UPA-A’s 2025 Paddle Certification Fee Announced: The United Pickleball Association of America (UPA-A) has taken a significant step in paddle regulation by announcing its 2025 Paddle Certification Rollout Plan. This initiative sets the stage for a new era in paddle certification, detailing essential testing standards, important dates, and requirements that manufacturers, players, and event organizers must adhere to for compliance.
The Road to Paddle Regulation
The journey to this point has been turbulent, fueled by the controversy surrounding “hot” paddles. In the past, USA Pickleball found itself compelled to delist certain paddles that consistently failed tests during tour events.
Among these, the JOOLA brand, particularly its Gen 3 paddle line, drew significant attention. Just weeks after hitting the market, the delisting of JOOLA paddles sent shockwaves throughout the pickleball community, igniting concerns over player safety and paddle integrity.
Chris Olson of The Pickleball Studio offered valuable insights into this drama, shedding light on the implications for professional and recreational players. “This delisting led to a lawsuit from JOOLA against USAP that is still ongoing.” he explained, highlighting the deepening rifts within the sport.
In May, the landscape shifted once again with the introduction of a new competitor, the UPA-A, which promised enhanced paddle testing. By August, UPA-A had rolled out an interim certification program, raising eyebrows among established paddle manufacturers, including Selkirk.
The rumors of a $100,000 annual certification fee had many small manufacturers worried about their survival in a tightening market.
Allegedly, @PPAtour is charging paddle brands $100k per year and $5k per paddle cert/reg in 2025. @USAPickleball approved paddles will be sunset at the end of 2025 for UPA events.
Thoughts?
— Rob Nunnery (@_robnunnery) June 19, 2024
With the recent announcement of a $20,000 annual certification fee, those fears are somewhat alleviated, but questions remain.
Voices from the Court: Pro Players Speak Out
In recent months, several professional players have weighed in on the implications of these changes during interviews on the PicklePod. Their insights shed light on the wider consequences of hot paddles on the sport’s integrity.
Lea Jansen expressed the pressure felt by pros: “We wish we could go back to paddles from 2021.” Her comments reflect a desire for a return to a simpler era in paddle technology.
Meanwhile, Travis Rettenmaier took a more aggressive stance, stating, “Cheating is very, very prevalent.” Jill Braverman even speculated on which paddles might face delisting next, showing the ongoing uncertainty and concern among players.
Key Dates and Deadlines for Pickleball Paddle Certification
With this backdrop of uncertainty, the UPA-A’s announcement clarifies critical dates and deadlines for paddle certification:
- October 1 – November 15, 2024: Paddle manufacturers with USAP-approved paddles can apply for UPA-A Provisional Status for a $2,000 fee, which will count toward the 2025 certification cost. Applications submitted after this window will incur a $1,000 late fee.
- January 1, 2025: Testing for full 2025 UPA-A Certification begins. By this date, all paddles used in professional events must possess either Provisional or Interim Certification to remain compliant through March 31, 2025.
- March 31, 2025: Provisional and Interim Certifications expire. Only paddles with full UPA-A certification will be permitted in professional tournaments after this deadline.
- April 1, 2025: Full UPA-A Certification becomes mandatory for all professional-level play.
Stricter Standards for Provisional Approval
The UPA-A aims to elevate the integrity of the sport by implementing rigorous testing standards. Key metrics include spin limits below 2200 RPM and an Average Deflection Force requirement of at least 42 lbs for provisional approval. This comprehensive testing is critical for the continued growth and acceptance of professional pickleball.
As UPA-A President Jason Aspes stated,
“The 2025 certification process is vital to the continued growth of professional pickleball. We want to give manufacturers a clear roadmap for compliance while ensuring that players at the highest levels of the sport are competing with paddles that meet the highest standards for performance and fairness.”
Financial Implications and Industry Impact
For 2025, UPA-A has set its certification fees at an annual flat fee of $20,000, along with $5,000 for each paddle model and $1,000 for each variation. This structure aims to cover extensive testing, including destructive testing at laboratory and Major League Pickleball (MLP) events.
Manufacturers are urged to initiate their application processes early to avoid increased fees and ensure their paddles align with the new UPA-A standards. Furthermore, additional licensing fees will apply for brands wishing to participate in professional MLP and PPA tournaments.
For the latest updates on the 2025 UPA-A Paddle Certification Rollout, visit the official UPA-A website.
News in Brief: UPA-A’s 2025 Paddle Certification Fee Announced
The United Pickleball Association of America (UPA-A) has announced its 2025 Paddle Certification Rollout Plan, which includes a $20,000 annual fee for certification. Key deadlines include provisional status applications from October 1 to November 15, 2024, and full certification becoming mandatory by April 1, 2025.
The announcement aims to provide clarity in the pickleball paddle certification process amid ongoing concerns regarding “hot” paddles. UPA-A President Jason Aspes emphasized the importance of maintaining high standards for performance and fairness in the sport as pickleball continues to evolve.
ALSO READ: New UPA-A 2025 Paddle Rules Set to Shake Up Pro Pickleball: Big Changes Ahead
