Court Rules

1. Match Format & Scoring

1.1 Format by Category

Match length varies by category and by stage of the tournament, as set out below. A super tiebreak (first to 10 points, win by 2) is played in place of a third set where noted.

1.2 Scoring

• Golden point: All matches are played with golden point scoring: at deuce (40–40), the next point wins the game outright — there is no advantage.

2. Player Conduct

• Players must show respect to opponents, officials, and spectators at all times, and refrain from any unsportsmanlike behaviour.
• Appropriate padel footwear is mandatory on court at all times.
• Food and beverages, other than water, are not permitted on court.
• Players are responsible for making honest line calls on their own side of the net.
• Disputes must be raised and resolved calmly through the match official; repeated misconduct may result in disqualification.

3. Punctuality Policy

Tournament schedules are fixed to keep play moving fairly for all competitors. Players are expected to be present, warmed up, and ready to play at their scheduled match time.

• Late arrival: A team or player arriving more than 5 minutes after the scheduled match start time forfeits that match by default, recorded as a loss to the opposing team.
• Knockout stage: In knockout matches, including finals, a forfeited match results in immediate elimination from the tournament, since knockout rounds are single-elimination.
• Group stage: In group-stage matches (Beginner and Intermediate categories), a forfeited match is recorded as a loss within the group; the team remains in the tournament and continues its remaining group matches, subject to normal advancement rules based on group standings.
• No-show: Any team that does not appear for its scheduled match (no-show) is treated identically to a late arrival above — walkover loss in group stage, immediate elimination in knockout stage.

4. Disciplinary Code & Disqualification

YPadel maintains a zero-tolerance standard for conduct that endangers players, officials, or the integrity of the competition. Offenses are handled according to their severity, as set out below.

4.1 Grounds for Immediate Disqualification

The following result in immediate removal from the match and elimination from the tournament, with no warning required:

• Verbal abuse, threats, or intimidation directed at an opponent, official, or spectator.
• Physical altercation or any act of violence on or around the court.
• Deliberate cheating, including intentionally false line calls or manipulation of a match result.
• Use of prohibited substances or equipment tampering.
• Deliberate damage to court surfaces, glass walls, fencing, or facility equipment.

4.2 Escalating Misconduct

Lesser breaches of conduct are handled progressively:

• First offense — formal warning issued by the match official, logged against the player.
• Second offense — point or game penalty awarded to the opposing team.
• Third offense — disqualification from the match and elimination from the tournament.

4.3 Summary of Offenses

5. Final Authority

All decisions regarding disqualification and elimination are made at the sole discretion of YPadel tournament officials. Rulings made on-site during competition are final.