Pickleball

Overview:

Early Bird Entry Fee: $55 for first event + $15 for second event

Entry Fee: $65 for first event + $15 for second event

*both partners must register individually

**Pickleballbrackets.com charges a service fee that is not covered by SGA

Registration Deadline: July 17, 2026

Registration

• Register based off of skill level

• Skill level groups may be split by age group to create competition events

• Athletes can only register once in doubles and once in mixed doubles.

• For a guaranteed spot in the tournament, the second partner will have three days to register after the first partner signs up. If the second partner does not register within that time limit, the team will be moved to the waiting list. Once the second partner registers, the team will be moved back into the event if there are still openings available.

• You may register if you do not have a partner, just indicate on your registration that you do not have a partner.

Ball

Onix® pickleballs (orange) will be used for the tournament

Eligibility:

Eligibility: Since the 2026 State Games of America (SGA) are hosted in State College by the Keystone State Games, ALL PENNSYLVANIA RESIDENTS CAN REGISTER for the SGA just like they would for traditional Keystone Games Events. 

In addition, due to the NCSG Neighboring State Policy, athletes from DELAWARE, MARYLAND, NEW JERSEY (Except for Figure skating which is hosted by the Garden State Games), NEW YORK (Except for Figure skating which is hosted by the Empire State Winter Games), and OHIO, CAN REGISTER for the 2026 SGA.

Non-Keystone Games Eligible Athletes: YOU MUST QUALIFY!

If you’re an athlete coming from one of the other 30+ National Congress of State Games (NCSG) Member State programs, qualification is more extensive. Here’s how you may have qualified depending on the year you competed in an NCSG Member State program:

• 2024: All gold, silver, and bronze medalists qualify from NCSG Member State programs, both Winter and Summer.

• 2025: All gold, silver, and bronze medalists qualify from NCSG Member State programs, both Winter and Summer.

• 2026: (before July 1): All gold, silver, and bronze medalists qualify from NCSG Member State programs, both Winter and Summer.

• Any medalist from the 2022 and/or 2024 SGA qualifies to compete at the State Games of America in State College 2026.

Note: Any athlete who has qualified in any event within a particular sport will be eligible to participate in all applicable events within said sport. i.e. A Track & Field athlete who only qualifies in one event in Track & Field, would be eligible to enter as many events within Track & Field allowed by the sport, or Gymnastics that qualifies in one event is eligible to participate in the all-around competition, etc. at the SGA 2026.  Click Here for Additional Eligibility Requirements

Divisions:

Men's and women's doubles and mixed doubles will be offered in the following skill levels:

• 3.0

• 3.5

• 4.0

• 4.5

*A team must play at the skill level of the higher rated player.

*SGA reserves the right to combine divisions based on registration numbers

*For players who need to determine their skill levels, click here. 

High School Division:

• Will play alongside adult divisions 

• Two age groups (grade 6-8 & Grade 9-12)

• No skill levels within age groups

• All events doubles - Male, Female, Mixed

• One entry fee for up to two events 

• Division determined by participant with lowest grade

• 4 game minimum for each team

Format:

Non-sanctioned tournament

• Games will be self-scored and self-officiated

• Round robin format with top teams moving on to the medal games

• Round robin: 1 game to 11, win by 1 

• Medal rounds: 1 game to 15, win by 2

• Minimum of four games