Pickleball 2026

51st UN Inter-Agency Games — Crete, Greece

Welcome

Hi, and welcome to the 2026 IAG Pickleball Tournament! My name is Shoeb Sayyed and I have the pleasure of being this year’s Discipline Coordinator.

As a first-time discipline at the Inter-Agency Games, pickleball brings together players of all levels in a fast, social, and highly competitive doubles format. I’ll be coordinating the competition structure, team formation, scheduling, and on-site logistics.

For questions and inquiries, feel free to reach out to me:

Email: sh [dot] sayyed [at] iaea [dot] org

The Tournament

The Pickleball Tournament will take place from 6 to 9 May 2026 at the Lyttos Beach Hotel sports facilities – outdoor courts in Crete, Greece.

Following the close of individual registrations on 19 March 2026, the final competition format has been confirmed:

Format A — Team Competition

With 23 registered players across multiple UN organizations, the tournament will be played as a Team Competition. Each team-vs-team encounter consists of four doubles matches:

  1. Men’s Doubles (MD)
  2. Women’s Doubles (WD)
  3. 2 Mixed Doubles (XD)

Each doubles match is best of 3 games to 11 points, win by 2. The first team to win 2 out of 3 matches wins the encounter.

Teams will consist of 4 to 6 players (minimum 2 men and 2 women, maximum 3 of each). Teams may rotate players freely between encounters, and captains will declare match-day pairings before each encounter.

Since most organizations cannot independently form a full team, combined teams have been arranged. Priority has been given to combining whole organizations rather than cherry-picking top players, in accordance with IAG General Rules and the pickleball-specific competition rules.

Team composition details will be shared in a separate communication to all captains and players by early April 2026.

Competition Structure

Given the number of teams, the competition will follow:

Round Robin → Knockout

  • All teams play each other in a group stage.
  • Top 4 teams advance to semifinals.
  • Semifinal winners play the Final.
  • Semifinal losers play the Bronze Match (mandatory — top 3 receive medals).

Schedule Overview

Note: Exact court assignments and match times will be communicated after the Captains’ Meeting on 6 May.

DayDateActivity
Day 0Wed, 6 MayArrivals; Captains’ Meeting at 15:30
Day 1Thu, 7 MayCompetition day (full day)
Day 2Fri, 8 MayCompetition day (full day)
Day 3Sat, 9 MayCompetition (morning); Finals (if applicable), Medal Ceremony; IAG Closing Ceremony (evening)
DeparturesSun, 10 MayDepartures

Courts available: 3

Warm-up time: 3–5 minutes per match.

Rules Framework

The Pickleball Tournament will be conducted in accordance with the established Inter-Agency Games framework, complemented by international pickleball rules. These provisions ensure fair play, consistency, and a shared understanding among all participants.

Key rules to be aware of:

  • Serving: Both volley serves (traditional underhand) and drop serves are permitted. Pre-serve spin manipulation is NOT allowed. Let serves no longer exist — if the serve hits the net and lands in, play continues.
  • Scoring: Games to 11, win by 2. Only the serving team scores. In doubles, the score is called as: Server score – Receiver score – Server number (1 or 2).
  • Double-Bounce Rule: The serve must bounce before the return, and the return must bounce before the serving team plays it. After these two bounces, volleys are allowed.
  • Non-Volley Zone (Kitchen): You cannot volley while standing in the NVZ or let momentum carry you into it after a volley. You may enter the kitchen to play a bounced ball.
  • Line Calls: “Your court, your call.” A ball touching any line is IN, except the kitchen line on a serve (must be clear). Calls must be accepted without dispute.
  • Player limits: A player may not play in more than two categories (MD, WD, XD) during any given encounter.
  • Conduct: Unsportsmanlike behaviour — including arguing calls, throwing paddles, or hitting balls disrespectfully — is not permitted. The umpire may issue warnings or take action per international rules.

Full rules references:

Equipment

  • Paddles: Players are encouraged to bring their own paddles. Paddles must meet official equipment standards (no delamination, no excessive texture).
  • Balls: The host organization will provide approved outdoor pickleballs for all matches.
  • Footwear: Appropriate court shoes are required. Non-marking athletic shoes recommended. No sandals or open-toed footwear.
  • Clothing: Standard athletic wear. Team jerseys or matching shirts are encouraged but not mandatory.

Note: Unlike some other IAG disciplines, there is no handicap or proficiency verification required for pickleball. However, all participants are expected to have a working knowledge of the rules and basic gameplay.

Registration — What You Need to Know

Registration for the Pickleball Tournament is now closed (deadline: 19 March 2026). If you are already registered, here is what happens next:

1. IAG Registration

You should already be registered through your organization with participation confirmed (including payment verification by the organizers.

2. Team Assignment (Coming Soon)

Since Format A (Team Competition) has been selected, the Coordinator will assign all players to teams. You will receive your team assignment by early April 2026, including:

  • Your team name and roster
  • Your team captain
  • Event categories (MD, WD, XD)
  • Match format details

3. Captains’ Meeting — 6 May 2026 (Mandatory)

All team captains must attend the Captains’ Meeting in Crete on Wednesday, 6 May 2026 at 15:30. This meeting will cover:

  • Final rules review
  • Schedule confirmation
  • Match-day procedures
  • Draw (if applicable)

4. Short Introduction — 7 May 2026

A brief welcome session before matches begin on the first day of play.

Communication Timeline

WhenWhat
19 March 2026Individual registration closed
Late March 2026Format confirmed: Team Competition (Format A), Captain assignments
Early April 2026Team rosters and full competition details communicated to all players
April–May 2026Coordinator–Captain virtual meetings as needed via Microsoft Teams (rules, schedule, procedures)
6 May 2026Arrivals; Captains’ Meeting in Crete at 15:30 (mandatory)
7 May 2026Short introduction; competition begins (full day)
8 May 2026Competition continues (full day)
9 May 2026Competition (morning); Finals; Medal Ceremony; IAG Closing Ceremony (evening)
10 May 2026Departures

Important Reminders

  • Each team encounter consists of Men’s Doubles, Women’s Doubles, and 2 Mixed Doubles. Captains declare pairings on match day — they are not submitted in advance.
  • No player may play in more than two categories per encounter.
  • If a player becomes ill or injured during a match, that match is conceded by walk-over. No mid-match substitutions.
  • Results must be reported in writing to the Coordinator at the end of each encounter, signed by both team captains.
  • The chief umpire’s decisions are final. Referees or volunteers will officiate all matches.
  • Fair play is paramount. The IAG exists to build bridges between UN organizations through sport — play hard, play fair, have fun.

Flexibility Clause

If unexpected changes occur (withdrawals, injuries, late registrations), the Coordinator may adjust pool sizes, match formats, court assignments, and category merging. All adjustments will be communicated promptly.

Useful Links

Looking forward to a fantastic debut of pickleball tournament in Crete! See you on the courts.

— Shoeb Sayyed, Pickleball Discipline Coordinator, IAG 2026