Every entry fee funds meals for people facing food insecurity across the GTA. These rules keep the day fair, fast and finished on time. Please read them before you arrive.
Format
Single elimination, 11 teams, doubles. One loss and you're out. All seeding is random, and byes were selected at random. Eight courts are in play.
Schedule
August 22 · 12pm–3pm at Rally at Sherwood Village. Five minutes are scheduled between rounds for court resets. Check the bracket board after every round for your next court assignment.
Click for Rally at Sherwood Villageon Google Maps
| Round | Matches | Format | Time cutoff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Round of 16 | 8 | Best of 3 to 11 | 25 min |
| Quarterfinals | 4 | Best of 3 to 11 | 25 min |
| Semifinals | 2 | Best of 3 to 15 | 35 min |
| Final | 1 | Best of 3 to 15 | 35 min |
Scoring
All matches use rally scoring. A point is awarded on every rally regardless of which team served. Each team has one server per turn, not two.
| Round | Target | Win by | Hard cap |
|---|---|---|---|
| Round of 16 | 11 (best of 3) | 2 | 25 minutes |
| Quarterfinals | 11 (best of 3) | 2 | 25 minutes |
| Semifinals | 15 (best of 3) | 2 | 35 minutes |
| Final | 15 (best of 3) | 2 | 35 minutes |
At the hard cap, the team currently winning wins the match.
The clock
Every round runs on a hard time cutoff. A horn sounds when the round window closes and play stops immediately. No exceptions and no appeals.
First rounds (Round of 16, Quarterfinals) — best of 3 to 11, 25 min cutoff
- The team leading in games won takes the match.
- If games are split 1–1, the team leading the deciding game wins.
- If the deciding game is tied, the next rally decides it.
- If the first game is still in progress at the horn, the team leading that game wins.
Semifinals & Final — best of 3 to 15, 35 min cutoff
- The team leading in games won takes the match.
- If games are split 1–1, the team leading the deciding game wins.
- If the deciding game is tied, the next rally decides it.
- If the first game is still in progress at the horn, the team leading that game wins.
Warmup
Courts open three minutes before each round begins. Warmup time does not extend the round window. Arrive warm.
Switching ends
Teams switch ends between games only, never mid-game.
Line calls
Matches are self-officiated through the semifinals. Each team calls lines on its own side of the net. Any ball you cannot clearly call out is in. Disputed rallies are replayed rather than argued. The final is refereed.
Serving
Underhand only. Contact must be made below the navel with at least one foot behind the baseline. Serves that clip the net and land in play are live and the rally continues.
The kitchen
Standard non-volley zone rules apply. No volleying while any part of you is inside the kitchen or touching the line, and momentum from a volley cannot carry you in.
Being late
Teams have three minutes from the start of a round to be on court. After that the match is forfeited and the opposing team advances.
Equipment
Bring your own paddle. Paddles must be USA Pickleball approved. Balls are provided. Court shoes required.
Conduct
Event staff have final say on all matters. Abusive behaviour toward players, staff or volunteers results in immediate removal from the tournament with no refund.
Questions
Reach out before event day so we can sort it out on the phone instead of on the court. Either on Instagram @servethecity.live or email info@servethecity.live.
Read them. Know them. Play hard.