PJ Pickleball
Championships 2026
in Japan

Important Information

1. Rain cancellations & schedule changes: We’ll post an update on the official website by 5:00 AM that day, but only if something has changed.
2. Reporting to your court: If you’re not at your court by match time, an announcement will go out after 2 minutes. If you still haven’t shown up after 5 minutes, the court keeper will rule a default.
3. Match Format:
   • Round robin (group play): Single game to 11 or 15 points. From 10–10 (or 14–14), play continues until a 2-point lead. Each team gets up to 2 timeouts (1 minute each).
   • Open category only, double elimination (with a losers’ bracket): Best of 3 games to 11 points each. From 10–10, play continues until a 2-point lead. Each team gets 1 timeout (1 minute) per game.
4. Officiating: Matches are generally self-officiated. If a dispute comes up, the court keeper will call in a referee. Our Chief Referee is Mr. Howard Hepworth (L3), a pro referee who also officiates PPA finals.
5. Medical timeouts: The court keeper will call on-site medical staff to assess the situation. If approved, you get one medical timeout, up to 15 minutes maximum.
6. Reporting results: After the match, a representative from each team signs the scoresheet, and the winning team brings the basket to tournament headquarters to report the result.
7. Support for Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing Players:
   • A scorecard will be available on court.
   • Before the match, the court keeper will confirm with the opposing team that in/out calls and score calls will be made using hand signals.
   • A volunteer will be on standby with a whiteboard in case a discussion is needed.

Additional Rules

• The tournament organizer reserves the right to change rules, regulations, or match schedules as needed. All such decisions are final.
• All players must check in at tournament registration at least 30 minutes before their scheduled match.
• If you don’t arrive at your assigned court within 5 minutes of the match being announced, you’ll be considered to have defaulted.
• In unofficiated matches, the server (or their partner) calls the score, and the opposing player repeats it back. Hand signals are also allowed.
• Medical timeouts are limited to 15 minutes maximum.
• Injury & default: If you’re injured, you may default the match. The score stands as-is at the time of default, and the opposing player is awarded the maximum points. If you recover, you may still play your remaining scheduled matches.
• Protests: Protests must be submitted in writing, along with a $100.00 USD protest fee, directly to the tournament committee before the end of that day’s play. Protests submitted after that will not be accepted.
• Filming rights: PJ and its official representatives may take photos and video during the tournament, to be used for promoting and growing the sport of pickleball.
• Filming policy: General or personal photo and video recording is not permitted during the tournament, though personal, non-commercial photos are allowed. The organizer cannot guarantee individual privacy — any filming that includes other people is done at your own risk, and the organizer is not responsible for individual conduct.
• Safety & liability waiver: PJ members, team captains, the organizer, and their representatives are not liable for any safety-related accidents, injuries, or damages occurring during the tournament or on the venue premises. This includes, but is not limited to, accidents, injuries, losses, or damages arising from unforeseeable circumstances or actions. We recommend having appropriate insurance just in case. This waiver is meant to clarify everyone’s responsibilities and doesn’t limit our commitment to maintaining a safe, enjoyable environment.

Please note: The rules and procedures above may change due to weather or other unavoidable circumstances. Thank you for your understanding.