The Outrageously Fun Fall event is a members-only, community-minded, non-sanctioned, self-officiated pickleball tournament being held at the Apex Pickleball Center in Arvada, CO.
Join Up To Play!
The Lavender Pickleball Club is pleased to announce it will be hosting the Outrageously Fun Fall Tournament. Doubles will take place on Saturday, September 30, 2023, followed by Skinny Singles on the Sunday.
Participation in these events requires Lavender Pickleball Club membership, which can be obtained during tournament registration for a fee of $35.
Expect a full day of competition. Regardless of bracket placement, you’ll be actively engaged in matches, with opportunities to spectate in between.
Each participant will receive a complimentary bag of surprises, and lunch on Saturday is included in your entry fee. For accompanying friends or family, lunch is available for $15 per person.
To ensure fair play, the organizing committee reserves the right to reassign teams to different brackets based on the Director of Play’s assessment. Brackets may be combined in the rare event of insufficient team sign-ups.
Skill Level Definitions
The Lavender Pickleball Club has reported the tournament offers various divisions, each tailored to different skill levels. Here are their categories and the characteristics of each:
2.75 “Movin’ On Up”
For advanced beginners or players with limited experience. You understand basic rules and scoring. You can sustain short rallies and embrace the spirit of a fun tournament, even if you’re new to the sport.
3.0 “Girls Just Wanna Have Fun”
Regular players dedicated to improving their game. You possess a medium-paced forehand, occasionally avoiding the backhand.
Serves are generally on target. You can dink, although consistency in dink rallies may vary. The 3rd shot drop is a goal.
Strategy, court positioning, and rule comprehension are in progress. Previous tournament experience is possible but not necessary.
3.25 “Stronger”
Successful at the 3.0 level, yet still mastering 3.5 skills. You often win against 3.0 players but find 3.5 players a challenge.
Suitable if you’ve placed multiple times at 3.0, never at 3.5, and feel not quite ready for 3.5.
3.5 “Like a Rock”
A competitive spirit with moderate shot control, particularly on the forehand. You have some command over serve return depth and can maintain consistent dinking with control over height and depth.
You can sustain medium-length rallies and utilize the 3rd shot drop effectively.
You seize opportunities to move quickly to the NVZ and understand the difference between hard and soft games, court positioning, and basic stacking.
3.75 “Hot Stuff”
Successful at 3.5, yet to master 4.0 skills.
This level is a suitable choice if you haven’t placed consistently at 3.5 or 4.0 and don’t feel prepared for 4.0.
4.0 “In It to Win It”
Your forehands have depth and control, and you achieve consistency with your backhands.
Your serves and returns possess varying depth and speed.
Other salient features:
- Consistent dinking with control
- Recognize attackable balls
- Skilled at volleying and aware of partner’s positioning.
- Moderate unforced errors.
- Formulation of spontaneous game plans based on opponents’ weaknesses.
4.5 “Titanium”
You have a high consistency of play and use pace and depth strategically.
Your serves have power, accuracy, and varying speeds. You dink effectively with offensive intent and recognize attackable dinks.
Other salient characteristics:
- Proficient 3rd shot strategies.
- Consistent placement of the ball.
- Strong at blocking hard volleys.
- Expert at overhead shots.
- Excellent communication and court positioning with a partner.
- Advanced understanding of strategy and adaptation based on opponent’s strengths and weaknesses.
- Limited unforced errors.
Compass Draw Format
The competition follows the Compass Draw format, dividing players into eight bracket sections representing different compass points. Click here to see a detailed description of the Compass Draw format.
Matches are played in a best 2 out of 3 to 11 points format, guaranteeing a minimum of three games.
Awards
Awards will be presented for first to third place in a ceremony following the final championship games, estimated to begin around 4 p.m.
Afterward, participants traditionally gather at Jack’s and Steamers for a happy hour. All are welcome, though food and drink costs are individual responsibilities.
Registration
There were 47 sports left at the time of publication of this article. Click here for further details about booking your place.
Registration costs vary:
– Saturday (includes doubles competition, swag, and lunch): $90 per person
– Sunday Only Skinny Singles (includes swag, no lunch): $60 per person
Refunds
Refunds, subject to a $20 admin fee, can be requested until the tournament registration close date.
After this date, refunds are not available, but registration can be transferred to another player. In weather-related cancellations, full refunds may not be possible due to incurred expenses.
The committee will aim for a fair resolution, likely resulting in a club credit for future events.
Good Sportsmanship
All participants are responsible for self-officiating and upholding good sportsmanship.
The Director of Play, Mo Guidry, will address rule and play-related matters.
Tournament rules and the day’s schedule will be emailed approximately one week before the event.
Play will commence at 8 or 9 a.m. on Saturday for all levels, and on Sunday, play will start at 8 a.m. and conclude by 1 p.m.
It’s going to be a lot of fun!
