The International Federation of Pickleball Celebrates 53 Member Countries and Counting
By Ruth Rosenquist , IFP DIRECTOR
Established in 2012 , the International Federation of Pickleball ( IFP ) is the world governing body for the sport of pickleball to proactively develop pickleball across the globe . Its mission is to introduce pickleball to all nations , preparing the groundwork for pickleball ’ s recognition as a sport by the International Olympic Committee ( IOC ), and inclusion in the Olympic Games .
Despite the pandemic , the IFP has experienced unprecedented growth in new member countries , as pickleball ’ s popularity soars across the globe . In June , a historic milestone was reached when Nepal officially became the IFP ’ s 50th member country . Uruguay , Portugal and Aruba quickly followed , raising the member count to 53 . Despite the COVID-19 lockdown , it proved an opportune time for pickleball organizers from New Zealand , the United Arab Emirates , Norway and beyond to embrace the IFP ’ s global vision for pickleball .
“ In Nepal , we are short in height and medium build , but quick with our hands and feet . I see every opportunity for Nepalese players to collect medals when pickleball is finally recognized in the Olympics . We ’ ve begun training in schools , where students play a lot of table tennis and badminton ,” Nepal pickleball founder Navin Gurung says .
What ’ s the driving force behind this historic increase in countries lining up to join the International Federation of Pickleball ? Steve Sidwell , IFP Director of Country Membership — a “ country whisperer ” and pickleball advocate from Paso Robles , California — was recruited by IFP President Pat Murphy in 2019 , after he had stepped down as West Region Director for USA Pickleball .
“ The IFP ’ s motto is ‘ No country left behind ,’ Sidwell says . “ I have yet to meet one person who says pickleball isn ’ t fun . Our board is comprised of volunteers who keep that perspective and share their excitement and love for pickleball in everything we do .”
Sidwell ’ s background as a regulatory affairs director in the medical device industry prepared him for the extensive documentation and due diligence required in this pro bono role , which grants Full , Associate or Affiliate membership based on the criteria each
applicant can meet . The IFP must weigh whether the applicant regards him- or herself as the definitive entity for pickleball in his / her country . A logo , social media presence , website , recognition by the country ’ s sports ministry and more are also required . Surprisingly , Sidwell has not experienced a language barrier , crediting Google Translate and Zoom meetings with translators for filling the gap .
Sidwell reveals that the biggest challenges facing countries in their desire to adopt pickleball are equipment , courts , training and coaching . “ Thankfully , the IFP is addressing those needs with our grant program , while setting global standards through the IFP Academy for instructor certification ,” he adds .
While about two-thirds of all applicants reach out to Sidwell , he periodically searches the IFP ’ s growing database of 164 IFP World Ambassadors for potential leads . “ The IFP has signed nine out of 10 of the world ’ s most populous countries ,” he says . “ I am hot on the trail of Russia , which is the ninth on the list , but also the largest country , with 12 time zones !”
What ’ s the end game when Sidwell reaches the International Olympic Committee ’ s requirement of 70 member countries to achieve official recognition for pickleball as a sport ? “ The United Nations currently recognizes 197 countries ,” Sidwell says . “ My next benchmark will be 30 additional countries , or over half of the countries on planet Earth . Pickleball never sleeps !”
Current IFP Member Countries include : Argentina , Armenia , Aruba , Australia , Bangladesh , Belgium , Brazil , Canada , Cayman Islands , China , Costa Rica , Czech Republic , Denmark , Dominican Republic , Egypt , England , Finland , France , Georgia , Germany , Hong Kong , India , Indonesia , Italy , Japan , Korea , Lithuania , Malaysia , Mexico , Nepal , Netherlands , New Zealand , Nigeria , Norway , Pakistan , Palestine , Panama , Peru , Philippines , Poland , Portugal , Samoa , Scotland , Serbia , Singapore , Spain , Sweden , Taipei , Tonga , Turkey , United Arab Emirates , Uruguay and USA . •