Tournament Sanctioning Criteria

PWR Tournament Sanctioning Criteria – India-Specific Framework

This document outlines the official sanctioning guidelines for PWR-recognized pickleball tournaments in India, ensuring consistency, quality, and player experience across the country. The tiers reflect escalating levels of competitive intensity, player participation, prize money, and organizational standards.

PWR 2000 – IPA Grand Slam

Level: International Elite

Criteria:

Players: 1000+ or limited draw of top 100 global players
Draw: 64 Men & 32 Women (Open)
Format: Best of 3 or 5 games (11 points, win by 2)
Prize Pool: ₹4 Crores+ (~$500,000)
Media: Live broadcast (minimum 3-camera setup)
Standards: IPA-approved referees, official PWR branding, true court setup
Medical: Emergency and physiotherapy onsite
Location: Preferably in Tier-1 cities with international airport access

PWR 1000 – IPA Major

Level: International/National

Criteria:

Players: 700+ or top domestic/international players
Draw: 64 Men & 32 Women (Open)
Format: Best of 3 games (11 points, win by 2)
Prize Pool: ₹80 Lakhs+ (~$100,000)
Media: Mandatory live streaming
Standards: IPA-certified referees, official court setup
Medical: Emergency medical & physio onsite
Suggested Venues: Stadiums or major sports complexes

PWR 700 – IPA National Championship

Level: National

Criteria:

Players: 500+ (open & age categories)
Draw: 64 Men & 32 Women (Open)
Format: Best of 3 (semis/finals), long games otherwise as per schedule
Prize Pool: ₹20 Lakhs+
Media: Livestream + active social media updates
Courts: Minimum 16
Standards: IPA-recognized officials and infrastructure
Medical: Basic first aid + physiotherapy

PWR 400 – IPA State Championship

Level: State/Regional

Criteria:

Players: 300+
Draw: 32 Men & 16 Women (Open)
Format: Flexible; service points in open category encouraged
Prize Pool: ₹4 Lakhs+
Media: Real-time social updates
Courts: Minimum 10
Standards: IPA-approved courts and certified referees
Medical: Basic first aid mandatory

PWR 200 – IPA City Championship

Level: Intra-City (multi-club)

Criteria:

Players: 150+
Draw: 32 Men & 8 Women (Open)
Format: Service points for Open; flexible otherwise
Prize Pool: ₹80,000+
Courts: Minimum 6
Media: Social media updates
Standards: IPA-approved setup
Medical: Basic first aid kit

PWR 100 – Inter-Club Battle

Level: Inter-Club/Local City

Criteria:

Players: 100+
Draw: 16 Men (Open)
Format: Service points for Open; flexible otherwise
Prize Pool: ₹40,000+
Courts: Minimum 3
Referees: Optional
Medical: Basic first aid
Media: Instagram/Facebook real-time updates encouraged

PWR 50 – Club Ladder Series

Level: Club-Level

Criteria:

Players: No minimum
Format: Fully flexible (RR or KO)
Prize Pool: Optional, not mandatory
Standards: Club-level courts
Medical: Basic first aid
Media: Optional

General Provisions (Applicable Across Tiers):

Player Eligibility: Active PWR membership mandatory for ranking points.
Minimum Participation: Draws must meet player minimums to qualify for points.
Prize Money: Must follow PWR’s distribution table unless exempted.
Sanctioning Fee: To be agreed with IPA/PWR on a tier/case basis.
Cancellations: Must be reported 30 days prior to avoid penalties.
Fair Play: Strict adherence to PWR Fair Play Code.
Prize Pool Flexibility: State/National bodies may get relaxed thresholds (IPA discretion).
Adjustments: IPA may revise criteria case-to-case for practicality.
Hygiene Standards: Clean restrooms for all genders are mandatory.
Court Maintenance: Safe, hazard-free, and well-marked courts required.
True Court Mats: For mat requirements, email IPA coordination team.
Court Dimensions:

PWR 50 to 200: Minimum 28’ x 54’
PWR 400 and above: Minimum 30’ x 60’

Recognized Categories:

Age-Based: U12, U16, Open, 35+, 50+, 60+
Skill-Based: Intermediate (DUPR < 4) – No points, for experience-building