UPA-A’s Rushed Paddle Certification Process: The UPA-A’s new “interim certification” process for paddles has come under fire after leaked letters from Selkirk revealed serious concerns. According to Selkirk, the process was implemented without consulting the manufacturing panel the UPA had set up and without any official documentation or communication. Selkirk claims the interim certification was done in collaboration with Joola, a company looking to get its USAP-banned paddles back into competition.
Concerns Over Process and Communication
Selkirk’s leaked letters describe the “interim certification” as a rushed move that bypassed established protocols. The new certification process was reportedly introduced without the input of the paddle manufacturing panel, a group created to ensure fair and transparent testing.
Selkirk is especially critical of the lack of formal communication or documentation regarding the certification, which has led to confusion within the industry.
Collaboration with JOOLA
The interim certification process reportedly came at the request of Joola, a paddle manufacturer that has been seeking to reintroduce its banned paddles to the USAP competition scene.
The collaboration between UPA-A and Joola has raised eyebrows, as some believe the decision was made to benefit one company’s interests over the broader pickleball community. The details of this collaboration remain unclear, but it has fueled suspicion about the integrity of the certification process.
High Costs and Uncertainty
Selkirk also revealed that the interim certification comes with a significant cost, which it describes as “astronomical.” While the exact price has not been disclosed, it is clear that this new process is more expensive than previous certification procedures.
The program is still in its early stages and is not expected to be finalized for several months, adding further uncertainty to the situation.
Impact on the Sport
The introduction of the “interim certification” process without proper communication or documentation has raised serious concerns within the pickleball community. With costs still uncertain and the process not fully finalized, players, manufacturers, and fans are left wondering about the future of paddle regulations.
As UPA-A continues to refine its approach, it will need to address these concerns to maintain the trust of both industry stakeholders and the wider pickleball community.
News in Brief: UPA-A’s Rushed Paddle Certification Process
The UPA-A’s new “interim certification” process for paddles has faced criticism after Selkirk revealed concerns about its rushed implementation and lack of communication. The process, involving Joola’s banned paddles, is expensive and unclear, causing confusion and raising questions about fairness in paddle regulation within the pickleball community.
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