Rules and Regulations

Unless otherwise stated in the HKPL rules and regulations 2025, rules of the latest edition released annually in January by the USA Pickleball (USAP) will apply. USAP Official Rules HKPL reserves the right to modify rules at any time during the season, if necessary.

• Any registered Club/Association or Team with court access in Hong Kong may apply.
• Each Club/Association may enter multiple Teams, provided each Team has a unique name (e.g., Team A1, Team B1, Team B2).
• All communications must go through the team's registered Captain or Co-Captain.
• Player registrations are only accepted via official roster form (no WhatsApp/email additions) submitted to HKPL via our digital portal.
• Team registration deadline: 17 Apr 2026.
• Home match day(s) must be determined at registration (Monday to Friday evenings).
• Teams should indicate their home court location on the registration form. A home court is required, with standard dimensions of 13.4m x 6.1m. It is recommended to maintain a minimum clearance of 1.3m from the baseline to the boundary and 1m from the sideline to the boundary.
• If the home courts do not meet the minimum clearance requirements, the court cannot be used for post season games. A separate venue will need to be booked by Home Team for Home Courts that do not meet the clearance requirements.
• HKPL retains the right to evaluate and approve courts that are slightly below the recommended minimum clearance requirements.
• Each team must register a minimum of 2 male players and 2 female players. Teams MUST ensure player availability for each weekly match to prevent forfeiture.

# RULEBOOK-SOURCE-OF-TRUTH-V1 (2026-08-10, PLAN_RULEBOOK_ENGINE PIECE 4) - roster minimum, male.
# Reverse-derived from the live TenantRule roster_min_per_gender (M) {min:2, gender:M}, byte-identical.
- rule_type: roster_min_per_gender
  action_kind: lock_roster
  match: { gender: M }
  params: { min: 2, gender: M }
  severity: block

# RULEBOOK-SOURCE-OF-TRUTH-V1 (2026-08-10, PLAN_RULEBOOK_ENGINE PIECE 4) - roster minimum, female.
# Reverse-derived from the live TenantRule roster_min_per_gender (F) {min:2, gender:F}, byte-identical.
- rule_type: roster_min_per_gender
  action_kind: lock_roster
  match: { gender: F }
  params: { min: 2, gender: F }
  severity: block

Division	DUPR Rating Requirement
A	No restrictions
B	3.0 - 3.699
C	NR - 2.999

# RULEBOOK-SOURCE-OF-TRUTH-V1 (2026-08-10, PLAN_RULEBOOK_ENGINE PIECE 4) - DUPR cap for Division B.
# Reverse-derived from the live TenantRule eligibility_dupr_range (Div B) {min:3, max:3.699}, byte-identical.
# match.division selects THIS division under the composite-key resolver (lib/rulebook-derive V2).
- rule_type: eligibility_dupr_range
  action_kind: add_player
  match: { division: Division B }
  params: { min: 3, max: 3.699 }
  severity: block

# RULEBOOK-SOURCE-OF-TRUTH-V1 (2026-08-10, PLAN_RULEBOOK_ENGINE PIECE 4) - DUPR cap for Division C.
# Reverse-derived from the live TenantRule eligibility_dupr_range (Div C) {min:null, max:2.999}, byte-identical.
- rule_type: eligibility_dupr_range
  action_kind: add_player
  match: { division: Division C }
  params: { min: null, max: 2.999 }
  severity: block

• Deadline for registering players is 27th Apr 2026.
  • Division B additions must maintain >2.999 and ≤3.699 DUPR (as of 6 Apr 2026).
  • Division C additions must maintain ≤2.999 DUPR (as of 6 Apr 2026).
  • NR players are only allowed to play in Div A or C
• For players with a DUPR below 3.0, you can email HKPL to request to play in Div B if there is strong rationale (e.g. played in Div B previously or Div 2 in HKCTA).
• Limit of 20 players per Team
• All players must be added via HKPL website by the Captain / Manager
• DUPR Requirements:
  • Must register using DUPR-registered full name.
  • Accounts: mydupr.com/signup.
  • Players with multiple accounts: Higher rating applies.
• Players must be over the age of 18 as of 1 Jan 2026. For any player below the age of 18, an indemnity form is required to be signed before they will be accepted. The indemnity form can be obtained via email from HKPL.
• Emails and phone numbers are required for player registration to allow for score submissions and communications by HKPL

• Days: Monday-Friday (exc. public holidays).
  • First game should not start before 7:30PM and no later than 8PM
• Subsequent games: 2-minute warm-up.

