Dink Minor League Pickleball Hits Illinois: The Dink Minor League Pickleball is gaining momentum nationwide, offering an innovative and thrilling way to experience the sport. This team competition, MLPlay, adds excitement by combining strategy, skill, and social interaction. As an amateur event, it emphasizes teamwork, fun, and a unique gameplay format that brings men and women together in a competitive yet enjoyable atmosphere.
Pickleball Tournament Format
The structure of Minor League Pickleball is unlike any other. Teams, consisting of four players (two men and two women), face off in a best-of-four series using the MLPlay format. Here’s how it works:
- Four 21-point games:
- One women’s doubles match
- One men’s doubles match
- Two mixed doubles matches
If the teams are tied at 2-2 after the four games, the competition enters the Dreambreaker stage. In this intense tiebreaker, one player from each team competes in singles, switching every four rallies until one player reaches 21 points, winning by two.
DUPR Divisions: Tailored to Skill Levels
Minor League Pickleball events are divided into DUPR divisions based on team ratings. The DUPR (Dynamic Universal Pickleball Rating) system ensures a competitive and balanced experience for all players. Here are the divisions:
- DUPR 20: Team aggregate must not exceed 20.99
- DUPR 18: Team aggregate must not exceed 18.30
- DUPR 16: Team aggregate must not exceed 16.30
- DUPR 14: Team aggregate must not exceed 14.30 (Maximum individual DUPR: 4.10)
- DUPR 12: Team aggregate must not exceed 12.30 (Maximum individual DUPR: 3.60)
Once registered, a team’s DUPR rating is locked, ensuring fair play throughout the tournament. Players without ratings can still participate, with their ratings verified by the tournament director.
Registration Details: Joining the Action
To sign up for the Minor League event, players must create a DUPR account. Here’s what they need to know about registration:
- Single Registrations: If they are joining as an individual, note their team name and DUPR division during registration.
- No Team? No Problem: If they are unable to form a team, the tournament director will do their best to place them on one. Refunds are available for those who are not placed on a team.
Substitute Players: Flexibility for Teams
Teams can make changes by submitting substitute player information directly to the tournament organizer or through the Swish platform. Substitutes must not cause the team’s aggregate DUPR to exceed the maximum for their event.
Cancellation and Refund Policy: Plan Ahead
- Cancellation Deadline: Cancellations must be made by 11:59 PM local time, 15 days before the event’s start date to receive a refund, minus a $5 technology fee.
- Refunds: After the deadline, no refunds will be issued.
Event Location: Loves Park, Illinois
- Date: December 21, 2024
- Address: 7003 North Alpine Road, Loves Park, IL 61111, USA
- Registration Ends: December 17, 2024
- Entry Fee: $70 per player
News in Brief: Dink Minor League Pickleball Hits Illinois
The Dink Minor League Pickleball is expanding its reach, with a tournament in Loves Park, Illinois, scheduled for December 21, 2024. Teams of four (two men, two women) will compete in an exciting MLPlay format that combines traditional games and mixed doubles, with a dramatic Dreambreaker tiebreaker.
Players can register as a team or individually, with DUPR divisions ensuring fair competition. The pickleball event offers a unique way to engage in the fast-growing sport of pickleball while enjoying social camaraderie. Registration ends on December 17, and each player must pay a $70 entry fee.
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