Herts Open Mixed Doubles Tournament, 21 September 2024
This has been a well received event for the last three years and given pickleball’s ever-increasing popularity we anticipate strong interest again, so get busy finding a partner!!!! The Venue The tournament will be held at the Hertfordshire Sports Village, which is part of the University of Hertfordshire’s de Havilland Campus in Hatfield. This venue will be familiar to many since it was used for previous years’ tournaments, January Tournivals, and is the home of the Hertfordshire Pickleball Festival. We will have 12 courts for the whole day in 3 adjoining halls. There is a café onsite for light refreshments. Event Format There will not be age / skill sub-divisions. Instead, the competition will have three phases : 1. In Phase 1, pairs will be arranged in groups of mixed age / ability and will play round robin matches. 2. In Phase 2, the pairs will be grouped into divisions based on the results from Phase 1, and there will be a further series of round robin matches. 3. In Phase 3, the leading pairs in each division will play in knock-out competitions. This format will mean more games for all players than traditional tournaments. Everyone will have 10 games minimum (played to 11 gap of 2), and those who reach the knock-out stages will play more, with a maximum of 14. In addition to the competition phases above, some court time will be available for practice/ social play.
Travel and Accommodation
The venue is easily accessible by car being close to the A1(M), just 5 miles from the M25, and there is plenty of parking which will be free over the weekend. The postcode is AL10 9EU.
Hatfield railway station is served by Thameslink trains and the journey from Kings Cross takes 25 minutes. However, the venue is a taxi ride from the station.
Some players may need hotel accommodation. The Comet Hotel is a short walk from the venue, https://comethotel.co.uk/and there are also Premier Inns and Travelodges close by.
Registration & Fees
The registration process will start on 1 May. One partner must send an application email, with Mx Doubles in the Subject, to hertspickleball@gmail.com containing ALL the following information for both players:
First Name
Last Name
Gender
Age
Skill Rating (DUPR rating if applicable)
Club(s)
Mobile Number
Email Address
Note: only one application email is required per pair but the sender should CC their partner. Once applications have been processed, but not before 15 June, payment instructions will be issued to those allocated places.
The registration fee will be £35per player. Players can either pay as a team or individually and, once full payment has been received, a receipt will be issued completing the registration.
Volunteering
This tournament, like all Pickleball England events, is a volunteer run-tournament. A lot of things will be planned out in advance but it is always helpful to have some extra pairs of hands, and feet, on the day. In particular we will need people to help manage the game schedules and act as medal match referees. If you would be willing to help, please send an email to hertspickleball@gmail.com. There should be some court time available to the volunteers.
Tournament terms and conditions
By applying to enter the tournament you agree to the following:
• You promise to notify the organisers promptly if you become unable to attend, since the tournament will be disrupted if there are not the correct number of teams.
• Cancellation and refund requests must be made before 1st August, after which registration fees are non-refundable. (Refunds will be subject to a £5 admin fee.) However, registrations may be transferred after 1st August and funds may be transferred between players. Requests to transfer, giving details of the new player(s),should be sent to hertspickleball@gmail.com before 1st September.
• The Organisers have discretion to vary the format of the tournament as deemed necessary, and their decision is final.
• Subdivision managers have discretion to make adjustments as they see fit, and their decisions are final.
• Promise to follow pickleball England code of conduct and uphold pickleball England values.
• Acceptance of the following waiver:
RELEASE, PERMISSION AND INDEMNITY AGREEMENT
Waiver: In consideration of being permitted to participate in any way in the tournament, you, your heirs or assigns must hereby release, waive, discharge and covenant not to sue the tournament players or the organisers, its/their officers, employees and agents from liability from any and all claims resulting in personal injuries, accidents or illness (including death) and property loss arising from participation in the Tournament.
Assumption of risk: Participation in the tournament carries with it certain inherent risks that cannot be eliminated regardless of the care taken to avoid injuries. These specific risks vary, but include: 1) minor injuries such as bruises, sprains or dehydration; 2) major injuries such as eye injuries, joint, bone or back injuries, heat stroke, heart attacks and concussions; 3) catastrophic injuries such as paralysis or death. You must have read the previous paragraphs and know, understand and appreciate these and other risks are inherent in attending the tournament.
You must assert that your participation is voluntary and that you knowingly assume all such risks. You must also agree to indemnify and hold the tournament harmless from any and all claims, actions, suits, costs, expenses, damages and liabilities, including solicitor’s fees brought as a result of your involvement in the tournament.
You must also give the tournament and its agents and designees permission to use or distribute, without limitation or obligation, your image, name, voice and words for any purpose connected with the tournament, including promotional, marketing, training, informational and archival use.
Join the competition
People who have not yet represented the club are encouraged to have a taste of friendly competition. Contact David Stoten at hertspickleball@gmail.com
For information on national events and tournaments please see the Pickleball England website (below)
Tournament & Event Calendar