• Players may only register for one team.
• Substitutions:
  • Div B → Div A: Max 3 matches/season.
  • No substitution from Div C to Div A or B
  • Max 3 subs total per team.
  • Each substitute from Div B to Div A is limited to 3 matches. Maximum of 3 substitutes from Div B to Div A per Club
• Penalty: Forfeit any games with unregistered players.

# RULEBOOK-SOURCE-OF-TRUTH-V1 (2026-08-09) — machine-enforced params for §1.5. Reverse-derived from
# the live TenantRule so enabling the flag does NOT change enforcement. This block is the ONE source.
- rule_type: borrow_division_direction
  action_kind: borrow_player
  params: { allowed_pairs: [[B, A]] }
  severity: block

• Each team is limited to a maximum of 5 men + 5 women and a minimum of 2 men + 2 women on match day.
• Matches will consist of:
  • GAME 1: Women's Doubles
  • GAME 2: Men's Doubles
  • GAME 3: Mixed Doubles - 1
  • GAME 4: Mixed Doubles - 2
  • GAME 5: Mixed Doubles – 3
• No repeating pairs across Mixed Doubles games.
• Before commencement of play, both teams need to provide their lineup and record on the score sheet.
• Once submitted, no changes unless due to injury during play.
• If a player is involved in two consecutive matches, the rest periods should not last more than 5 minutes.
• Each Match will follow the game order above unless agreed by both teams

• Rally scoring will be used for each game to 21 game-points.
• Serve location is based on Serving Team's score (Odd on Left, Even scores on Right). Server changes sides upon consecutive points won.
• Teams change sides when one team reaches 11 game-points.
• First team to 21 game-points win. NO win-on-serve required
• At 20/20, the next point will be played as “sudden death” game-point.
  • NO win-by-2. NO win-on-serve.
• 2 League Points awarded to match winner.
• 1 League Point to the loser.
• 0 League Points for match forfeit, walkovers and no-show.

# RULEBOOK-SOURCE-OF-TRUTH-V1 (2026-08-10, PLAN_RULEBOOK_ENGINE P1) - machine-enforced params for 2.1.
# Reverse-derived from the live TenantRule score_target {points:21, win_by:1} (first to 21, sudden death
# at 20-20, NO win-by-2) so enabling the flag does NOT change enforcement. This block is the ONE source.
- rule_type: score_target
  action_kind: submit_score
  params: { points: 21, win_by: 1 }
  severity: block

• 1 timeout per game per team (1 minute).

• In the event of an injury during a game, a player may take a 10-minute injury timeout. A player may only take 1 injury timeout per match.
• If the player is unable to continue the game, the team will lose that game. The opposing team will be awarded 21 points, and the retired team's score will be the score at the time of retirement. At least 1 point must have been played to be counted as a loss otherwise the game is counted as a forfeit.
• If there is a 3rd player, he/she may substitute the injured player for the next game. Mixed doubles rules still apply.
• If there is a no-show/walkover by a team, the opposing team will be awarded 2 points.

Home team must provide:

• 1-week advance notice of location, surface, ball color.
• The Home Team may change play location but it needs to be advised 1-week in advance
• To confirm the number of guests allowed by the club (if any limitations)
• Designated Captain or acting Captain, if necessary. Home teams are advised to allocate 150mins for Home games if only 1 court is available. If 2 courts are available, it is recommended that Home teams allocate 120mins for Home games.

• Paddles – USPA/UPA approved.
• Challenges only permitted before first game.
• USPA approved balls relevant to court surface.

