Amateur Pickleball Paddle Testing Expansion: Pickleball is taking a big step forward as paddle testing moves from the professional level to amateur play. The Go-No-Go (GNG) Machine has been chosen by three major organizations—DUPR, the United Pickleball Association (UPA-A), and PickleballTournaments.com—to test paddles in both pro and amateur events. This change starts this month and will help keep the sport fair and consistent.
Ensuring Fair Play and Data Collection
DUPR will use the GNG Machine at its top club and sanctioned amateur tournaments. This device checks if paddles meet deflection standards, which means how much the paddle bends when hit. Tito Machado, CEO of DUPR, said the goal is to protect the sport’s fairness and make sure skill decides the winner, not equipment. The data collected will also help create trust scores for players and paddle makers.
The United Pickleball Association, led by President Jason Aspes, will use the GNG Machine in many events. These include the Amateur State Championship Series, the PPA Challenger Series, Major League Pickleball, and the PPA Tour in the US, Australia, and Asia. The Pickleball World Championships in Texas will also follow this testing.
PickleballTournaments.com, a major platform for amateur tournament registration, will enforce paddle testing with the GNG Machine too. This will help tournament organizers keep standards high and fair.
Global Reach and Future Plans
The GNG Machine testing will begin in the US and expand to countries like Australia, India, Malaysia, South Korea, Vietnam, China, and Canada. Details about participating tournaments and clubs will be shared soon.
This new move ensures all players compete fairly and helps pickleball grow as a trusted modern sport.
News in Brief: Amateur Pickleball Paddle Testing Expansion
The Go-No-Go Machine will now test pickleball paddles at both amateur and professional levels worldwide. DUPR, the United Pickleball Association, and PickleballTournaments.com are leading this effort to maintain fairness and improve data collection, starting with events across the US and multiple countries.
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