SD Padel SD Padel
Rules and regulations

The rules,
in one place.

How the SD Tour runs: structure, registration, format, conduct, penalties and safety. Every player accepts these rules when entering an SD event.

01 Tour structure

The SD Tour runs four tiers of events across the season. Each tier carries a different points weight, and every result counts toward the one open SD ranking.

TierLevelsWhat it is
SD MiniC, D and BeginnersThe regular entry event, open to newer players.
SD GoldA, B, C, D and BeginnersThe main tour events, every level.
SD PlatinumA, B, C, D and BeginnersThe major events of the season, higher points and prize money.
SD FinaleA, B, C, D and BeginnersThe season championship. Entry by ranking only.
  • Levels run from A (highest) to D, with Beginners below D.
  • The category is Open for now. Women, mixed, juniors and seniors categories will be added and announced.
  • A level only opens at an event if enough teams register. If a level does not fill, SD may merge it with the nearest level or refund the teams.

02 Registration and eligibility

  • One entry is one team of two players. Both players register with their full name and mobile number.
  • Registration is through the Padel Finder app. Each event page shows the levels, the fee and the deadline.
  • A slot is confirmed only once the team fee is paid. Slots go to the first teams to pay. When a level is full, further teams join a waitlist.
  • Your mobile number is your player identity for the ranking. Use the same number for every event.
  • Players must be 16 or older. A player under 18 needs the written consent of a parent or guardian.
  • Register at your true level. You may always play up a level. You may not enter a level below your real standard.
  • A partner may be replaced before the draw is published, with SD's approval. After the draw, no replacements are allowed.

03 Withdrawals and refunds

  • Full refund if a team withdraws more than 7 days before the first day of the event.
  • No refund if a team withdraws within 7 days of the event, unless a waitlisted team takes the slot.
  • No refund for a team that does not show up.
  • If SD cancels an event, entry fees are refunded in full. If SD postpones an event, entries move to the new date, or a full refund is offered.

04 Tournament format

  • Each level is played as its own draw.
  • Groups of four teams play a full round robin. The top two in each group go through to the knockout.
  • The knockout is single elimination. When the qualifiers do not fill a full bracket, the best group teams receive a first round bye.
  • Seeding follows the SD ranking where available. Otherwise teams are drawn at random. Teams from the same club may be kept apart in the groups where possible.
  • The groups and the order of play are published two days before the event starts.
StageMatch format
Group stageOne set to 6 games, tie break at 6 all
Knockout up to the quarter finalsBest of two sets, a super tie break to 10 if the sets are split
Semi finals and finalBest of three sets

Group tie breaks, in this order: matches won, then head to head (between two teams), then game difference, then games won, then a draw by lot.

The tournament director may shorten the format (for example golden point at deuce, or a shorter set) to protect the schedule. Any change is announced before play.

05 Rules of play

  • Matches follow the official rules of padel of the International Padel Federation (FIP), except where these rules say otherwise.
  • Warm up is 5 minutes, then play starts.
  • Players change ends after the first game and then every two games. The break at a change of ends is up to 90 seconds, and up to 2 minutes between sets.
  • Match balls are provided by SD. New balls are used for the semi finals and the final.
  • Without a referee, each team calls the ball on its own side, honestly and immediately. When in doubt, the point goes to the opponent.
  • With a referee, the referee's decision on the court is final. Any dispute goes to the tournament director, whose decision is final.

06 Check in, lateness and walkovers

  • Check in at the tournament desk at least 30 minutes before your first match.
  • A team that is not ready to play 10 minutes after its scheduled time loses the match by walkover.
  • A team that gives a walkover or does not show up may not play in the next SD event, at the director's decision.
  • Order of play times are a guide. Matches may start earlier or later, so stay close to the desk.

07 Code of conduct, ethics and respect

SD events are built on respect: for your partner, your opponents, the officials, the staff, the spectators and the venue.