• Prohibited:
  • Non-Player Interference.
  • Unapproved music/recordings.
  • Use of mobile phones on court.
  • Video recording unless agreed by both teams.
  • Coaching (except during time-outs).
  • Checking ball marks on opponent's court.
  • Clothing matching ball color.
  • Unsportsmanlike behavior.
  • Foul/abusive Language.

• Home team submits photo of signed score sheet and inputs scores digitally on HKPL website and sends by WhatsApp to Division representative within 3 days after the match.
• Must include all players' DUPR registered names & numbers.

• Must be emailed by Captain/Co-Captain within 48 hours to HKPL.
• No late submissions will be accepted.

In case of adverse weather on the competition day, the home team and away captains have the right to decide whether the games can continue in a safe manner. Either captain can request a postponement due to unsafe weather and court conditions that could lead to injury. Any unfinished games will be replayed at a later date; this must be completed before or during the season's rain-off week, before playoffs. Both teams must agree on a date that can accommodate players.

• Outdoor matches:
  • Decision made 2 hours pre-match.
  • Requires mutual agreement.
  • Automatic for Typhoon 8/Black Rain alerts.

• Home team proposes 2 dates within 48 hours.
• Away team responds within 48 hours.
• Completion deadline: Season's rain-off week.
• Home Team may not reschedule within 14 days of the match without a valid reason (per R&R 2.0 §6.1(c)). Such requests must state a reason and require HKPL approval.

• Only completed games count.
• Unfinished games restart from 0-0.

1. The team with the highest total of League Points will be the winner of their division.
2. If 2 teams have won the same League Points, the winner of their head-to-head match will be ranked higher.
3. If more than 2 teams have the same number of League Points, the ranking will be determined by most GAMES won during the Season (and not just Head-to-Head).
4. If the winner remains undecided, the rankings will be determined by most NET-POINTS (game-point differential) (even if the match was a loss).
5. [Calculating Formula: NET-POINTS = game-points won – game-points lost ]
6. If the result is still the same, a re-match for the teams concerned will be arranged. [This item only applies to teams in the preliminary round].

DIV A

• Top 4 teams in each group will qualify for post season (starting at quarterfinals) DIV B
• Top team in each group qualifies for post season (6 teams total)
• Remaining 2 playoff spots will be determined by highest win % across the remaining teams across the groups DIV C
• Top team in each group qualifies for post season (7 teams total)
• Remaining playoff spot will be determined by highest win % across the remaining teams across the groups

• Playoff arrangements and schedules will be shared at a later date.
• For games hosted at a neutral venue by HKPL, both teams need to accommodate; otherwise, they will be counted as forfeiting the match.
• For non-HKPL hosted games, the higher ranked team will be considered as the Home Team, unless their match day falls on a holiday.
• Players must have played at least 1 match in the season to play in the playoffs.
• Div B players playing for Div A playoffs are not eligible to play in Div B playoffs.

• Appropriate attire required.
• Non-marking shoes mandatory.
• No ball-color matching clothing worn on court (home team declares ball color).

• HKPL and its Sponsors assume no liability for injuries/damages.
• By participating, players agree to:
  1. HKPL rules and regulations 2025.
  2. Media/promotional use of images.
  3. DUPR data sharing for ratings.
  4. PLAYERS PLAY AT THEIR OWN RISK AND HKPL WILL NOT HOLD ANY RESPONSIBILITY FOR ANY INJURIES AND/OR DAMAGES.

By participating in HKPL, all players hereby grant to the HKPL, its organizers, sponsors, and affiliates (collectively, "Released Parties") the irrevocable, perpetual, royalty-free, worldwide right and permission to:

1. Photograph, record, film, and otherwise capture my likeness, voice, and participation (collectively, "Images") during League events, matches, and related activities.
2. Use, reproduce, modify, publish, distribute, display, and broadcast these Images in any form or media now known or hereafter developed.
3. Use these Images for any legitimate purpose, including but not limited to: promotional materials, advertising, social media, websites, newsletters, press releases, and archival records. By participating in the league, all players agree That:

• They will receive no financial compensation or additional benefit for the use of these Images.
• The Released Parties own all rights to the Images and the content created from them.
• They waive any right to inspect or approve the final use of the Images.
• This release is binding upon all players, heirs, legal representatives, and assigns.

