Gujarat Pickleball Association Safety Rules: Ahmedabad is set to decide whether pickleball should be classified as a “net-covered” sport under new municipal safety rules. The Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation (AMC) will hold a hearing next week after the Gujarat Pickleball Association filed two objections to the proposed classification.
The AMC’s draft policy, issued on July 8, applies to sports played in enclosed spaces — especially those with fabric or synthetic nets — and requires strict fire safety and structural standards. The rules follow the May 25, 2024, TRP Game Zone fire in Rajkot, which killed 27 people, including children.
Pickleball Association Challenges Classification
The Gujarat Pickleball Association argues pickleball should not be treated like indoor sports such as box cricket or futsal. Its representatives stated that the netting around pickleball courts is minimal, allows air flow, and is only meant to keep the ball in play. They say it does not pose the same fire or ventilation risks as enclosed structures.
AMC’s Safety Push
A senior AMC official said,
“The objections will be heard in the coming week. Once the final rules are implemented, all existing net-covered sports facilities will need to obtain a licence that must be renewed annually.
Any new facility operating without approval would be deemed illegal, and existing unlicensed setups would face action.”
The official added that temporary pickleball or box cricket structures would only be allowed on non-agricultural land, and existing ones would need to apply for approval within 30 days of the rules taking effect.
Rules Stem from Rajkot Tragedy
The Rajkot fire investigation found that flammable partitions, poor ventilation, and no fire exits turned the venue into a death trap. The state government’s Special Investigation Team then instructed major cities to report on temporary sports structures and later issued new construction rules for gaming zones, theme parks, and similar facilities.
Suppose pickleball is classified as a net-covered sport. In that case, it will face the same licensing and safety standards as other temporary sports arenas, potentially changing how it is played in certain venues.
News in Brief: Gujarat Pickleball Association Safety Rules
The Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation will soon decide if pickleball counts as a “net-covered” sport under new safety rules. The Gujarat Pickleball Association opposes the move, saying pickleball’s netting is minimal and safe. The rules follow the 2024 Rajkot fire that killed 27 people.
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