friday) to check the "Participant List" and confirm their eligibility.

• Refund Policy: Should an applicant not be included in the official participant list, the Organizers will arrange a full refund of the paid entry fee.

• A minimum of 4 teams is required for each category to proceed. If a category is cancelled due to insufficient entries, the registration fee will be fully refunded

2. Entry Fees

• The entry fee is HK$200 per participant 

3. Payment Method
Payment is accepted via bank transfer only. Please remit the fees to the following designated account:

• Bank: Standard Chartered Bank (Hong Kong) Limited

• Branch: Central Branch

• Bank Code: 003

• Account Number: 566535900060

• Account Name: Virtus Care Limited

 

IV. Tournament Format and Rules

1. Single Elimination:

• Knockout System: The tournament will follow a single-elimination format. Specific bracket details will be formally announced by the Tournament Committee upon the release of the official match schedule. The tournament committee reserves the right to modify the format at any time without prior notice.

• Core Rule: A "Single-Elimination" (one-match knockout) format will be adopted. Teams will compete based on the tournament bracket (tree diagram); winners advance to the next round, while losers are immediately eliminated. 

• Progression:

  • Preliminary/Qualifying Rounds: Teams will face off in head-to-head matchups according to their positions in the bracket.

  • Finals Stage: The final 3 to 4 winning teams will proceed to a "Single Round-Robin" stage. Rankings for the Champion, Runner-up, and Second Runner-up will be determined based on total points accumulated during this stage. 

    •   Scoring System:

         o Each set is played to 11 points.

         o A margin of at least 2 points is required to win.

         o In the event of a 10-10 tie, play continues until one side leads by two points, up to a maximum cap of 13 points (where the first to 13 wins)

​2. Time Control and Punctuality:

• Matches will commence strictly according to the scheduled time and court assignment.

• Walkover Policy: Any team failing to report to their assigned court within the stipulated grace period (e.g., 5 minutes after the scheduled start time) may be deemed to have forfeited the match. The final grace period and handling procedures will be determined and announced by the Tournament Committee before the event.

3. Timing and Time-outs:

• Technical Time-outs: Each team is entitled to a designated number of technical time-outs per match (e.g., one 60-second time-out per match, as per pre-tournament announcements). Requests must be made directly to the referee.

 

V. Referees and Officiating Authority

1. Qualifications of Referees:

• The Tournament Committee will appoint or approve Head Referees, Line Judges, and Scorers. All officiating staff must possess relevant certifications or have successfully completed the Organizer’s training and qualification process.

2. Duties of Referees:

• Referees are responsible for maintaining match order, determining scores, enforcing rules, and conducting preliminary reviews of misconduct or appeals. The Head Referee’s decision on the court shall be final and executory, though formal appeals may be submitted for subsequent review according to the established procedures.

3. Authority of Referees:

• Referees have the authority to take immediate action regarding on-court behavior, technical fouls, or violations of dress code and equipment regulations.

• Disciplinary Actions: For serious infractions, referees may issue a Yellow Card (Warning), a Red Card (Point Penalty or Ejection), or direct Disqualification. If necessary, cases will be referred to the Tournament Committee for further action. Referees also reserve the right to suspend play to address court conditions or safety concerns.

4. Referee Substitutions and Directives:

• Corrective Procedures: Should a dispute or the need to amend a ruling arise during a match, the Head Referee shall follow standard protocols for correction and note the details on the official score sheet after the match.

• Compliance: Participants are required to comply with all reasonable instructions and directives issued by the referees.

 

VI. Rules of Play

1. Serving, Receiving, and Side Changes:

• All procedures must strictly follow standard service area and receiving requirements. Serves must be made below the waistline (in compliance with the latest rules) and must not be intentionally obstructed. Any violation of serving regulations will result in a loss of point or loss of rally (Side Out).

2. Non-Volley Zone (The Kitchen) and Player Positioning:

• Rules regarding the Non-Volley Zone and player positioning will be strictly enforced according to international standards. Players are prohibited from making physical contact with or interfering with an opponent’s ability to strike the ball.

