UPA-A Announces Provisional Paddle Approvals: The United Pickleball Association of America (UPA-A) has announced the lists of paddles with provisional approval and interim certification ahead of the Zimmer Biomet Masters powered by Invited. Paddles on these lists can be used in professional competitions at PPA and MLP events until full UPA-A certification becomes necessary on July 1, 2025.
Details on Provisional Approval and Interim Certification
The provisional approval and interim certification lists include several paddle manufacturers. Players can find the complete list of approved paddles on the UPA-A website.
These paddles are eligible for use at upcoming events, allowing athletes to prepare for competitions without worrying about immediate certification compliance.
Industry Response to Certification Requirements
The announcement comes amidst concerns from paddle manufacturers about UPA-A certification processes. In December, ten companies co-signed a letter to UPA-A president Jason Aspes.
They requested a one-year reprieve from certification requirements to allow for a “thorough, transparent, and unbiased certification process.” The companies also threatened to withhold certification fees until the processes were revised.
Among the co-signers, six companies—Selkirk, Head, Engage, Vatic Pro, Holbrook, and Komodo—received provisional approval after paying the $2,000 fee for certification.
However, three other companies—Gearbox, Gamma, and Babolat—did not apply for certification, limiting their paddles’ availability for players like Wyatt Stone and Michelle Esquivel.
Selkirk’s Limited Paddle Approval
Notably, Selkirk, which has a strong roster of players including Quang Duong, Catherine Parenteau, Dylan Frazier, Rachel Rohrabacher, James Ignatowich, and Jack Sock, currently has only two approved paddles on the list: the Epic and Invikta shapes of the Project 008. This restriction means that their signed players will only be able to use these two models until more Selkirk paddles gain approval.
Impact on Upcoming Competitions
As the Zimmer Biomet Masters approaches, the paddle certification landscape continues to evolve. The implications of these approval lists will be felt by players and manufacturers.
The need for a comprehensive and fair certification process remains a hot topic in the pickleball community, especially as the sport grows in popularity.
The developments in paddle certification may shape the competitive environment in the coming months, affecting which equipment players choose as they head into crucial tournaments.
News in Brief: UPA-A Announces Provisional Paddle Approvals
The United Pickleball Association of America (UPA-A) has released provisional approval and interim certification lists for paddles ahead of the Zimmer Biomet Masters.
These paddles can be used in professional competitions until full certification is required on July 1, 2025. Concerns over certification processes have emerged, with several manufacturers, including Selkirk, facing limited approvals as the sport continues to grow.
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