SLUGFEST III: ABOVE THE NET OFFICIAL TOURNAMENT RULES
TOURNAMENT OVERVIEW
Games are played in a best-of-one set structure. During opening rounds, a 7point tie-break . All play uses the no-ad scoring system to keep competition swift and exciting.
PHASE 1: SCHEDULED TEAM MATCHES
During the day, players compete in scheduled matches to earn points for their team. Match Format Every match consists of one set only. A set may be played: • First to 4 games • First to 6 games • First to 7 games (The Tournament Director determines the format before play begins.) Time Limit Each match has a 30-minute time limit. If the match is not completed within 30 minutes: • The player with the highest score when time expires is declared the winner. • If the score is tied when time expires, a single deciding point (Sudden Death Point) will determine the winner. Team Points Every match victory earns one point for your team. All points earned throughout the day contribute to your team's overall standing heading into The Gauntlet.
PLAYER CONDUCT
Players are expected to: • Display good sportsmanship. • Respect officials, volunteers, and opponents. • Call balls honestly. • Arrive on time for scheduled matches. • Be ready to play when called. Poor sportsmanship may result in penalties or disqualification.
PHASE 2: THE GAUNTLET
The Gauntlet is a King of the Court, team-elimination competition. Players battle one at a time until one entire team has been eliminated. Team Lineups Each team submits an ordered lineup before The Gauntlet begins. The order cannot be changed once competition starts. Opening Match The first player from each team takes the court. One Set Battle Each challenge is played as one set using the format selected by the Tournament Director. The winner remains on the court as the Champion. Elimination The losing player is immediately eliminated. The next player from that player's team immediately enters to challenge the Champion. One Life Each player has one opportunity to compete. Once eliminated, that player is finished for the event. Winning The Gauntlet Play continues until one team has no players remaining. The opposing team is crowned SlugFest III Champions. Bonus Awards MVP Award – Presented to the player with the most eliminations during The Gauntlet. Iron Man Award – Presented to the player with the longest consecutive winning streak during The Gauntlet. Win Streak Bonus – Three consecutive victories earn your team one bonus point. Mercy Rule Bonus – Winning a set without dropping a game earns your team one additional bonus point. General Tournament Rules • Matches begin promptly at their scheduled times. • Players who are not present when called may forfeit. • Tournament officials have the final decision on all rulings. • Weather delays or scheduling adjustments may modify match times or formats. • SlugFest reserves the right to adjust rules when necessary to ensure fair and timely completion of the event. Tournament Schedule • Check-In: As posted by Tournament Director • Scheduled Team Matches: Until 4:00 PM • 4:00 PM: THE GAUNTLET begins • Awards Ceremony: Immediately following the conclusion of The Gauntlet SlugFest Motto ONE COURT. ALL HEART. LEAVE IT ALL ABOVE THE NET.
COMMON QUESTIONS
WHEN DOES THE MATCH START?
11AM
HOW DO I REGISTER TO PLAY?
Registration is available online via our Tournament Registration page until August 15, 2026.
WHERE IS SLUGFEST LOCATED?
SlugFest 3 takes place at the Paula G. Manship YMCA in Baton Rouge, Louisiana.
CAN I BECOME A VOLUNTEER?
Yes! We are currently accepting applications for umpires, court staff, and event volunteers.
IS MERCHANDISE AVAILABLE?
Limited edition Above The Net gear will be sold at our venue and through the online store.