3. Scoring, Out-of-Bounds, and Net Touches:

• All rulings regarding scoring, balls landing out-of-bounds, or net touches shall be determined by the on-court officials. In the event of an obvious officiating error where no line judge is present, a review may be requested according to the appeal procedure (provided it does not disrupt the flow of the match).

4. Official Balls and Paddles:

• Only competition balls and paddles approved by the Tournament Committee or the Organizer may be used.

 

VII. Equipment Regulations

1. Official Balls:

• Only Pickleballs specified by the Organizer or approved by the Tournament Committee (meeting all standards for material, size, and elasticity) shall be used. The Organizer will provide spare balls, which will be managed by the referees.

2. Paddles:

• Paddle materials and dimensions must comply with official competition specifications (including handle length, face size, and maximum weight). The Tournament Committee reserves the right to prohibit the use of any paddle equipped with lighting, electronic components, or other devices that may interfere with the match.

3. Footwear and Apparel:

• Participants must wear non-slip athletic shoes and appropriate sportswear (team uniforms or matching tops are recommended). Footwear must not damage the court surface; shoes with metal spikes or any elements that may scratch the court are strictly prohibited. Uniforms and player numbers must meet the requirements set by the Tournament Committee.

4. Auxiliary Equipment:

• Protective gear (such as knee pads and wristbands) is permitted, provided it does not pose a safety threat or cause interference to the opponent during play. In the event of any dispute, the referee reserves the right to request the removal or replacement of such equipment.

 

VIII. Court Specifications

1. Court Dimensions:

• Matches will be conducted on courts meeting international standard dimensions (13.41m length x 6.10m width) or as specified in the Organizer’s official announcement. All courts must feature clearly marked boundaries, center lines, non-volley zone (Kitchen) lines, and service lines.

2. Lighting, Surface, and Safety:

• Indoor venues must provide sufficient lighting. The court surface must be level, non-slip, and free of any irregularities or hazards. A safety perimeter must be maintained around the court to ensure it is clear of any objects or personnel that may interfere with play.

3. Court Maintenance:

• In the event of damage to the court or any unforeseen circumstances during a match, the referee may suspend play. The Tournament Committee will then assess the situation to determine whether to carry out repairs or relocate the match to an alternative court.

 

 

IX. Inclement Weather Arrangements and Match Interruption Rules

1. Applicability:

• This article applies to adverse weather conditions, including but not limited to heavy rain, thunderstorms, typhoons, extreme heat, or other major meteorological warnings issued by the Government. For indoor venues, contingency measures will only be activated if the weather conditions significantly affect transportation or the personal safety of participants.

2. Decision-making Authority:

• The Tournament Committee holds the final authority to postpone, suspend, or cancel matches. Decisions will be made based on weather forecasts, venue safety, and the principle of prioritizing participant safety. Notifications will be disseminated to all participants and coaches via official announcements, SMS, or email.

3. Arrangement Principles:

• Venue Unavailability: If the venue becomes unusable on the morning of the competition due to inclement weather, the Tournament Committee may reschedule the event. The Organizer will issue an announcement at the earliest possible time.

• Schedule Adjustment: If the tournament can be briefly delayed on the same day or if partial courts remain usable, the Tournament Committee may adjust the match order and notify the teams. Participants are required to cooperate with the rescheduled arrangements.

• Force Majeure: In the event of a total cancellation of the tournament due to force majeure, the Organizers will announce a rescheduled date as soon as possible. Detailed terms are provided in the Registration Terms and Conditions.

4. Cancellations and Refunds:

• Organizers’ Cancellation: If the event is cancelled due to reasons attributable to the Organizers, partial or full refunds will be processed in accordance with the Registration Terms.

• Participant’s Withdrawal: If a participant withdraws due to personal reasons (e.g., illness, personal schedule), please refer to the Point X "Withdrawal from Competition" clause.

