Player Guide | Link & Dink Tournament Series

What Makes Link & Dink Tournaments Different

At Link & Dink, tournaments aren’t just about winning — they’re about growing together. Every match is an opportunity to improve your game, meet compatible partners, and strengthen our community.

Our Philosophy

Connection-focused competition where every opponent is a potential future partner
Growth over glory with emphasis on learning and skill development
Community building through positive sportsmanship and mutual support
Discovery pathway from meeting players to forming lasting partnerships

Tournament Formats

Round Robin Play + Brackets

Format depends on the number of teams registered. The typical structure:

4 initial round robin games
All teams advance to single elimination bracket

Scoring & Match Rules

Standard Scoring

Round robin matches: Games to 11, win by 1
Bracket matches: Games to 15, win by 2
Switch sides: At 6 points in games to 11, at 8 points in games to 15
Timeouts: One 60-second timeout per team per game

Match Etiquette

5-minute warm-up before your first match
2-minute break between games
Generous line calls — when in doubt, favor your opponent
Self-officiated — players make their own calls with honesty and respect

Official Rules: Link & Dink tournaments follow USA Pickleball (USAPA) Official Rules for all gameplay. Refer to the current USAPA rulebook for complete regulations.

Fair Play Rules

Essential guidelines for new tournament participants

Core Fair Play Standards

Rule Area	Key Practice for Fairness
Rulebook	Use USA Pickleball Official Rulebook
Serving	10-second rule enforced
Line Calls	Players call their side; benefit of doubt to opponent
Faults	Players self-call and announce immediately
Sportsmanship	Code of conduct; penalties for unsportsmanlike behavior
Scoring	Standardized game length and timeouts
Equipment	Regulation courts and gear
Disputes	Referee or director resolves; replay if unresolved

Line Call Guidelines

Call your own side only — never call lines on opponent’s side
Make calls immediately and clearly — don’t wait or hesitate
When uncertain: Give benefit of doubt to your opponent
“Out” calls must be made before the ball bounces again or is hit

Self-Officiating Standards

Call your own faults immediately — foot faults, net touches, etc.
Announce faults clearly so all players hear
Don’t wait for opponents to notice your violations
Ask for clarification if unsure about a rule

Dispute Resolution

Stay calm and respectful during disagreements
Refer to USAPA rules when possible
Call tournament director if agreement cannot be reached
Accept referee decisions as final
Replay the point if fault timing is unclear

The Link & Dink Way

Before Each Match

Introduce yourself to opponents and partner
Share your skill level honestly
Set a positive tone: “Let’s have a great match!”
Rock, paper, scissors to determine serve/side

During Play

Compete with respect — play your best while maintaining sportsmanship
Celebrate good shots from all players
Communicate clearly with your partner
Stay positive through wins and losses

After Each Match

Thank opponents for a good game
Exchange contact info with compatible players
Share constructive feedback if asked
Connect on the Link & Dink platform to stay in touch

Community Standards

Sportsmanship Expectations

Honest line calls even when it costs you points
Positive attitude regardless of score
Encouragement for partners and opponents
Inclusive behavior welcoming to all skill levels

Growth Mindset

Ask questions and seek tips from stronger players
Offer help to players developing their skills
Learn from losses — every match teaches something
Celebrate improvement over perfection

Partnership Building

Be open to playing with different partners
Exchange information with compatible players
Follow up after tournaments to maintain connections

Divisions & Skill Levels

Self-Rating Guidelines

Be honest about your current skill level. Consider recent play rather than your best day ever. Ask for community validation if uncertain. Accurate ratings create better, more enjoyable matches.

Division Structure

Intermediate (3.0–3.5)

Solid basics, working on strategy and placement

Intermediate Advanced (3.5–4.0)

Developing consistent variety of skills and strategies with some tournament experience

Advanced (4.0+)

Strong skills, competitive strategy, plenty of tournament experience

Tournament Day Logistics

What to Bring

Primary paddle and backup
Comfortable court shoes with good grip
Water and snacks for energy
Positive attitude and openness to new connections
Contact info ready to share with new partners

Check-In Process

Arrive 15–30 minutes early for check-in and warm-up
Confirm your division and partnership
Review tournament bracket and schedule
Get court assignments and emergency procedures

Schedule Flexibility

Matches run on time — be ready when called
Brief delays possible to accommodate close matches
Stay engaged between your matches to support community
Awards ceremony follows final matches

Connection Opportunities

Mentor System

Play up: Offer to pay entry fees to partner with higher-level players
Mentor others: Offer your skills to help developing players
Post requests on Link & Dink: Looking for specific types of partnerships or coaching — www.linkanddink.com

Partnership Formation

Wolf Pack development: Find your regular playing group
Skill-based matching: Connect with players at complementary levels
Style compatibility: Find players who match your competitive approach
Future play planning: Schedule ongoing games with new connections

Tournament Success Tips

Competitive Excellence

Warm up properly before your first match
Stay hydrated and fuel your body appropriately
Focus on fundamentals under pressure
Communicate effectively with your partner
Adapt strategy based on opponents’ strengths

Community Building

Learn everyone’s name you play with or against
Ask about others’ journey during breaks
Share your experience and what brought you to the sport
Plan follow-up play with compatible partners
Join the Link & Dink platform to maintain connections