Amateur Divisions
Amateur, Junior & Wheelchair Nationals Information
Welcome to the official information hub for Amateur, Junior, and Wheelchair competition at the 2026 Oceanview USA Pickleball National Championships. This page serves as the central source for division-specific information, competition formats, registration details, and important event updates. As additional information becomes available, it will be added here.
Tournament Details
- Tournament Dates: October 31 – November 8, 2026
- Location: Barnes Tennis Center | San Diego, California
- Competition Courts: 60
- Tournament Ball: Franklin X-40
- Paddle Testing: Required for all players
Amateur Competition
The Amateur division features the nation's top amateur pickleball players competing for National Championship titles across age and skill divisions.
Qualification Required
Participation in Amateur competition requires qualification through a USA Pickleball Golden Ticket Tournament or earning 4,500 TPS points. Players must earn a qualifying position before registering for Nationals. Learn how to qualify here.
Player Gift
Every registered player will receive an exclusive 2026 Oceanview USA Pickleball National Championships Player Gift at check-in, including:
- $30 value from the 2026 Nationals Merchandise Shop (commemorative item or gift card)
- Official 2026 Nationals commemorative pin
- Exclusive Nationals sticker
- Event program
- Partner gifts and sponsor giveaways
- 2026 Nationals clear tote bag
How to Register
Once you have qualified, complete the following steps before registration opens:
- Have a USA Pickleball Challenger or Champion Membership valid through November 8, 2026.
- Have a DUPR account.
- Create a Pickleball Den profile.
- Link your USA Pickleball Membership and DUPR account to your Pickleball Den profile.
- Make sure your Pickleball Den profile matches your USA Pickleball Membership exactly. Here is a guide on how to link them to your profile.
PLEASE NOTE: Qualified Players will be invited to sign up during their appropriate tier of registration from USA Pickleball. Please watch your inbox.
Registration Process
Qualified players will register during their designated registration window.
Priority Registration: August 10–24, 2026
Eligible players include:
- Golden Ticket winners
- 70+ players who participated in a Golden Ticket Tournament
- Gold Medalists from the 2025 USA Pickleball National Championships
Tier 2 Registration: September 2–14, 2026
Eligible players include:
- Qualified players who received an invitation to register
- USA Pickleball members with 4,500 or more Tournament Player Score (TPS) points
- Golden Ticket winners registering for additional qualified events
During Tier 2 Registration, all Amateur players will initially be placed on a waitlist. Players will be accepted into events based on their Tournament Player Score (TPS) totals. Once accepted into an event, payment must be completed by September 23, 2026.
Registration is not complete until you are:
- Accepted into your event
- Paid in full
- Partnered (for doubles events)
Registration Fees
Entry Fee
$250
Amateur Event Fee
$65
/event
Registration & Weather Protection
$65
Junior Competition
Junior athletes have the opportunity to compete at the 2026 Oceanview USA Pickleball National Championships and experience competition on one of the sport's premier stages.
Open Registration
Junior athletes do not need to qualify through a Golden Ticket Tournament. Eligible players may register during the designated registration period once registration opens.
Wheelchair Competition
USA Pickleball is proud to provide championship competition opportunities for wheelchair athletes from across the country.
Open Registration
Wheelchair athletes do not need to qualify through a Golden Ticket Tournament. Eligible athletes may register during the designated registration period once registration opens.
Competition Format
Amateur, Junior, and Wheelchair events are scheduled to be completed within a single day.
Double-Elimination Format
The majority of divisions will compete using a double-elimination format with a consolation bracket.
- Teams remain in the Winners Bracket until their first loss.
- Following a first loss, teams move to the Consolation Bracket.
- Teams are eliminated after their second loss.
- Winners Bracket finalists compete for Gold and Silver medals.
- Consolation Bracket finalists compete for the Bronze medal.
Round Robin Play
Some divisions with less than 8 teams, may use a round robin format at the discretion of the Tournament Director. Round robin standings will be determined by the following USAP rules:
- Match wins
- Head-to-head results
- Point differential
- Head-to-head point differential
Bracket Formation
Divisions are ideally formed with eight or more teams.
Divisions with fewer than eight teams may be combined with another age or skill group to create the most competitive and playable bracket possible.
Match Scoring
Winners Bracket & Medal Matches
- Best 2-of-3 games to 11
- Win by 2
- Side-out scoring
Consolation Bracket Matches
- One game to 15
- Win by 2
- Side-out scoring
Medal Matches
- Best 2-of-3 games to 11
- Win by 2
- Side-out scoring
Paddle Testing
To support fair play and uphold equipment standards, USA Pickleball will conduct paddle testing at the 2026 Oceanview USA Pickleball National Championships. Players selected for testing must use a paddle that has passed inspection and received an official USA Pickleball approval sticker before competing.
Player Policies
To help ensure a safe, fair, and enjoyable experience for all participants, USA Pickleball has established event policies covering player conduct, competition procedures, weather-related delays, refunds, partner replacements, insurance information, and more.
Book Your Hotel
USA Pickleball has partnered with EventConnect to provide athletes, spectators, and guests with a simple way to book discounted hotel accommodations for the 2026 Oceanview USA Pickleball National Championships.
Explore a variety of hotel options, compare rates, and receive real-time support throughout the booking process. Simply create a free EventConnect account to view available hotels and make your reservation.
We recommend exploring the hotels closest to Barnes Tennis Center for the most convenient stay.
Registration and Event FAQ's
Need Assistance?
If you have questions regarding registration, accessibility accommodations, parking, or competition, please contact NationalsReg@usapickleball.org. Our team is committed to providing an exceptional championship experience for all athletes.