FROM THE USAPA
P
Is that
paddle
approved
?
BY CHRISTINE BARKSDALE /
USAPA MANAGING DIRECTOR OF COMPETITION
12
TO SUBSCRIBE CALL 724.942.0940 OR GO TO THEPICKLEBALLMAG.COM
ickleball is one of the fastest growing sports,
with an estimated 2.5 million+ players today
(Sports & Fitness Industry Association [SFIA]
2015 Participant Report) and an estimated 8 mil-
lion players by the end of 2018. Each of those 2.5
million players has a unique playing style, which
may include strategy, technique, ball placement,
shot selection and shot speed. Add the many vari-
ables to personal preference or stylistic sense and
it is no surprise that there are numerous manu-
facturers providing an array of paddles to suit the
rapid growth. Currently, USAPA has 65 pickleball
manufacturers with just over 400 paddles that
have been tested and approved for sanctioned
play, with more paddles being submitted every
week.
Given the wide variety of paddles on the
market, it is a challenge for players, referees and
sanctioned tournament directors to identify
paddles that have been approved for sanctioned
tournament play and those that have not. Today’s
practice of reviewing a list is inefficient and pro-
vides opportunity for non-approved paddles to
be allowed during an event. The rationale behind
paddle specification testing is primarily to main-
tain the integrity of the sport as designed by the
founders. In addition, maintaining equipment
standards also helps to ensure a level playing field
for all participants.
In an effort to simplify the process of identi-
fying approved paddles, USAPA is making two
significant changes. The first is developing a
searchable website (and application) for ap-
proved equipment that contains photos of every
approved paddle and ball. The second: USAPA is
working with pickleball manufacturers to imple-
ment the use of a USAPA-approved seal (or US-
APA-approved text) on each paddle approved for
sanctioned play. The seal or text will be located on
the lower 1/3 of the paddle face above the paddle
handle. Manufacturers have the choice of using
a full-color seal, two-color seal or block text that
allows them the opportunity to use the label that
best fits the paddle design.
The goal is that by the end of 2018, all ap-
proved paddles will bear the label of USAPA ap-
proval, which will simplify the process for players,
tournament directors and referees to identify
paddles eligible for sanctioned play. •