 

 

X. Withdrawal, Forfeiture, and Substitution

1. Withdrawal Deadlines and Refund Policy:

• Participants who submit a written withdrawal request (via email) more than 14 days prior to the tournament may receive a 50% refund of the entry fee, provided a valid and documented reason is supplied.

• For withdrawal requests submitted within 14 days of the tournament, the Organizers reserve the right to withhold any refund of the entry fee.

2. Forfeiture (Walkover):

• Any participant or team that fails to appear at the scheduled time on the day of the competition will be deemed to have forfeited the match. The opponent will automatically advance to the next round, and the forfeiture will be formally recorded by the Tournament Committee.

3. Substitutions:

• If a team is unable to compete and a substitute team is available before the tournament begins, the Tournament Committee may approve the substitution provided it does not compromise the fairness of the competition.

• Substitute players or teams must meet all age and eligibility requirements for the respective category and must complete the registration and payment procedures before the registration deadline.

4. Withdrawal Due to Health or Injury:

• If a participant is unable to continue competing due to an injury sustained during the match, a medical certificate must be submitted (submission after the match is acceptable). The Tournament Committee will process the withdrawal and update the records accordingly.

 

 

XI. Player Conduct and Discipline

1. Sportsmanship:

• Participants are expected to uphold the highest standards of sportsmanship and the principles of fair play. Any form of cheating, fraud, or intentional interference with the progress of the tournament is strictly prohibited.

2. Disciplinary Sanctions:

• Minor Infractions (e.g., verbal arguments, delaying the match): Will result in a verbal warning or a Yellow Card.

• Serious Infractions (e.g., verbal abuse, violent behavior, intentional injury): Will result in a Red Card, point penalty, disqualification from the current match, and potential suspension for subsequent matches or longer periods, subject to the Tournament Committee’s ruling.

• Severe Misconduct (e.g., gambling, match-fixing, illicit collusion): Such cases will be referred to the Tournament Committee and relevant sports governing bodies, potentially leading to a lifetime ban and legal prosecution.

3. Responsibility of Guardians:

• For underage participants, a parent or legal guardian must sign a Liability Consent Form and a Conduct Commitment Form. Guardians are responsible for ensuring that the athletes comply with the Tournament Prospectus and maintain order at the venue.

4. Public Order:

• Smoking, alcohol consumption (by minors), littering, or any other behavior that disrupts the order of the tournament is strictly prohibited within and around the venue. The Tournament Committee reserves the right to request assistance from venue security or law enforcement if necessary.

 

XII. Medical and Injury Management

1. On-site Medical Support:

• The Organizer will arrange for basic medical emergency personnel (such as paramedics or first-aid volunteers) and first-aid kits during the tournament. In the event of a major medical emergency requiring hospitalization, the Tournament Committee will coordinate with ambulance services or arrange transport to the nearest medical facility.

2. Injury Handling Procedures:

• If a player is injured on the court, the referee may immediately suspend the match and call for medical personnel to conduct an assessment.

• If medical personnel determine that the player is unfit to continue, the team will be deemed to have withdrawn or forfeited the match (unless adjustments can be made under specific tournament formats). The Tournament Committee will receive an incident report and reserves the right to conduct an investigation.

3. Health Declaration:

• Prior to the tournament, participants must complete a Health Declaration Form, including any known chronic illnesses or allergy history. If a player requires essential medication or has specific needs (e.g., asthma inhalers), they must carry these items personally and inform the tournament officials.

4. Medical Expenses:

• All personal medical expenses incurred by a participant shall be the sole responsibility of the participant or their legal guardian. The Organizer is responsible only for providing on-site first aid and emergency assistance and shall not be liable for any private medical costs. Participants are strongly encouraged to obtain their own sports injury insurance for the duration of the tournament.

 

 

XIII. Insurance Provisions

1. Limitation of Liability:

• The Organizers shall not be held liable for any loss of personal property or personal injury sustained by participants. While the Organizers will endeavor to provide a safe competitive environment and first-aid assistance, participants are responsible for obtaining their own appropriate personal accident insurance (including sports injury coverage).

