GAMA Rules

1. Overview

  • The GAMA Pickleball Tournament is a community-driven sporting event organized by GAMA to promote sportsmanship, healthy competition, and community engagement.
  • If any matches that could not be completed on the given day, an alternative date/venue will be announced by GAMA.
  • GAMA or the Board of Directors will not be responsible for any damages/injuries caused by the participants.
  • GAMA reserves the right to close the registrations without prior notice if needed.
  • GAMA Board/Sports Team reserves the right to change any rules if needed.
  • GAMA organizers have final authority in resolving any disputes not covered by these rules
  • In case of injury or withdrawal, the match may be forfeited at the discretion of the organizers

2. Eligibility

  • Restricted to Austin Malayali community (Malayalee origin)

  • Kids Category: Players must be 16 years old or younger on the date of the tournament.

  • Participants under 18 must have parent/guardian consent

3. Tournament Format

  • Round Robin (Group Stage) followed by Knockout Rounds
  • Format may be adjusted based on number of registrations
  • Top teams advance to knockout rounds

4. Match Format & Scoring

  • One game to 15 points, win by 2
  • Finals may be best-of-3 games to 11 points

5. Tiebreaker rules (Group Stage)

  • Head-to-head result
  • Point differential
  • Total points scored
  • Coin toss

6. Gameplay Rules

  • Follows official USA Pickleball rules

7. Equipment

  • Standard paddles required
  • Balls provided by organizers

8. Match Conduct & Timing

  • Report 15 minutes early
  • A 10-minute grace period is allowed; teams arriving after that will forfeit the match
  • 2-minute warm-up
  • Players are responsible for confirming and reporting final scores to the organizers

9. Penalties

  • Violations may result in:
    • Warning
    • Point penalty
    • Disqualification
  • Penalties may be issued for:
    • Unsportsmanlike conduct
    • Disrespect toward officials or players
    • Deliberate rule violations
    • Repeated delays in play

10. Officiating & Disputes

  • Decisions by referees are final

11. Doubles Play

  • No substitutions unless approved
  • Absence leads to forfeiture

12. Event Categories

  • Men’s Doubles
  • Women’s Doubles
  • Junior Doubles

13. Awards

  • Winners and runners-up will be awarded trophies/medals