Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Is there documentation?

A: There is documentation and training videos, inside each tournament.

Q: What about training?

A: Usually for new users, we can arrange training, over the phone, for registration and pre-tournament support. If volunteers are used, to manage desk operations, we've found on-site training is sufficient, if an experienced supervisor is available. In all cases, it is extremely easier if the users are computer literate. This doesn't mean a guru, just familiar with regular operations: mouse, window usage, and printer operations.

Q: I'm running a tournament and something goes wrong?

A: With prior arrangements, we can be available, via phone, to help with issues. This is also a benefit for working live, on the internet. We can monitor and provide support.

Q: Who has access to my tournament information?

A: Only the users you have authorization and a few "super" users. The "super" users have authorization to all tournaments, to help solve issues and provide support, if necessary. They do not discuss your tournament without your permission.

Q: How long will the charts be available on the web?

A:Currently, there is no time limit on how long tournament information will be available.

Q: Can I download/upload my player information?

A:We have the ability to import player registration and event information for tournaments that handle registration outside of PickleballTournaments.com but wish to use PickleballTournaments.com to manage the tournament. This eliminates the data entry for the tournament.

Q: Why am I seeing skill levels (in black font) instead of UTPRs for my tournament?

A:UTPRs are only available to sanctioned tournaments.

Q: Can I test registration for my tournament before going live?

A: Yes, with a little bit of additional set up.

What Can I Use? All or part?

Q: Do you have to use it all?

A:No. Use what fits you. We do not recommend using the system just to enter names and create charts. There are many other alternatives, on the web, for that scenario. Below are options available:

A:) Manually enter registrations, create brackets, and print charts.

Although tedious, for entering registration information, you don't have to enter everything but at least their name, birthdate or age, email address, and events. This, at least, allows you to send confirmations, run reports, and dynamically create brackets based on skills or age groups. For players to see their history, they must have an account created.

We do not recommend having Events that are skill or age specific.. The system is designed to fill brackets based on the highest skill of the team and/or the youngest age of the team. Instead of specific skill, or age, events such as Men's Doubles 3.5 and Men's Doubles 4.0, you simply have Men's Doubles. Then create brackets separately for 3.5 and 4.0, etc. if desired, based on the players skill level. The same applies to age groups. In fact, you do not need separate registration items for groups such as juniors either UNLESS they have different fees.

B) Online registration, create brackets, and print charts.

This is the recommended minimum. Same as A but with online registrations. The players would still mail in registration form with payment, but the administrative tasks of manually entering player information for registration is eliminated.

Online registrations can also automatically add discounts, add fees, apply deadlines, and other features.

C) A/B and entering results, at the end of the day.

This is a common scenario, if internet isn't available, at the tournament site. The events are managed manually, scoresheets completed based on printed charts and match results are then entered, once the tournament is over, when and where an internet connection is available.

D) A/B with EVENT DESK

In this scendario, you have internet at the tournament. Scoresheets are printed and results entered real time. This provides live web updates and when the day is complete, everything is already in the system. Since the system is printing scoresheets, for new matches, there are no charting errors.

E) A/B/D with CHECK-IN DESK

The Check-in Desk is optional. The Event Desk portion will run regardless of whether the players are checked in or not. The Check-In Desk allows you to keep record, each day, of who has checked in, whether the registrants have received giveaway items, and whether a waiver or fees need to be collected.

Wireless Usage

Since this is an internet based system, there are many questions, regarding performance and costs, over wireless connections. Here are, hopefully, some answers to the common questions:

Q: How is the performance over a wireless connection, such as AT&T, Verizon, Sprint, etc...?

A: There is no definite answer to this. Every location is different based on the service and location of local towers. You must do your own tests to verify performance.  This system was developed as a light weight service, with minimal graphics and overhead. The realtime court displays have added to data usage, if used.

Q: Do I need a wireless connection for every computer?

A: Every computer must have a web connection, BUT, there are options available such as Verizon's MIFI, Cradlepoint routers, that allow you to share a single wireless connection, smart phones, that provide a hotspot, and more. Now, just as there are pay-as-you-go phones, there are pay-as-you-go internet hot spots. You can buy a WIFI hotspot for under $100, with 'x' amount of data and no monthly contract. If you need more data, you pay for it, but, again, no monthly contract.

Q: Are the computers restricted in their functions?

A: No. Any computer can be used for Check-in or Event Desk operations. If you have two computers, both can be used for check-in, during the busy early rush, then when matches complete, one can be used for result entry. If there is a rush in matches completing, both computers can be used for result entry.