It is a small revolution in tournaments padel ! The French Tennis Federation authorizes the Referee to override the regulation of compulsory rest time in a padel with the written approval of the 4 players. 

Headache finished

Very good news, especially for tournaments of padel over a day and even half a day. This type of tournament was blocked or was found to be illegal for clubs and players who had no other choice but to agree to play a match.

The regulations put in place by the FFT could seem too rigid in certain cases because of the matches of padel sometimes too close together. But it is now a closed case. She had the rich idea of ​​leaving the choice to the referee of the competition and to the players if the main players agree.

What does the regulation say?

The regulations on THE NUMBER OF MATCHES PER DAY AND REST TIME are specified in the guide to the competition of padel 2021.

Depending on the game formats used during the competition, a player is authorized to play a maximum number of matches per day (including all the events in which he participates):

  • If 2 matches per day => Choice of format
  • If 3 matches per day => two matches maximum in Format A
  • If 4 matches per day => no match in format A & maximum three matches in format B
  • If 5 matches per day => no match in A or B format

A maximum of 5 matches are authorized per day (with the exception, however, of Format D - 10 points - used exclusively for P 25 - cf. Tournament Specifications)

Minimum rest times between two matches:

  • 2 hours after a match in format A
  • 1 hour 30 minutes after a match in B format
  • 45 minutes after a match in C format
  • 15 minutes after a match in D format

A regulation that can therefore jump

With the consent of the referee and the 4 players concerned, the regulations in force on the number of matches per day and the rest time can be set aside.

If the Referee gives his consent, this statutory rest period may not be taken.

In this case, the written agreement of the 4 players will be required. Each player must write and sign a waiver with the Referee.

Disclaimer form to download from the FFT site or HERE directly.

Franck Binisti

Franck Binisti discovers the padel at the Club des Pyramides in 2009 in the Paris region. Since padel is part of his life. You often see him touring France going to cover the major events of padel French.

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