Email: info@hkpl.com.hk Website: www.hkpl.com.hk

IN CONSIDERATION of the HKPL accepting the minor participant named below (the “Minor”) for participation in any HKPL events, leagues, training sessions, tournaments, or related activities (the "Activities”), I, the undersigned parent or legal guardian, hereby acknowledge and agree as follows:

1. ACKNOWLEDGMENT OF RISKS I acknowledge that pickleball, by its nature, involves physical exertion and inherent risks. I understand that the Minor's participation in the Activities may involve risks of personal injury (including serious bodily injury, paralysis, or death), property damage, and losses, whether caused by the actions of the Minor, other participants, equipment, or the condition of the facilities. I acknowledge that such risks include, but are not limited to:

• Collisions with other players, walls, nets, or fixtures;
• Strenuous cardiovascular activity and musculoskeletal stress;
• Slippery or uneven playing surfaces; and
• The inherent risk of being struck by a pickleball, paddle, or other equipment.

2. VOLUNTARY PARTICIPATION I confirm that the Minor's participation in the Activities is entirely voluntary. I have advised the Minor of the nature of the Activities and the risks involved. I understand that the Minor is required to adhere to the rules of the HKPL and to conduct themselves in a safe and respectful manner at all times.

3. INDEMNITY AND RELEASE To the fullest extent permitted by law, I, on behalf of myself, the Minor, my spouse, and my and their respective heirs, executors, administrators, successors, and assigns, hereby:

• RELEASE, WAIVE, AND FOREVER DISCHARGE the Indemnitees from any and all claims, demands, liabilities, costs, expenses, damages, or causes of action (including legal fees) arising out of or in any way connected with the Minor's participation in the Activities, WHETHER ARISING FROM THE NEGLIGENCE OF THE INDEMNITEES OR OTHERWISE, except to the extent caused by the gross negligence or wilful misconduct of the Indemnitees.
• AGREE TO INDEMNIFY, DEFEND, AND HOLD HARMLESS the Indemnitees from and against any and all losses, damages, claims, demands, suits, or liabilities (including legal fees) incurred by the Indemnitees arising from or related to: (a) any act or omission of the Minor; or (b) any breach of this Agreement by me or my Minor.

4. MEDICAL CONSENT In the event of any injury or illness to the Minor during the Activities, I hereby consent to the administration of first aid, emergency medical treatment, or hospitalisation as deemed reasonably necessary by the HKPL staff or medical personnel. I agree to be financially responsible for any medical expenses incurred as a result of such treatment.

5. USE OF LIKENESS I grant the HKPL the irrevocable right and permission to photograph, film, or otherwise record the Minor's likeness, voice, and performance in connection with the Activities and to use such media for promotional, marketing, or archival purposes without compensation or further consent.

6. GOVERNING LAW AND SEVERABILITY This Agreement shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region. If any provision of this Agreement is held to be invalid or unenforceable by a court of competent jurisdiction, the remaining provisions shall remain in full force and effect.

7. ACKNOWLEDGMENT OF UNDERSTANDING I HAVE READ THIS AGREEMENT CAREFULLY. I UNDERSTAND THAT I AM GIVING UP SUBSTANTIAL RIGHTS, INCLUDING THE RIGHT TO SUE ON BEHALF OF THE MINOR. I ACKNOWLEDGE THAT I AM SIGNING THIS AGREEMENT FREELY AND VOLUNTARILY, AND INTEND IT TO BE A COMPLETE AND UNCONDITIONAL RELEASE OF ALL LIABILITY.

MINOR'S DETAILS Field Details Full Name of Minor: Date of Birth:

PARENT / LEGAL GUARDIAN (Must be 18 years or older) Field Details Full Name: Relationship to Minor: Contact Number: Email Address: Signature: Date: