ST. JOHN PICKLE CUP 1.0

TIE-BREAKING AND ADVANCEMENT RULES

GROUP STAGE TIE-BREAKERS

If teams have identical records, standings are determined by:

• Head-to-head result (winner advances)

• Total points scored (cumulative across matches)

• Mixed doubles performance (if still tied)

ADVANCEMENT TO FINALS

• Corporate:  Determined by the highest total points from MD, WD, and XD combined.

• Novice: Top team from each group advances

• Intermediate: MD - Top 4 teams overall (from 5 groups)

• Intermediate: WD & XD - Top team from each group advances

• Masters: Top team from each group advances

• Finals Format:

  • 1 set to 11 points (traditional scoring)

  • Players switch sides at 6 points

YOUTH DIVISION (U18) SPECIAL RULES

• Total registered players : 30 pax
o Group 1 (8yo - 12yo) : 16 kids
o Group 2 (13yo - 16yo) : 14 kids

• Partner Assignment: Random draw (no pre-set teams)

• Match Format:

  • Each pair plays 6 rotating matches

  • Rally scoring to 11 points (win by 1)

• Awards: Top 5 players from each group by highest total individual scores

5. GAME RULES & SCORING

SERVING

Underhand Serve Required:

• Contact point must be below waist

• Paddle head must remain below wrist (at contact)

• Must clear the non-volley zone ("kitchen")

TWO-BOUNCE RULE

Sequence Must Be Followed:

• Ball bounces on receiving side

• Ball bounces on serving side

• Volleys permitted after both bounces occur

NON-VOLLEY ZONE RULES (KITCHEN)

Critical Restrictions:

• NO volleys while standing in the zone

• Fault occurs if momentum carries player into zone after volley

COMMON FAULTS

• Ball lands out of bounds

• Ball hits the net

• Kitchen violations

• Double bounces on one side

• Illegal serves

SCORING PROCEDURE

Proper Score Announcement:
"Serving Score - Receiving Score - Server Number"
*(Example: "5 - 3 - 1")*

• Must be called clearly before each serve

• Incorrect calls may be challenged

• Challenges must occur before return of serve

6. CODE OF CONDUCT & DISCIPLINARY RULES

SPORTSMANSHIP REQUIREMENTS

The Tournament has a Yellow and Red card rule, where organizers and appointed officials reserve the right to enforce these rules, including disqualification.

✅ Respect all players, officials, and volunteers.
❌ Prohibited Conduct (will result in penalties):

• Verbal abuse, offensive language, or trash talk

• Damaging equipment (paddle/ball slamming)

• Intentional delays or unsporting tactics

• Excessive arguing with officials or opponents

POINT GUARD AUTHORITY

Role: Court supervisor (non-referee) with limited powers:

• Enforces:

  • Match timing

  • Basic rules (e.g., foot faults)

  • Score reporting

• Cannot: Make or overrule line calls.

LINE CALL PROTOCOL

• Ball is IN if it touches any part of the line.

• It does not apply when the ball is served and touches the kitchen line. It is called out.

• "When in doubt, call it in" – benefit goes to opponents.

• Partners must agree on "out" calls.

• Never call lines on the opponent’s side.

DISPUTE RESOLUTION

• Players attempt to resolve disputes respectfully.

• If unresolved, Point Guard may:

  • Suggest a replay (if both teams agree).

  • Escalate to the Tournament Director.

• Referee’s decision is final (if one is assigned).

PENALTIES & DISCIPLINARY ACTIONS

• Yellow Card: Warning for minor violations.

• Red Card: Immediate disqualification for severe misconduct.

• 3 Yellow Cards = Automatic disqualification.

• No refunds for disqualified players/teams

MATCH TIMING RULES

• Grace Period: 2 minutes late = warning.

• 2–5 Minutes Late: Forfeit 1st game.

• 5+ Minutes Late: Match forfeit.

Stalling: Point deduction → DQ if repeated.

INJURY TIME & TIME OUT

• in case of injury during play time and permission from referee/tournament director, we will pause the game for 5 minutes, and players will decide to continue or walkover (forfeit)

• no 1 min timeout for any game

• TD holds the final decision

GROUNDS FOR DISQUALIFICATION

• Repeated misconduct (e.g., arguing, abuse).

• Safety violations (e.g., no eye protection).

• Tampering with equipment or court conditions.

• Chronic tardiness or no-shows.

• Director’s discretion: Final authority on all rulings.

7. POLICIES

7.1 PARTNER CHANGE POLICY

Before Registration Deadline (19 July 2025, 8:00 AM)

• Changes permitted at no cost

• Must submit request via email to sjamkps@sjam.org.my  

After Deadline (Before Check-In)

• Changes allowed only for:

  • Medical emergencies (with documentation)

  • Unavoidable travel conflicts

• Requirements:

  • Written request with justification

  • Tournament Director approval

  • RM 20 administrative fee

• Restrictions:

  • No changes that alter team skill rating

After Check-In

• Strictly no partner changes permitted

• If registered partner cannot play:

  • Team must forfeit all matches

  • No refunds issued

7.2 HEALTH & SAFETY PROTOCOLS

Medical Support

• First aid stations available on-site

• Qualified First Aider from St.John present

Player Requirements

• Proper athletic footwear mandatory:

  • Non-marking indoor court shoes only

• Hydration:

  • Players responsible for own water

  • Bottled water available for purchase

Insurance Coverage

• Complimentary AIA Lifestyle Sports Insurance Coverage provided at https://discover.aia.com.my/rsc/kNt4YLmp

  • Malaysian citizens only

  • Participants aged 18-55 years

• Underwritten by AIA Bhd through Dlife Agency (Terms & Condition Apply)

Personal Belongings

• Tournament not responsible for:

  • Lost or stolen items

  • Damaged equipment