Pickleball Magazine 5-3 WD | Page 13

By Justin Maloof USAPA EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR Good News on the Horizon—State and Local Officials Begin Lifting Restrictions At the time of my last article, we were only a few short weeks into the COVID-19 pandemic. States and communities were shutting down across the country and pickleball play was halted. Stay-at-home mandates and restrictions limited or eliminated even recreational play opportunities. Tournaments, including USA Pickleball sanctioned events, were being postponed or cancelled. Two months later and finally there appears to be hope on the horizon for a return to the sport we love. Some (not all) states have relaxed or lifted their stayat-home requirements, and recreational pickleball play is available again in several areas. To assist those who live in areas that have open courts and have made their own decision to return to recreational play, in May, USA Pickleball released some helpful guidelines regarding a safer return to play. These guidelines can be found at usapa.org. While the opening of courts is a positive sign for a return to recreational play, social distancing requirements and limitations on social gatherings means that a return to tournament play could still take time. At the time of this article, USA Pickleball’s suspension of sanctioned play runs through June 15. USA Pickleball remains in contact with several of the U.S. national governing sport bodies and organizations as we collectively attempt to determine when and, more importantly, how tournaments can be facilitated again. As we continue to monitor the situation and make plans for a safe return to competitive play, we have been working with several of our sponsors and partners, all of whom have also been impacted by the virus. During these discussions, we have secured several new offers/incentives that, in turn, we can pass along to members and prospective members. The result is called the USAPA 20 for 20 Incentive Program, whereby a $20 annual membership will have access to several new pickleball-related offers— any one of which is designed to offset the annual cost of the USAPA one-year membership. The program is designed to run for a limited time (expires July 31). During the program, additional one- and two-day “flash sales” will be available for members to take advantage. For details and redemption information, go to usapa.org. In addition to 20 for 20, USAPA is also working with our partners to provide a limited number of “value kits” for sanctioned tournaments. Each kit will contain several paddles, bags, apparel items and other items of value that can be used by tournament directors for giveaways and raffles. Details of this program are being finalized and will be available to tournament directors very soon. In the meantime, stay safe and stay healthy. Please continue to take good care of yourself and your family members. It is because of you, our members, that we will be bigger and stronger soon! • JUNE/JULY 2020 | MAGAZINE 11