2. Recommended Insurance:

• Participants are strongly advised to take out sports accident insurance for the duration of the tournament, covering medical expense reimbursement, hospitalization, and surgical benefits. In the absence of such insurance, all medical and follow-up expenses arising from any accident shall be the sole responsibility of the participant or their legal guardian.

3. Organizers’ Insurance:

• If the Organizers procure Public Liability Insurance for the event, the scope of coverage and claim procedures will be announced prior to the tournament. Please note that Public Liability Insurance typically does not cover all medical expenses resulting from a participant’s personal sports injuries.

4. Accident Declaration:

• Upon registration, participants (or their guardians) must sign a Waiver and Release of Liability, confirming that they have read and understood the insurance provisions and agree that the Organizers only provide assistance within a reasonable scope but does not assume full responsibility for medical costs or loss of personal property.

 

 

XIV. Match Interruption and Replay Rules

1. Interruption Scenarios:

• Official Stoppage: The referee may interrupt a match due to non-player-related venue or equipment failure, inclement weather, sudden public safety incidents, or any other circumstances where a suspension is deemed necessary by the official.

• Player-related Interruption: If a match is interrupted due to reasons attributable to a player or team (e.g., injury, delay of game), the matter will be handled according to the tournament format and the referee’s discretion, which may result in a forfeiture.

2. Principles for Replay:

• Technical/Venue Failure: If a match is forced to stop due to venue or equipment issues before its conclusion, the Tournament Committee will determine whether to replay the match or resume from the point of interruption, based on the current score and match progress.

   •   External Interference: In the event that a match cannot continue due to third-party external factors (e.g., spectator intrusion, sudden venue accidents), the Tournament Committee will endeavor to resume the match as soon as possible or arrange a replay. If a replay is not feasible, the Committee may, depending on the situation, determine the result based on the current score or cancel and reschedule the match.

3. Documentation and Announcement:

    •  All decisions regarding interruptions, replays, or cancellations shall be recorded by the Head Referee. The final results and justifications will be formally announced by the Tournament Committee following the conclusion of the session.

 

 

XV. Appeals and Protest Procedures

1. Principles of Appeal:

• Protocol: Any participating team with an objection to a referee’s decision or the administration of the tournament must file an appeal according to the established procedures; late submissions will not be entertained.

• Submission: Appeals must be submitted in writing (via email or the official Protest Form provided by the tournament) within the stipulated timeframe following the incident (e.g., within 30 minutes of the incident or 30 minutes after the conclusion of the match).

2. Content of Appeal:

• The written appeal must clearly state the facts of the dispute, the time of occurrence, the players and witnesses involved (if any), supporting evidence (videos, photographs, or referee records), and the requested remedy. The Tournament Committee reserves the right to reject any appeal lacking specific facts or evidence.

3. Handling Process:

• Initial Review: The Head Referee or the on-site officiating team will provide an initial response and record the incident. If the appeal concerns a technical error in a referee’s ruling, the Tournament Committee will convene a review panel.

• Decision Timeline: The Tournament Committee will issue a written decision within a reasonable timeframe (e.g., 30 to 120 minutes, depending on the tournament progress). If a ruling results in a change to the match schedule, the Committee will notify the affected teams immediately.

4. Appellate Mechanism:

• Further Appeal: If a team is dissatisfied with the initial ruling, they may lodge a further appeal within a specified period after receiving the decision, subject to an appeal fee (if applicable). The fee will be refunded if the appeal is successful.

   •   Finality: The appellate decision shall be the final and binding ruling of the tournament. No further protests on the same case will be accepted unless new evidence is presented.

5. Immediate Relief:

   •   In exceptional circumstances (e.g., the need to immediately suspend an official from presiding), the Tournament Committee has the authority to implement temporary measures to maintain the fairness of the competition, followed by a detailed post-match review.

 

 

XVI. Announcement of Results and Awards

1. Announcement of Results:

• The final rankings for each category will be released by the Tournament Committee on the day of the competition or post-event via official announcements, email, or the official website. The published results will include records of wins/losses, games played, and points scored/conceded.

