UPA’s New Paddle Certification Program: In a dramatic shift within pickleball, Major League Pickleball and the PPA Tour distanced themselves from USA Pickleball—the sport’s official governing body since 1984—to form their entity: the United Pickleball Association of America (UPA-A). This separation has been marked by a flurry of lawsuits, paddle bans, player suspensions, and rumors of substantial certification fees for manufacturers.
New Certification Initiative
By late June, the UPA-A announced a partnership with Pickle Pro Labs (PPL) to create a Certification Program for pickleball paddles and equipment. Additionally, they revealed a collaboration with the University of Massachusetts-Lowell’s Baseball Research Center, known for its significant role in addressing MLB’s “juiced” balls and bats issue in the early 2000s. Fast-forward to early August and the UPA-A has introduced an Interim Certification Program, which aims to set new standards for paddle performance and consistency.
Program Details and Standards
The Interim Certification Program introduces stringent benchmarks for paddle performance, ensuring that paddles meet specified standards and retain their performance over time. According to the UPA-A, the program employs deflection testing to measure paddle power, setting an Acceptable Deflection Force (ADF) at 46. This new threshold represents a notable tightening from current limits, meaning paddles will now generate less power. Additionally, the program establishes a maximum RPM threshold of 2200. Paddles seeking UPA Interim Certification must comply with and maintain these requirements throughout their usage.
A review of Pickleball Studio’s paddle tests indicates that no paddles exceed the 2200 RPM limit. If these tests are accurate, the new RPM threshold may not lead to many paddle failures. The UPA-A’s initiative represents a shift towards more performance-focused regulation, allowing for innovation while preserving the sport’s integrity.
Official Reactions and Future Plans
“UPA-A is honored to be the first governing body to implement such a comprehensive certification program. We are committed to enhancing the quality and fairness of the game through improved equipment standards.” – (Jason Aspes, President of UPA-A)
Detailed information about the 2025 UPA-A Professional Certification will be released in mid-September. Starting in 2025, all professional players competing in UPA events, including those in the Professional Pickleball Association (PPA) and Major League Pickleball (MLP), will be required to use UPA-A certified paddles.
“By improving equipment certification, we aim to ensure a fair and level playing field, and to enhance the overall quality of equipment used in the sport. This initiative reflects our dedication to the continuous improvement and integrity of pickleball.” – (Aspes)
Ongoing Developments
The Dink will keep you updated on the latest in paddle testing and certification as the landscape continues to evolve.
News in Brief: UPA’s New Paddle Certification Program
The United Pickleball Association of America (UPA-A) has launched an Interim Certification Program for pickleball paddles, setting new performance benchmarks. Effective August 2024, the program introduces stricter standards, including an Acceptable Deflection Force (ADF) of 46 and a maximum RPM threshold of 2200.
This move aims to ensure paddles maintain consistent performance and fairness in the game. UPA-A President Jason Aspes emphasized the program’s role in enhancing equipment standards and game integrity. Beginning in 2025, professional players must use UPA-A certified paddles in UPA events. Further details on the 2025 Professional Certification will be released in mid-September.
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