Padel continues to grow at a rapid pace worldwide, and with that growth comes regular updates to how the sport is played and governed. The International Padel Federation (FIP) has published a set of new regulations that will come into effect in 2026 for competitions within the FIP Promises Continental Tour and FIP Promises World Tour.
The updated regulations introduce changes related to scoring systems, match management, and tournament and ranking regulations, including rules on player participation, match scheduling, and point calculation. These regulations apply specifically to FIP-sanctioned Promises tournaments, as outlined in the official announcement.
The Star Point Scoring System
One of the most notable changes coming in 2026 is the introduction of the Star Point scoring system in FIP-sanctioned tournaments. This system changes how games are decided once the score reaches deuce (40–40).
How the Star Point system works:
- After reaching deuce, players will play two advantage points as usual.
- If the game is still not decided, a single deciding point, called the Star Point, will be played.
- For the Star Point, the receiving team chooses the side from which the serve is taken.
Where it will be used:
- The Star Point system applies to FIP-sanctioned competitions, including professional tournaments and development events.
Match Flow and Gameplay Adjustments
The latest updates by the FIP also focus on improving match management and ensuring fairness for players during tournaments.
The following are a few major match flow and gameplay adjustments for 2026.
Maximum Daily Matches per Pair
- A pair will not be required to play more than two matches per category in a single day without their consent.
Mandatory Breaks in Extreme Heat
- In conditions of extreme heat, a mandatory five-minute break is applied between the first and second set to safeguard player health.
Continental Tour Finals Qualification
- Only the top 16 players in each category will qualify for Continental Tour Finals.
- Players must compete in a minimum of five tournaments in the same year to be eligible.
Bonus Points for Category Changes
- Players who move up a category at year-end receive a percentage of points from the previous category for 365 days:
- U12 → U14: 10% of previous points
- U14 → U16: 10% of previous points
- U16 → U18: 10% of previous points
Tournament Structure and Participation Rules
The 2026 updates also include changes to how players can enter tournaments and how spots are allocated. They aim to encourage broader participation while maintaining fairness and structure across FIP Promises tournaments.
Ranking and Point Calculation Updates
The 2026 regulations also introduce clearer guidelines on how rankings are calculated in FIP-sanctioned tournaments.
| Update | What It Means |
| Best Results Calculation | Player rankings will be based on their nine best results over a rolling 52-week period. |
| International Point Limit | Players may compete outside their home continent, but only the top two results from those tournaments will count toward rankings. |
What These Changes Mean Going Forward
The 2026 padel rule updates apply to competitions within the FIP Promises Continental Tour and FIP Promises World Tour. The regulations introduce changes related to scoring formats, player participation rules, and ranking calculations, and more. These regulations are applicable to FIP-sanctioned Promises tournaments as outlined in the official rules published by the International Padel Federation, with the possibility of wider adoption across other tournaments.
For a complete breakdown of all regulations, the full 2026 FIP rulebook is available in the official PDF published by the International Padel Federation.