2. Awards and Recognition:

• Trophies, medals, or prizes will be awarded to the Champion, First Runner-up (and other designated placing winners, if any) of each category in accordance with the Organizer’s announcement. In the event that a participant is disqualified due to rules violations, any awarded prizes or titles will be rescinded.

3. Prize Collection:

• Award winners must collect their prizes at the designated time and location. The Organizer reserves the right to dispose of any prizes that remain unclaimed after the specified period.

 

 

XVII. Privacy and Media Authorization

1. Imagery and Media:

• Participants agree to allow the Organizers to take photographs and video recordings during the tournament for use in event promotion, news reporting, and social media. Any participant who does not wish to grant such authorization must submit a written request during registration; the Organizers will make reasonable efforts to accommodate such requests but cannot guarantee total exclusion.

2. Personal Data Protection:

• The Organizers shall handle all personal data provided by participants in accordance with their respective data protection regulations. Such data will be used strictly for essential purposes, including tournament communications, announcement of results, and insurance claims.

 

 

XVIII. Miscellaneous Provisions

1. Amendments to Regulations:

• The Organizers and the Tournament Committee reserve the right to amend this Prospectus whenever necessary (e.g., due to safety concerns, regulatory changes, or force majeure). Any such modifications will be communicated to all participants via official announcements.

2. Governing Law and Dispute Resolution:

• The interpretation and application of this Prospectus shall be governed by the laws of the jurisdiction where the Organizers are located. In the event of a dispute, both parties shall first attempt to reach an amicable settlement through consultation. If a settlement cannot be reached, the dispute shall be resolved through arbitration.

3. Contact Information:

• For any enquiries regarding tournament affairs, appeals, or emergency communications, please contact the Tournament Committee using the contact details provided in the Registration Confirmation Notice.

 

 

XIX. Declarations and Waivers

1. Health and Data Declaration

• Health Status: I confirm that I am in good physical condition and possess the fitness required for high-intensity sports competition. I do not suffer from any known illnesses or conditions (such as heart disease, hypertension, or recent injuries) that could be exacerbated by or lead to danger during strenuous exercise.

• Medical Responsibility: Should any injury or illness occur to me during the tournament, I consent to receiving emergency medical treatment as arranged by the Organizers. I agree to bear all associated medical expenses personally.

• Use of Data: I consent to the collection, processing, and use of my personal data provided during registration by the Organizers for purposes including administrative arrangements, scheduling, publication of results, and insurance procurement.

• Portrait Rights: I agree to the photography and video recording by the Organizers and authorized media during the event. I authorize the Organizers to use such audiovisual materials, free of charge, for the promotion of pickleball or future events.

2. Public Liability Insurance and Disclaimer

• Insurance Clarification: I acknowledge that the Organizers have procured "Public Liability Insurance." The coverage is limited to third-party bodily injury or property damage resulting from the Organizers’ negligence. This insurance does not cover personal accidental injuries sustained by participants during the competition or accidents not caused by the Organizers’ negligence.

• Assumption of Risk: I understand that sports competitions involve inherent risks (including but not limited to falls, collisions with others, and equipment-related injuries). I participate in this competition voluntarily and agree to assume all associated risks.

• Waiver of Liability: To the greatest extent permitted by law, none of the Organizers and their respective directors, officers, agents and staff, the sponsors, and the venue providers shall be held liable for any personal injury, death, or loss/damage of personal property sustained by anyone during the event.

   •    Personal Insurance Recommendation: The Organizers strongly recommend that participants obtain additional personal accident insurance based on their individual needs.

Concluding Remarks

   •  This Prospectus is designed to provide a clear, fair, and safe competitive framework for all participants, coaches, referees, and spectators. To ensure the smooth operation of the tournament, all participants and their legal guardians are deemed to have read, understood, and agreed to comply with this Prospectus upon registration.

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​Please note that the English version shall prevail in case of any inconsistency between the English and Chinese versions.