The Delcastle Pickleball Challenge is set to take place from May 18 to June 1, 2025, at the Delcastle Tennis Center in Wilmington, Delaware. Hosted by Upper Bay Pickleball, this inaugural event will feature competitive matches with top players competing for gold, silver, and bronze medals.
The tournament follows a round-robin format, with teams competing for rankings before advancing to the playoffs. The top two teams will play for the gold and silver medals, while the third and fourth-ranked teams will battle for bronze. Round-robin games will be played to 15 points, win by two, while playoff matches will be best-of-three to 11 points, win by two.
Competitive Format and DUPR Ratings
The event will use the DUPR system to group players into skill-based brackets. Players without a DUPR rating will be placed based on their pickleballbrackets rating. Participants can compete at or above their rating level but cannot play in lower brackets. For example, a 3.5-rated player with a 4.2-rated partner must play in the 4.0-4.5 bracket.
Tournament organizers emphasize fair play, following USA Pickleball rules. All paddles must be from the approved paddle list, and matches will be conducted in adherence to standard gameplay regulations.
Registration and Fees
Registration opened on March 27, 2025, and will close on May 25, 2025, at 11:55 PM EST. The entry fee is $50, covering up to two events. Additionally, players must pay a $5 fee per bracket. Spaces are limited, so early registration is encouraged.
Multiple Venues and Weather Considerations
While Delcastle Tennis Center serves as the primary venue, some matches may be held at The Pickle Factory in Bel Air, Maryland. Players are advised to check their registration confirmation for exact locations.
Since the tournament is outdoors, weather conditions could impact scheduling. A rain date is set for June 7-8, 2025. The tournament director has the authority to modify match formats if needed due to inclement weather.
Refund and Substitution Policy
Refunds will not be issued after the registration deadline. Any granted refunds will be subject to a deduction of pickleballbrackets fees. Players who need a replacement partner after May 25 must coordinate with tournament officials. Substitutes must meet the original bracket’s eligibility requirements, or the team may be reassigned to a higher bracket.
Growing Pickleball’s Competitive Scene
Upper Bay Pickleball continues to expand the sport’s competitive landscape by organizing high-quality tournaments like the Delcastle Pickleball Challenge. With a structured format, skill-based brackets, and adherence to official rules, this event aims to provide a professional yet accessible experience for all participants. For more details or to register, players can visit the official tournament website or contact event organizers directly.
News in Brief: Delcastle Pickleball Challenge
The Delcastle Pickleball Challenge runs from May 18 to June 1, 2025, at Delcastle Tennis Center in Wilmington, Delaware. Hosted by Upper Bay Pickleball, this inaugural pickleball event features a round-robin format with top players competing for medals.
The DUPR system ensures fair skill-based brackets, and USA Pickleball rules apply. Registration closes May 25, with a $50 entry fee. Some matches may be held at The Pickle Factory in Maryland. Weather delays are possible, with a rain date set for June 7-8.
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