Tournament Rules

Welcome to the Jackson High School Junior Achievement Pickleball Tournament! To ensure a fair and fun experience for all participants, please review the rules below.

1. Team Structure

  • Each team consists of 2 players.

  • Teams must be co-ed (1 male and 1 female player per team).

  • All ages are welcome, but players under 16 must have a parent or guardian present.

2. Game Format

  • Matches are doubles.

  • Games are played to 11 points, win by 2.

  • Tournament format will be single elimination, with consolation matches for teams that lose in the first round.

3. Equipment

  • Players must bring their own paddle and appropriate athletic shoes.

  • Pickleballs will be provided by the tournament.

  • Court shoes with black soles are not allowed to protect the courts.

4. Serving Rules (USA Pickleball Official)

  • Serve must be underhand, paddle below the waist.

  • Serve must be diagonal, landing in the opposite service court.

  • Only 1 serve attempt per point (no second serve).

  • The server must keep both feet behind the baseline until the ball is struck.

  • Serves that touch the net and land in the correct service area are let serves and replayed.

5. Double-Bounce Rule

  • After the serve, the receiving team must let the ball bounce once before returning.

  • Then, the serving team must let the ball bounce once before returning.

  • After the two bounces, the ball may be volleyed or played off the bounce.

6. Non-Volley Zone (Kitchen) Rules

  • Players cannot volley the ball while standing inside the non-volley zone, also known as the kitchen.

  • Stepping into the kitchen while volleying results in a fault.

7. Scoring Rules

  • Matches use rally scoring: a point is awarded on every serve.

  • Teams will switch sides after every 6 points.

  • A game is won by the first team to reach 11 points, but you must win by at least 2 points.

8. Faults

A fault occurs when:

  • The ball is hit out of bounds.

  • The ball does not clear the net.

  • A player volleyed the ball from the kitchen.

  • The double-bounce rule is violated.

  • Any unsportsmanlike conduct happens.

9. Conduct

  • Respect all players, referees, and volunteers.

  • Unsportsmanlike conduct may result in point deductions or disqualification.

  • Decisions made by the referees are final.

10. Registration & Fees

  • Teams must register and pay $20 per team ($10 per player) before the tournament begins.

  • Registration fees support the Jackson High School Junior Achievement program.

11. Prizes

  • The winning team will receive a $150 grand prize.

  • Additional prizes may be awarded for sportsmanship or outstanding play.

12. Safety

  • Participants are responsible for their own health and safety.

  • Water and first aid will be available on site.

Thank you for participating and supporting student entrepreneurs! Let’s have a fun, competitive, and safe tournament.