How long does each event last?
Each event, i.e. "Mixed Doubles 3.0," will take between 2 to 3 hours from start to finish.
Can I sign up for more than one event?
Yes, but please note that playing in two events means you could potentially play 8-12 games in 4-5 consecutive hours. It is A LOT. If you sign up for 2 events, you MUST sign up for the SAME SKILL LEVEL, i.e. "3.5" for both events, which will assure that your two events do not overlap. You are only permitted to sign up for one mixed doubles event and one gender doubles event of the same skill level.
What time will my event start? The final schedule will be determined when registration closes. You will receive the start time for your events at least a week before the tournament. Until you know the schedule - and the weather - you should not schedule any other commitments on the tournament weekend.
Should I join the waitlist?
Yes! If an event is "waitlist only" it is free to get on the waitlist. The waitlist is the first place a tournament director looks to fill an opening. (If your partner gets on the waitlist with you, your team will automatically be moved into the event if a spot opens.)
Can I play up a skill level?
Yes, players can play "up" a skill level but they cannot play down, so a 3.5 player can enter the 4.0 event but cannot enter a 3.0 event.
Can I play in a different age group?
You can play in a younger age group. If your partner is younger than you, you must play in the younger player's age group.
How do I register for a tournament for the first time?
First, create a DUPR account. It is free. DUPR is a player rating database.
Second, create a Pickleball.com profile. Pickleball.com owns PickleballTournaments software. When you create a Pickleball.com profile, you will be prompted to connect your DUPR account. Follow the instructions they provide to connect your accounts.
Third, navigate back to the Bethlehem Pickleball Tournament registration page and register for events. Make sure your partner does the same process. If your partner does not sign up within three days, you will be placed on the waitlist.
I already have a profile on DUPR and PickleballTournaments. How do I connect them?
Follow the instructions here: https://www.manula.com/manuals/pickleball-brackets/pbmanual/1/en/topic/connecting-your-dupr-account
What is my skill rating?
If this is your first time using PickleballTournaments, when you create a profile you will be asked to self-rate yourself on a scale of 2.0 (novice) to 8.0 (pro).
Here is a general guide:
2.0 - 2.5
You just started playing and you are just learning the rules.
3.0
Basic understanding of rules and scoring. Able to hit the ball back and forth but struggling to sustain a rally or have mobility issues that limit movement.
3.5
Understands rules and scoring. Can serve reliably and sustain a rally. Starting to use pickleball strategies like dinks, third-shot drops, deep serves/returns and shot placement. Starting to play in tournaments.
4.0
Strong grasp of rules and scoring. Mastered control of shot placement and exploring more advanced pickleball strategies. Plays with power, can use spin on the ball and knows how to stack. Has significant tournament experience.
4.5
Mastered advanced pickleball strategies. Plays with extreme power and/or finesse. Has significant tournament experience.
Note: In PickleballTournaments, a player whose rating is 3.99 is considered a 3.5 player, so a "3.5 tournament division" can have a wide range of players including people who just achieved the 3.5 rating to players about to cross into 4.0.
Here is a nifty (and free) online quiz to help determine your rating:
If you have any questions about what division you belong it, PLEASE email cathleen@pickleball518.com.
