As the RTA Pickleball Tour continues to grow, our Competition Regulations are evolving with it. The goal remains simple: to provide a professional, transparent, fair and reliable structure for players, organisers, referees and partners across all RTA Pro tournaments.
Since version v2026.02, several important updates have been introduced. These changes clarify entry procedures, draw sizes, match formats, rankings, prize money, player obligations, media rights and disciplinary measures.
From v2026.02: More structure for the 2026 season
Version v2026.02 introduced important foundations for the 2026 RTA season. The RTA1000 draw sizes were increased for selected divisions, deadlines were refined, and the acceptance cut-off system was introduced more clearly. Doubles and Mixed Doubles seeding was also defined based on the sum of both partners’ individual points, creating a more transparent team selection and seeding process.
This version also introduced a more detailed prize money structure, including an exact distribution table for RTA500, RTA1000 and RTA2000 events.
From v2026.03: Match formats, rankings and prize money refined
Version v2026.03 refined the tournament schedule and match formats. The tournament start time was clarified as 8:00 CET, while the match formats for the Winner Bracket and Loser Bracket were made more precise.
The refund policy was adjusted, and the regulations also clarified that the RTA Finals are governed by their own separate Competition Regulations. The previous APC points table was therefore removed from the general tour regulations and replaced with a reference to the latest RTA Finals regulations.
In addition, minimum prize money requirements were increased, and tournaments were given the option to raise prize money through sponsorship while keeping the same distribution structure.
From v2026.04: Cleaner entry deadlines and points logic
Version v2026.04 mainly focused on alignment and simplification. The acceptance cut-off for RTA500 events was aligned more closely with RTA1000 and RTA2000 procedures, creating a more consistent registration framework across all categories.
The refund policy was shortened and simplified, and the ranking section was clarified to state that players who have not won a match generally receive no ranking points. This ensures that ranking points continue to reflect actual match success on court.
Newest edition v2026.05: A major step forward in clarity and professionalism
The newest edition, v2026.05, is the most comprehensive update so far. It reorganises and clarifies several sections of the regulations and adds stronger language around sporting integrity, player conduct, discipline and tournament operations.
One of the biggest updates is the clearer definition of the scope: the regulations apply to fully sanctioned RTA Pro tournaments, namely RTA2000, RTA1000 and RTA500 events, but not to RTA Amateur Tournaments.
The draw size framework has also been updated. RTA2000 and RTA500 events now allow up to totals of 64 players in Singles, 64 teams in Gender Doubles and 48 teams in Mixed Doubles, while RTA1000 events allow up to totals of 48 players in Singles, 44 teams in Gender Doubles and 32 teams in Mixed Doubles. Final draw sizes for each division may be adjusted depending on registration flow and court availability.
Version v2026.05 also introduces the concept of the Player Pool, covering all individuals registered for the Pro tournament, including alternates. This supports clearer handling of late replacements, injury cases, alternates and player changes.
The entry and registration rules were refined further, especially for cases where players or teams disconnect, withdraw, reconnect or re-enter. RTA now has clearer authority to reject, adjust or reverse registrations, pairings, withdrawals or substitutions that are considered abusive, manipulative, made in bad faith, or contrary to the sporting integrity of the tournament.
A major new addition is Section 8.1: Disciplinary Measures and Fines. This section gives RTA a clearer framework for dealing with breaches of the regulations, the official rulebook, player commitments or conduct that harms the integrity, safety, reputation or smooth operation of the tournament. Possible sanctions now include warnings, loss of points, reduction or loss of prize money, disqualification, suspension, fines up to EUR 2,000, exclusion from the venue and referral to relevant federations or associations.
The new fine structure covers issues such as failure to attend mandatory media obligations, unsportsmanlike conduct, abuse of officials or players, physical aggression, manipulation of registrations or rankings, intentional damage, unauthorised commercial or media activity, and serious breaches of sporting integrity.
Media rights have also been clarified. Players grant RTA, tournament organisers and approved media partners the right to record, photograph, livestream and use tournament content for editorial, promotional, commercial, social media and archival purposes. At the same time, unauthorised livestreaming, commercial filming, sponsor ambush marketing, covering RTA logos or external media stepping onto court without approval may now lead to disciplinary measures.
Finally, the Player Commitments section has been strengthened. Players must now uphold high standards of fair play, respectful conduct and professional behaviour on and off the court. Public statements, including on social media, that are abusive, threatening, discriminatory, defamatory or seriously damaging to the integrity or reputation of the tournament may also be subject to disciplinary action.
Why these changes matter
The RTA Pickleball Tour is growing quickly, and with that growth comes the need for clearer, stronger and more professional regulations. These updates are designed to protect fair competition, create transparency for players, support organisers and referees, and safeguard the integrity of the tour.
The regulations are not intended to make the sport heavier. They are intended to make the competition cleaner, fairer and easier to manage, so that the focus can stay where it belongs: on great matches, strong performances and the continued rise of professional pickleball in Europe.
The latest version, RTA Competition Regulations v2026.05, is now the applicable edition for all fully sanctioned RTA Pro tournaments.
Big thanks to the Player Council for the help in the process of making the rules more clear.