CNPL Announces Locations of Central, East and West Qualifiers

The Canadian National Pickleball League is excited to announce this year’s draft qualifier locations and times for all passionate pickleball players and fans. The East (RA Centre, Ottawa) and West (OWA Pickleball Complex, Vernon, BC) are returning from last year and additional Central qualifier is at Four Fathers Brewing Co., in Cambridge, Ontario.

These two-day showcases will give participants and fans alike the opportunity to be part of Canadian Pickleball history. The competition will be intense, the venues spectacular and the camaraderie second-to-none!

All skilled players in either the female or open category are encouraged to participate but must meet eligibility requirements. These are outlined on the CNPL website (qualifier terms and conditions) and in short, include some the following requirements/standards/category definitions:

• Age (18+ and have documentation confirming it)
• Citizenship (Proof of Canadian citizenship)
• Skill (highly rated – 4.5+ and regular participation in open, pro or premier events)
• Adherence to Code of Conduct (sportsmanship, fair play, respect for opponents, officials and fans)
• Equipment standards (complying to standards from USA Pickleball Equipment Standards Manual)
• Commitment to Skill Development (getting regular training and coaching)
• Respect for facilities (locker rooms, practice areas and common spaces)
• Injury Reporting (prompt report expected to CNPL officials to ensure proper treatment and assessment of future eligibility)
• Female Category is designated for participants who are biologically female.
• Open Category is inclusive and open to participants of all genders.

Once skilled players have read and understood these requirements and standards and wish to participate, they need to register for their particular draft qualifier on Showpass.

The highlights of these events include the following:

• King-Of-The-Hill Format where players compete to be recognized and possibly join the professional ranks.
• Successful athletes will be drafted into the exciting world of the CNPL.
• All three venues are unique and typify the spirit of the pickleball world.
• Pickleball is a community unto its own, where enthusiasts, fans and supporters gather to celebrate this growing game.

Below are some details about each location.

Central – Four Fathers Brewing in Cambridge, Ontario

This new venue will host the Central’s two-day qualifier on March 2^nd and 3^rd, 2024. Aspiring pros and eligible players from southwestern Ontario are encouraged to participate in this esteemed event. Fans and players alike will benefit from the warm ambiance of this one-of-a-kind pickleball venue.

On March 2, events will include Female Doubles from 9 am to 3 pm and the Open category from 3 pm to 9 pm, with staggered start times for all participants. Based on their Saturday performance, players will be slotted into mixed doubles time periods, which are 9 am – 1pm, 1 pm – 5 pm and 5 pm – 9 pm.

REGISTER FOR THE CENTRAL QUALIFIER HERE!

East – RA Centre in Ottawa, Ontario

The East Draft Qualifier returns to the reputable RA Centre on March 16^th and 17^th, 2024. Eligible players who are residents of Quebec, Northern Ontario, Eastern Ontario, and Atlantic Canada can converge on the nation’s capital for this outstanding event. There are up to 56 spots available (half female and half open), so interested players shouldn’t wait too long to sign up!

On Saturday, March 16^th, events will include female doubles from 12 pm to 4 pm and Open category from 4 pm to 8 pm. On Sunday, March 17^th (also St. Patrick’s Day!) Mixed doubles will be featured with two time periods, 8 am – 12 pm and 12 pm – 4 pm. Again, players will be slotted according to performance on Saturday.

REGISTER FOR THE EAST QUALIFIER HERE!

West – OWA Pickleball Complex (Marshall Fields Covered Pickleball Facility), Vernon, B.C.

The West Draft Qualifier also returns to the top-notch Marshall Fields venue on March 23^rd and 24^th in picturesque Vernon, British Columbia. Those pickleball players who are residents of Yukon, NWT, Nunavut, British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan, and Manitoba are encouraged to participate, with up to 84 spots available (half female and half open). There are up to 84 spots available (half female and half open), so eligible pickleball athletes ought not to put registration on the backburner.

On Saturday, March 23^rd, events will include female doubles from 8:30 am to 2:30 pm and open doubles from 2:30 pm to 8:30 pm, with staggered start times for all participants. Based on Saturday’s performance, players will be slotted into Sunday events, including mixed doubles from 8:30 am – 12:30 pm, 12:30 pm – 4:30 pm and 4:30 pm – 8:30 pm.

REGISTER FOR THE WEST QUALIFIER HERE!