TOURNAMENT PATHWAYS

2025 TOURNAMENT PATHWAYS & EVENT CALENDAR

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The Pickleball Association of Bermuda (PAB) Tournament Pathway is designed to create clear opportunities for players at every level. Whether you're a beginner seeking fun competition or an elite player aiming to represent Bermuda internationally, our structured system provides the framework to help you achieve your goals. The tiered approach ensures that all players can find appropriate competitive challenges that match their current abilities while providing a clear roadmap for advancement. By participating in PAB events, you'll not only improve your pickleball skills but also become part of Bermuda's dynamic and inclusive pickleball community that celebrates achievement at every development stage.

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The PAB strives to provide quality competitive opportunities for players to contest and develop their skills against other players, as they progress through recreational and competitive games. This tournament pathway framework is a direct implementation of our Long-Term Athlete Development (LTAD) plan, which we established in 2024 to ensure systematic athlete progression from beginner to elite levels. The structured tier system aligns with the LTAD stages by providing developmentally appropriate competitive experiences for each skill level, supporting players at every step of their pickleball journey. There are numerous options for play including corporate leagues and PAB sanctioned tournaments throughout the year.

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The utmost levels of courtesy and sportsmanship are expected of all participants and spectators at all times. Players are required to know and understand all rules and regulations detailed in the USA Pickleball Rulebook: https://usapickleball.org/what-is-pickleball/official-rules/

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TOURNAMENT PATHWAYS

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The Pickleball Association of Bermuda (PAB) Tournament Pathway provides progression routes for players of

all abilities. Events are structured to ensure appropriate competition and development opportunities across skill levels. Players whose DUPR ratings marginally exceed the division threshold (by no more than 0.05 points) may be permitted to participate at the tournament director's discretion, so long as the team's average rating is below the division's maximum rating. This allowance provides reasonable flexibility while maintaining competitive integrity.

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TIER 1: BERMUDA NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIPS

The premier annual event in Bermuda's pickleball calendar. This tournament determines the national champions in all divisions and provides maximum ranking points. Results from the National Championships carry significant weight in national team selection.

• Held annually in September

• Required for National Team consideration (exceptions must be requested in writing and approved)

• Enhanced points allocation (50% bonus to standard tier points)

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TIER 2: ELITE SERIES - 4.0+ TOURNAMENTS

High-level competitive events for advanced players with DUPR ratings of 4.0 and above. These tournaments feature the island's top players and offer substantial ranking points.

• 2025 dates: March 28, June 7, and August 9

• Significant ranking points contribution toward national team selection

TIER 3: ADVANCED SERIES - 3.5 TOURNAMENTS

Intermediate-level competitive events for players with DUPR ratings between 3.5 and 3.99. These tournaments provide a bridge between recreational and advanced play.

• 2025 dates: March 15 and July 12

• Focus on skill development and competitive experience

TIER 4: CHALLENGER SERIES - 3.0 TOURNAMENTS
Entry-level competitive events for players with DUPR ratings between 3.0 and 3.499. These tournaments emphasize introduction to competitive play in a supportive environment.

• 2025 dates: March 8 and May 24

• Emphasis on learning tournament play and rules

TIER 5: SPECIALTY TOURNAMENTS
These include singles tournaments, junior tournaments, and other special event formats that may not follow the standard tier structure but still contribute to rankings at various levels.

• Junior Tournament: TBA

• Singles Tournament: April 12

• Kim Burns Memorial Tournament: May 12-16  (25% bonus to standard tier points)

• Deloitte Tournament: June 9-17

• Sanctioned event: Pomander Gate Championships (PG members only): Sept 15-22

• BDA Blue Open Tournament: Oct 6-13

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Additional tournaments and different formats may be added during the year by the PAB.