MiLP Tournament Arrives in Valdosta: The Dink Minor League Pickleball/ MiLP event is coming to McKey Park in Valdosta, Georgia, on December 7, 2024. Registration is now open for teams to secure their spot in this exciting, innovative competition. This amateur team pickleball event is the perfect opportunity for pickleball players to show their skills in a fun and social setting while competing against other teams in a one-of-a-kind format.
The Format
At the heart of Minor League Pickleball is the MLPlay™ format, a dynamic and innovative team competition that incorporates traditional match-ups and exciting new twists.
Teams consist of four players—two men and two women—who compete against each other in an engaging series of match formats. The competition features a blend of doubles and mixed doubles, creating a balanced, competitive atmosphere.
- Match Setup: Each team competes in four 21-point games—one women’s doubles, one men’s doubles, and two mixed doubles games.
- Tiebreaker (Dreambreaker): If the teams are tied 2-2 after the initial four games, the competition goes to a Dreambreaker. This showdown pits one player from each team against each other in a singles match, with players swapping every four rallies until someone reaches 21 points, winning by two.
DUPR Divisions: Team Eligibility
The Dink Minor League uses the DUPR (Dynamic Universal Pickleball Rating) system to categorize teams based on skill levels. Each division has a team aggregate rating, with specific limits for individual players.
- DUPR 20 Division: Team’s aggregate DUPR must not exceed 20.99.
- DUPR 18 Division: Team’s aggregate DUPR must not exceed 18.30. Maximum individual DUPR is 5.10.
- DUPR 16 Division: Team’s aggregate DUPR must not exceed 16.30. Maximum individual DUPR is 4.60.
- DUPR 14 Division: Team’s aggregate DUPR must not exceed 14.30. Maximum individual DUPR is 4.10.
- DUPR 12 Division: Team’s aggregate DUPR must not exceed 12.30. Maximum individual DUPR is 3.60.
Once registered, teams’ ratings are locked for the duration of the event, meaning players’ ratings will not affect their team’s standing. However, new or unranked players can still compete, with their ratings verified by the tournament director.
Registration Details and Substitutions
- Single Registrations: Players signing up as individuals must include their team name and DUPR division when registering. If no team is formed, the tournament director will try to place the player on a team. Refunds are available if players cannot be placed.
- Substitute Players: Teams needing a substitute can either make changes via the Swish system or submit the information directly to the tournament organizer. Substitutes must not cause the team’s aggregate DUPR to exceed the division’s limit.
Refund Policy
- Cancellation Deadline: Players must cancel 15 days before the event’s start to receive a refund, minus a $5 technology fee and a 3% processing fee. No refunds will be issued after the deadline.
- Individual Registration Refund: For individual registrants who do not get placed on a team, a full refund (minus the tech fee and processing fee) will be issued after the event ends.
News in Brief: MiLP Tournament Arrives in Valdosta
The Minor League Pickleball event at McKey Park in Valdosta, GA, on December 7, 2024, features teams of four competing in a unique MLPlay format. The event offers DUPR divisions based on skill level and includes a Dreambreaker tiebreaker.
Registration is open until December 3, 2024, with a $70 fee per player. Individual registrants can be placed on teams if necessary. Cancellations for refunds must be made 15 days before the event.
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