{"id":8012,"date":"2026-04-08T10:38:22","date_gmt":"2026-04-08T08:38:22","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/interagencygames.org\/?page_id=8012"},"modified":"2026-04-08T10:38:43","modified_gmt":"2026-04-08T08:38:43","slug":"pickleball-2026","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/iag.mon-rezo.fr\/?page_id=8012","title":{"rendered":"Pickleball 2026"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p>51st UN Inter-Agency Games \u2014 Crete, Greece<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h1 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Welcome<\/h1>\n\n\n\n<p>Hi, and welcome to the 2026 IAG Pickleball Tournament! My name is <strong>Shoeb Sayyed<\/strong> and I have the pleasure of being this year\u2019s Discipline Coordinator.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>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\u2019ll be coordinating the competition structure, team formation, scheduling, and on-site logistics.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>For questions and inquiries, feel free to reach out to me:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Email: <strong><a href=\"javascript:secureDecryptAndNavigate('6nTIUnZrOCDIkAPplKoobaeLKH1yPvSr\/aG5Yhv0aBETuc3gVhv1WmrzUB0fB2\/koISWuX1CWep1AWto5jf2J2vfBneZrxmSVw==', 'f150f05bd9bf1ae9ed7376a7135a046f6b93d53ac1376c83f132b995ef38b576')\">sh [dot] sayyed [at] iaea [dot] org<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h1 class=\"wp-block-heading\">The Tournament<\/h1>\n\n\n\n<p>The Pickleball Tournament will take place from <strong>6 to 9 May 2026<\/strong> at the <strong>Lyttos Beach Hotel sports facilities \u2013 outdoor courts<\/strong> in Crete, Greece.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Following the close of individual registrations on 19 March 2026, the final competition format has been confirmed:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Format A \u2014 Team Competition<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>With <strong>23 registered players<\/strong> across multiple UN organizations, the tournament will be played as a <strong>Team Competition<\/strong>. Each team-vs-team encounter consists of four doubles matches:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ol class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Men\u2019s Doubles (MD)<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Women\u2019s Doubles (WD)<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>2 Mixed Doubles (XD)<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n<p>Each doubles match is <strong>best of 3 games to 11 points<\/strong>, win by 2. The first team to win <strong>2 out of 3 matches<\/strong> wins the encounter.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Teams will consist of <strong>4 to 6 players<\/strong> (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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Since most organizations cannot independently form a full team, <strong>combined teams<\/strong> 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Team composition details<\/strong> will be shared in a separate communication to all captains and players by <strong>early April 2026<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h1 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Competition Structure<\/h1>\n\n\n\n<p>Given the number of teams, the competition will follow:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Round Robin \u2192 Knockout<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>All teams play each other in a group stage.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Top 4 teams advance to semifinals.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Semifinal winners play the <strong>Final<\/strong>.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Semifinal losers play the <strong>Bronze Match<\/strong> (mandatory \u2014 top 3 receive medals).<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h1 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Schedule Overview<\/h1>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Note: <\/strong>Exact court assignments and match times will be communicated after the Captains\u2019 Meeting on 6 May.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table\"><table class=\"has-fixed-layout\"><tbody><tr><td><strong>Day<\/strong><\/td><td><strong>Date<\/strong><\/td><td><strong>Activity<\/strong><\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Day 0<\/strong><\/td><td>Wed, 6 May<\/td><td>Arrivals; Captains\u2019 Meeting at 15:30<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Day 1<\/strong><\/td><td>Thu, 7 May<\/td><td>Competition day (full day)<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Day 2<\/strong><\/td><td>Fri, 8 May<\/td><td>Competition day (full day)<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Day 3<\/strong><\/td><td>Sat, 9 May<\/td><td>Competition (morning); Finals (if applicable), Medal Ceremony; IAG Closing Ceremony (evening)<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Departures<\/strong><\/td><td>Sun, 10 May<\/td><td>Departures<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Courts available: <\/strong>3<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Warm-up time: <\/strong>3\u20135 minutes per match.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h1 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Rules Framework<\/h1>\n\n\n\n<p>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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Key rules to be aware of:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Serving: <\/strong>Both volley serves (traditional underhand) and drop serves are permitted. Pre-serve spin manipulation is NOT allowed. Let serves no longer exist \u2014 if the serve hits the net and lands in, play continues.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Scoring: <\/strong>Games to 11, win by 2. Only the serving team scores. In doubles, the score is called as: Server score \u2013 Receiver score \u2013 Server number (1 or 2).<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Double-Bounce Rule: <\/strong>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.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Non-Volley Zone (Kitchen): <\/strong>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.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Line Calls: <\/strong>\u201cYour court, your call.\u201d A ball touching any line is IN, except the kitchen line on a serve (must be clear). Calls must be accepted without dispute.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Player limits: <\/strong>A player may not play in more than two categories (MD, WD, XD) during any given encounter.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Conduct: <\/strong>Unsportsmanlike behaviour \u2014 including arguing calls, throwing paddles, or hitting balls disrespectfully \u2014 is not permitted. The umpire may issue warnings or take action per international rules.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Full rules references:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><a href=\"http:\/\/www.interagencygames.org\/newsite\/\">IAG General Rules<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/usapickleball.org\/what-is-pickleball\/official-rules\/\">USA Pickleball Official Rulebook (2024\u20132026)<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>IAG Pickleball Competition Rules (attached \/ available from the Coordinator)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h1 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Equipment<\/h1>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Paddles: <\/strong>Players are encouraged to bring their own paddles. Paddles must meet official equipment standards (no delamination, no excessive texture).<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Balls: <\/strong>The host organization will provide approved outdoor pickleballs for all matches.