Rally in the Valley Pickleball Tourney: As the early fall breeze sweeps through the Okanagan Valley, pickleball enthusiasts gear up for one of the most anticipated tournaments of the season—Rally in the Valley 2024. Scheduled from September 27 to 29 at the OWA Complex in Vernon, British Columbia, this event promises a thrilling display of skill and determination. Sanctioned by Pickleball Canada, the tournament invites players across various skill levels, from 3.0 to 5.0, to compete for top honors.
Age Groups and Registration Process
Participants will register according to their skill level, with age groups determined after registration closes. “At the time of registration, there will be only one age group, e.g., ANY AGE,” the tournament committee explains. Once the final registration list is in, players will be organized into groups based on the ages of the teams signed up. The tournament committee will decide whether to split the groups into teams of five or ten, depending on the age distribution.
In cases where a higher skill level lacks the minimum number of teams, adjustments will be made.
“If a higher skill level does not have five teams or a multiple of five teams and the next lower skill level has a wait list, then the highest-rated team in the lower skill level will be asked if they wish to play up.” – (committee)
This ensures that all players get a fair chance to compete.
Tournament Format: A Test of Endurance
The tournament will follow a round-robin format within pools, offering a rigorous challenge for participants. In a group of five, teams will battle it out in one game to 15, with a win by two and no cap. The top two teams from each pool will advance to the semi-finals, with the winners moving on to the Gold Medal game—an intense best-of-three contest to 11 points. For those in the Bronze Medal game, the match will again be one game to 15, win by two, with no cap. Every team is guaranteed at least four matches, making this a test of skill and stamina.
Eligibility and Equipment Guidelines
Players’ eligibility is determined by their age and skill level, with strict guidelines in place. “Age is determined as of December 31, 2024,” the tournament committee states, ensuring fairness across the board. Players are expected to compete at their appropriate skill level, as determined by their Canadian Tournament Player Rating (CTPR) or their Pickleball Brackets profile.
Regarding equipment, paddles must be USAPA-approved, and players should be aware of the clothing guidelines. “If a player is wearing clothing that is the same color as the ball, they might be asked to change apparel by the Tournament Director,” according to the rules. Additionally, the use of protective eyewear is strongly encouraged to prevent injuries.
Venue and Schedule
The Rally in the Valley will take place at the OWA Complex, a state-of-the-art facility located at 6601B Okanagan Landing Road, Vernon. With 12 indoor, non-air-conditioned courts featuring synthetic/acrylic surfaces, the venue is primed for high-level competition. The official tournament ball is the Franklin X-40, known for its durability and consistent performance.
Women’s events will kick off the tournament on Friday, September 27, followed by Mixed Doubles on Saturday, September 28, and Men’s events on Sunday, September 29. Detailed event scheduling will be released closer to the tournament date, ensuring players have ample time to prepare.
News in Brief: Rally in the Valley Pickleball Tourney
The Rally in the Valley 2024 is set for September 27-29 at the OWA Complex in Vernon, BC. This Pickleball Canada-sanctioned event will feature competitive doubles matches for skill levels 3.0 to 5.0. Players will register by skill level and be grouped by age. The tournament includes round-robin play with guaranteed at least four matches per team.
Matches will follow a round-robin format, with the top teams advancing to semi-finals and finals. Participants must use USAPA-approved paddles, and all registrants must be Pickleball Canada members. The event will utilize Franklin X-40 balls and is played on indoor synthetic courts.
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