FAQs2025-08-18T11:28:37-04:00

FAQs

How to Score a Point2025-09-15T10:37:46-04:00

Win the Rally:

A point is scored when the serving team wins a rally by hitting a shot that the opposing team cannot return legally.

Opponent’s Fault:

A point is awarded to the serving team when the receiving team commits a fault (e.g., hitting the ball out of bounds, into the net, or not following the no-volley rule).

I have never played Pickleball before. Are there tutorials or lessons before the event to show me the rules?2025-08-18T11:19:10-04:00

Yes, there will be a brief tutorial for beginners from 8 am – 8:30 am in the morning on Nov 23rd at Rally. One of the instructors at the facility will show participants how to play, teach them the rules and answer any questions you may have prior to playing during the day

How much of the money raised goes to the cause? 2025-08-18T11:19:53-04:00

One hundred percent of all donations go directly to the Baycrest Foundation, some of which support the cost of the event. Proceeds are then invested in leading-edge cognitive neuroscience research, advancements in the mitigation of age-related illness and impairment and the care and treatment of patients living with dementia, Alzheimer’s and other brain function related illnesses. 

Where do donations go? 2025-08-18T11:20:06-04:00

To provide crucial funding for breakthrough research into cognition, Alzheimer’s disease, dementia, and aging brain health; medical programs and services for older adults living in our community; and education that supports healthy aging and healthcare solutions for a growing aging population. 

Will there be medical personnel onsite? 2025-08-18T11:20:24-04:00

Yes, we will have a medical team onsite during the tournament. 

Can teams be co-ed?  2025-08-18T11:20:53-04:00

Yes!   Divisions will be based on skill level, not gender. 

Is team-based fundraising allowed? Can my teammate(s) raise funds for me? 2025-08-18T11:21:08-04:00

Team-based fundraising is not permitted, and every participant must raise their $500 individually in order to participate in the event.  

What happens if I do not raise $500 by the time of the event? Will I still be allowed to participate?  2025-08-18T11:21:15-04:00

Every participant must have their $500 raised in order to participate in the event. Start your fundraising early and visit the Fundraising Tool-Kit page to boost your fundraising efforts. Without the $500 minimum fundraised, you will not be permitted to play.

How do I know what my Pickleball rating is? 2025-08-18T11:21:24-04:00

Players can self-rate and assign themselves any level they want when registering for this event.

Check out your rating here.

Do I need to be of a certain skill level to participate2025-08-18T11:21:55-04:00

No. We invite all skill levels to participate. Please be sure to indicate your skill level during registration so we can place you in the correct division. Find your level here.

What type of clothes and shoes should I wear?2025-08-18T11:22:08-04:00

Proper dress code is required, including running shoes, shorts or track pants, and t-shirts. No baggy or unsafe clothing is permitted at the venue.

 

Can I play if I don’t have a paddle ?2025-08-18T11:22:18-04:00

Yes!  Please let us know during registration, and a complementary rental of a paddle will be available for you during the event.

What scoring format is used 2025-09-16T14:04:37-04:00

We will be using a traditional scoring format. Games are played to 11 points. Win by 1.
Points can only be scored by the serving team when the opposing team commits a fault. The player in the right service court serves first, and players switch sides after each point their team wins, continuing until their team loses a rally (a “side out”).

Can I pick my opponent 2025-08-18T11:23:15-04:00

Unfortunately, we are unable to have you select your opponent.   Our Tournament Operations team will create a round-robin schedule, and this will be distributed upon arrival at the event. 

How many games do we play? 2025-09-15T10:38:12-04:00

Teams are guaranteed a minimum of 3 games, inclusive of ‘social play’ as teams are knocked out of the tournament.

How will I know what time my games will be at?   2025-09-15T13:18:14-04:00

Level 2.5 and below (beginner/new to game) and Level 3.5 (intermediate)

  • Tournament begins at 9:00 am

Level 3.0 (advanced beginner) and Level 4.0+ (advanced)

  • Tournament begins at 12 pm

The tournament is a round-robin knock-out.   After each match, teams will report their scores to the tournament operations desk and will be informed which court their next game will take place on.

 

Will food & drinks be provided 2025-08-18T11:24:11-04:00

Yes, snacks and beverages will be provided to all participants during the event. 

Are there spectator tickets?2025-08-18T11:24:22-04:00

There is limited space for spectators on a free, first-come, first-serve basis. 

Can I register as an individual? 2025-08-18T11:25:20-04:00

Yes!  You can register as a Free Agent, and we will place you on a team based on your Pickleball score.

How many people can be on a team 2025-09-15T10:36:32-04:00

Teams are made up of 2 people.

I am a member at Rally – do I still have to register and fundraise? 2025-08-18T11:33:22-04:00

Yes, the participation costs we incur are the same –  regardless of membership status. 

Why do I have to fundraise a minimum amount to participate? 2025-08-18T11:25:41-04:00

This event is first and foremost a fundraising event, which is produced to raise funds for research, innovation care and education in Alzheimer’s and other dementias. The incidence of dementia is expected to double by by 2031 and disrupt many aspects of life for an aging population, their caregivers, and even the health care system. 

We are here to help with any fundraising questions. Check out our fundraising resources to see how easy it can be to reach well beyond the minimum of $500 before the event starts. 

Is there a minimum fundraising amount 2025-08-18T11:25:47-04:00

The fundraising minimum to participate in Pickleball for Brain Health is $500  

How much is the registration fee 2025-08-18T11:26:36-04:00

The registration fee is $95 per participant  

Do I have to register to participate 2025-08-18T11:26:31-04:00

Yes.  All participants must register and pay a $95 non-refundable registration fee. 

What time will the event take place 2025-09-15T10:38:52-04:00

Level 2.5 and below (beginner/new to game) and Level 3.5 (intermediate)

  • Check in opens at 7:45 am
  • Beginner Tutorial will run from 8 am – 8:30 am
  • Tournament begins at 9:00 am

Level 3.0 (advanced beginner) and Level 4.0+ (advanced)

  • Check in opens at 11:30 am
  • Tournament begins at 12 pm
Where does the event take place2025-08-18T11:26:56-04:00

Pickleball for Brain Health will take place at RALLY at Sherwood Village (2225 Erin Mills Pkwy, Mississauga) on Sunday November 23, 2025. 

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