  • No abusive, insulting or offensive language or gestures, in any language, on or off court.
  • No racket abuse, ball abuse, or damage to the glass, the mesh, the turf or the venue. Any damage is paid for by the player responsible.
  • No discrimination or harassment of any kind.
  • No betting on SD matches and no fixing or influencing a result in any way.
  • No playing below your real level to win prizes or points (sandbagging). SD may move a team to a higher level at any time.
  • No alcohol, drugs or prohibited substances at SD events.
  • Respect the host venue. Many SD courts are inside schools, compounds and clubs: follow their rules on dress, noise, smoking and parking.
  • Sportswear and court shoes are required. Players may be asked to wear the event shirt.
  • Social media posts about opponents, officials or SD must stay respectful.
  • Players are responsible for the behaviour of their own guests and supporters.

08 Penalties

Breaches of the code of conduct are penalised on a progressive scale. Each offence counts against the player for the rest of the match.

OffencePenalty
First offenceOfficial warning
Second offenceLoss of a point
Third offenceLoss of a game
Fourth offenceLoss of the match (default)
  • For serious misconduct (violence, threats, abuse of an official or staff member, or match fixing) the director may default the team immediately and remove it from the event.
  • A team removed for misconduct loses its entry fee, its prize money and its ranking points from that event.
  • Sandbagging or a false level declaration leads to disqualification and the loss of any prize money and points won.
  • Serious or repeated misconduct may lead to a suspension from SD events, decided by SD management.
  • Damage to the venue is charged to the player responsible.

09 Prize money

Every SD event carries a guaranteed prize pool, announced on the event page before registration opens.

  • The distribution by placing is published with each event.
  • Prize money is shared equally between the two players of a team.
  • Prize money is paid to the registered players only, after the final, by a payment method announced by SD. A valid ID may be requested.
  • A team that is defaulted or disqualified forfeits any prize money from that event.

Distribution table coming soon

10 Ranking and points

  • There is one open SD ranking. Points are earned per player, so both players of a team receive the same points.
  • Points depend on the tier of the event, the level played and the round reached.
  • Results count for 12 months and then expire.
  • When two players have the same points, the player with more events ranks higher.
  • The SD Finale is open only to the top ranked teams of the season.

Points table coming soon

11 Health, safety and injuries

Padel is a fast physical sport and carries a risk of injury. By entering an SD event, every player accepts the following.

  • Players take part voluntarily and at their own risk.
  • Each player confirms that they are medically fit to compete and have no condition that makes it unsafe to play. A player who feels unwell must stop and inform the desk.
  • Each player accepts the SD liability waiver at registration.
  • To the extent allowed by Egyptian law, SD Padel, Sports Developers, the host venue, the sponsors and their staff are not liable for any injury, illness, loss or damage arising from taking part, except where caused by their gross negligence or wilful misconduct.
  • SD arranges first aid at the venue where possible, and may call emergency services when needed. Any medical treatment and its cost are the player's own responsibility.
  • Players are encouraged to hold their own personal accident and health insurance.
  • A player may take one medical time out of up to 5 minutes per match. A player who cannot continue after it retires, and the match is awarded to the opponents.
  • Bleeding must be stopped before play continues.
  • SD may delay, suspend or move matches for weather, heat, light or any safety reason.
  • Personal belongings are the player's own responsibility. SD and the venue are not responsible for any loss or theft.

12 Media and personal data

  • Photos and video are taken at SD events and may be used by SD Padel on its website, social media and marketing, without payment.
  • Player names, results and photos may be published with the draw, the results and the ranking.
  • Personal data is handled under the SD Privacy Policy.

13 Changes and final decisions

  • SD may change the format, the schedule, the venue or these rules when needed for the event. Changes are announced before they apply.
  • Anything not covered by these rules is decided by the tournament director.
  • The decision of the tournament director is final.

SD Tour Rules and Regulations. Last updated October 2026.