FROM THE USAPA
FROM THE USAPA EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
JUSTIN MALOOF
New and Improved USAPA Net System
Back in 2010, USAPA determined that in order to grow and expand the sport both nationally and internationally, exposure and access to courts would be key. While permanent pickleball courts were( and are) preferred, in many cases, these simply are not readily available or accessible. The answer was the development of an affordable, portable pickleball net system that could be used for both indoor and outdoor play and make access to the sport attainable like never before.
Former USAPA president Bill Booth went to work and in a few short months, the USAPA Portable Net System was born!
The official USAPA system allows anyone the ability to play pickleball anytime, anywhere and remains the only portable net system used by USAPA for national and regional tournaments.
Over the years, USAPA has tweaked the design and made subtle changes in materials to improve the quality and longevity of the system.
This year, some significant changes to the system were made. The powder-coated steel frame system still measures 22 feet wide but has an upgraded, heavier-gauge black nylon net that meets the IFP specification height of 36 inches at the sideline and 34 inches at the center. The net stays taut at the 34-inch center height due to the Velcro tension system. Sturdy legs are located on either side of the net as well as one in the middle for extra support. Two of the more noticeable upgrades are the new oval-shaped frame pieces that make setup even easier and eliminate the possibility of the center frame twisting. In addition, the center support rod has been replaced by a flat,“ yard-stick” design. The included nylon carry bag has also been redesigned and compartmentalized with dividers and straps. Every piece of the net system has a place when not in use! The total system weight of 30 pounds makes transportation and storage very easy.
The USAPA Portable Net System is the perfect choice for pickleball players, and USAPA members still receive a $ 10 discount through the USAPA store website. Likewise, every purchase supports the USAPA’ s ongoing mission of growing the game we love.
2016 USAPA BOARD OF DIRECTORS
OFFICERS
PRESIDENT David Jordan
VP & AMBASSADOR CHAIR Jack Thomas
SECRETARY Laura Patterson
TREASURER Darryl Noble
BOARD MEMBERS( COMMITTEES)
LEGAL COUNSEL, GRIEVANCE Phil Mortenson
COMMUNICATIONS Bob Nibarger
RATINGS Chris Thomas
TOURNAMENTS Lenny Chimino
GRANTS Ray Pereyra
TRAINING CHAIRS Lynn and Linda Laymon
NON-VOTING BOARD MEMBER
ADVISORY COMMITTEE Mark Friedenberg
STAFF
Executive Director, Justin Maloof Managing Director of Competition, Christine Barksdale Business Manager, Linda Gartlan
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