Paddle Certification Updates
USA PICKLEBALL NEWS
USA Pickleball Releases 2025 Pickleball Rulebook
USA Pickleball , the National Governing Body for the sport of pickleball in the U . S ., is excited to announce the release of its updated 2025 Rulebook , the singular source for the rules of game , which is available for review and free download on usapickleball . org and went into effect Jan . 1 , 2025 . The print-bound version , which is available for purchase , includes additions or changes to current rules following the review of more than 180 proposals submitted by members , nonmembers and global participants . View the rulebook at usapickleball . org / rulebook .
“ USA Pickleball is excited to release the official 2025 Rulebook featuring the introduction of a rally scoring option for certain doubles play and an option extension for singles play ,” said Mike Nealy , CEO of USA Pickleball . “ While traditional scoring remains the official method , these new formats are a response to valuable player feedback . Rally scoring , introduced under specific circumstances for tournament play only , is designed to create a more dynamic and engaging experience for both players and spectators . Guardrails and clear guidelines ensure this option complements — rather than replaces — traditional scoring , maintaining the integrity and flow of the game .”
Traditional side-out scoring is still the official method of scoring . However , USA Pickleball officially recognizing the introduction of rally scoring for both singles and certain doubles formats marks a significant evolution in the game ’ s scoring options . The USA Pickleball Board of Directors has provisionally approved doubles rally scoring for round-robin and team play , and will be available as an optional format for recreational play and USA Pickleball sanctioned tournaments .
This change expands the use of rally scoring , which is already provisionally approved in singles , while ensuring that it remains optional for tournaments not directly involved in qualifying for the USA Pickleball National Championships held in November . Traditional side-out scoring will remain in effect for all 2025 Golden Tickets and for subsequent Nationals .
Other rule changes outlined in the 2025 Rulebook include the start of volley clarified , round robin scoring rules and player carryover penalties .
Paddle Certification Updates
USA Pickleball is dedicated to preserving the sport ’ s equity and accessibility for players of all skill levels and varying abilities . To ensure consistency and maintain the integrity of the sport , we ’ ve introduced an enhanced testing standard , PBCoR ( Paddle / Ball Coefficient of Restitution ), at the end of 2024 to measure paddle performance and limit the “ trampoline effect .”
The trampoline effect on pickleball paddles refers to the phenomenon where the surface of a paddle deforms and then rapidly returns to its original shape upon contact with the ball , effectively “ springing ” the ball off the paddle . This effect can amplify the ball ’ s speed and force beyond what is typical for normal play . Visit usapickleball . org to learn about impacted equipment .
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