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Footwear: <\/strong>Appropriate court shoes are required. Non-marking athletic shoes recommended. No sandals or open-toed footwear.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Clothing: <\/strong>Standard athletic wear. Team jerseys or matching shirts are encouraged but not mandatory.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Note: <\/strong>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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h1 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Registration \u2014 What You Need to Know<\/h1>\n\n\n\n<p>Registration for the Pickleball Tournament is now <strong>closed<\/strong> (deadline: 19 March 2026). If you are already registered, here is what happens next:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">1. IAG Registration<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>You should already be registered through your organization with participation confirmed (including payment verification by the organizers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">2. Team Assignment (Coming Soon)<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Since Format A (Team Competition) has been selected, the Coordinator will assign all players to teams. You will receive your team assignment by <strong>early April 2026<\/strong>, including:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Your team name and roster<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Your team captain<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Event categories (MD, WD, XD)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Match format details<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">3. Captains\u2019 Meeting \u2014 6 May 2026 (Mandatory)<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>All team captains must attend the Captains\u2019 Meeting in Crete on <strong>Wednesday, 6 May 2026 at 15:30<\/strong>. This meeting will cover:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Final rules review<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Schedule confirmation<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Match-day procedures<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Draw (if applicable)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">4. Short Introduction \u2014 7 May 2026<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>A brief welcome session before matches begin on the first day of play.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h1 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Communication Timeline<\/h1>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table\"><table class=\"has-fixed-layout\"><tbody><tr><td><strong>When<\/strong><\/td><td><strong>What<\/strong><\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>19 March 2026<\/strong><\/td><td>Individual registration closed<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Late March 2026<\/strong><\/td><td>Format confirmed: Team Competition (Format A), Captain assignments<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Early April 2026<\/strong><\/td><td>Team rosters and full competition details communicated to all players<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>April\u2013May 2026<\/strong><\/td><td>Coordinator\u2013Captain virtual meetings as needed via Microsoft Teams (rules, schedule, procedures)<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>6 May 2026<\/strong><\/td><td>Arrivals; Captains\u2019 Meeting in Crete at 15:30 (mandatory)<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>7 May 2026<\/strong><\/td><td>Short introduction; competition begins (full day)<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>8 May 2026<\/strong><\/td><td>Competition continues (full day)<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>9 May 2026<\/strong><\/td><td>Competition (morning); Finals; Medal Ceremony; IAG Closing Ceremony (evening)<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>10 May 2026<\/strong><\/td><td>Departures<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h1 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Important Reminders<\/h1>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Each team encounter<\/strong> consists of Men\u2019s Doubles, Women\u2019s Doubles, and 2 Mixed Doubles. Captains declare pairings on match day \u2014 they are not submitted in advance.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>No player may play in more than two categories<\/strong> per encounter.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>If a player becomes ill or injured<\/strong> during a match, that match is conceded by walk-over. No mid-match substitutions.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Results<\/strong> must be reported in writing to the Coordinator at the end of each encounter, signed by both team captains.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>The chief umpire\u2019s decisions are final.<\/strong> Referees or volunteers will officiate all matches.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Fair play is paramount.<\/strong> The IAG exists to build bridges between UN organizations through sport \u2014 play hard, play fair, have fun.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h1 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Flexibility Clause<\/h1>\n\n\n\n<p>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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h1 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Useful Links<\/h1>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>USA Pickleball Rulebook: <\/strong><a href=\"https:\/\/usapickleball.org\/what-is-pickleball\/official-rules\/\">usapickleball.org\/official-rules<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Coordinator Contact: <\/strong><a href=\"javascript:secureDecryptAndNavigate('aOWOU5sOfl22RlEUgtwfOBwi3tP0cE3pi7lo364tReQt0zXWzVcp8BrQCVM4TdiCIG44b7de8BawFciXvX3BwNBNjKvEyMf+TA==', 'f150f05bd9bf1ae9ed7376a7135a046f6b93d53ac1376c83f132b995ef38b576')\">sh [dot] sayyed [at] iaea [dot] org<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Spectators \/ live scores link \u2014 TBD<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><em>Looking forward to a fantastic debut of pickleball tournament in Crete! See you on the courts.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>\u2014 Shoeb Sayyed, Pickleball Discipline Coordinator, IAG 2026<\/strong><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>51st UN Inter-Agency Games \u2014 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\u2019s 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 &#8230; <a title=\"Pickleball 2026\" class=\"read-more\" href=\"https:\/\/iag.mon-rezo.fr\/?page_id=8012\" aria-label=\"Read more about Pickleball 2026\">Read more<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"parent":7855,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-8012","page","type-page","status-publish"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/iag.mon-rezo.fr\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/pages\/8012","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/iag.mon-rezo.fr\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/iag.mon-rezo.fr\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/iag.mon-rezo.fr\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/iag.mon-rezo.fr\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=8012"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/iag.mon-rezo.fr\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/pages\/8012\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":8013,"href":"https:\/\/iag.mon-rezo.fr\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/pages\/8012\/revisions\/8013"}],"up":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/iag.mon-rezo.fr\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/pages\/7855"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/iag.mon-rezo.fr\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=8012"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}