Consolation and compass draws
Draws that give losers more matches: pairs who lose early play on for lower places. The LTA uses consolation and compass draws across its graded padel tours.
Ce qui change par rapport à un match classique
Early defeat does not end your event. Every place can be decided, not only the top ones. Pairs play a more even number of matches.
Les règles
Consolation: pairs who lose in the first round, or as the event defines, enter a consolation draw and play on for the consolation title. Compass, round one: winners go east and losers go west. Compass, round two: east losers go north, west losers go south. Winners stay in their section. In a compass 8 draw, round three is a final in each section, so every pair plays three matches and all 8 places are decided. In a compass 16 draw, round three splits the sections again (north-east, north-west, south-east, south-west) and round four decides each section. The winner of the east section, or of the main draw, is champion. Main and consolation matches can use different lengths if the event announces it.
Comment l'organiser
Make the main draw with seeds and byes. As matches finish, move losers into the consolation draw or the right compass section at once. Schedule so that pairs who play on get fair rest. Record results for every section. The LTA asks referees to submit results promptly after the event.
Le règlement FIP
En match réel
Formats liés
Questions
What is a compass draw in padel?
A draw that moves pairs into east, west, north and south sections after each round, so everyone keeps playing and every place is decided.
Which LTA tournaments use compass draws?
The LTA lists compass draws for County Tour (Grade 4) and Local Tour (Grade 5), and compass or consolation for the National, Seniors and Youth tours.