JOOLA Gen 3 Paddles Fail USA Pickleball Standards: In a surprising and significant development, USA Pickleball has announced that the latest submission of JOOLA Gen 3 paddles failed to meet the approved equipment standards. This decision keeps the paddles off the Approved Paddles List, a setback that echoed through the pickleball community.
The paddles were initially removed from the list on May 15 after JOOLA admitted to submitting incorrect paddles for certification in November. With this recent failure to meet standards, the likelihood of their return to the list appears remote.
During the Texas Open, JOOLA’s contracted players resorted to using either the Gen 2 models or previously approved versions of the paddles from September, which are similar to the Gen 3s. This adaptation is expected to continue at this week’s Veolia Sacramento Open presented by Best Day Brewing and next week’s MLP D.C.
This ruling has immediate implications for upcoming PPA and Major League Pickleball (MLP) events. The PPA, ahead of last week’s CIBC Texas Open powered by TIXR, preemptively banned the paddles, issuing a statement:
“Please note that a decision was made late last night that the Gen 3 JOOLA paddles are not approved for play at the CIBC Texas Open due to a discrepancy with USAP. We’re excited about the new processes with UPA to help mitigate these changes in the future. Paddles need to be listed on USAP and pass PPA testing protocols tested by the independent laboratory PPL (Pickle Pro Labs). Thank you for your understanding.”
According to this statement, being on the Approved Paddle List remains a prerequisite for use at United Pickleball Association events. As the UPA develops its own set of paddle testing regulations, the absence of the JOOLA Gen 3 paddles from this list means they are not permitted at PPA and MLP events.
The saga of the JOOLA Gen 3 paddles highlights the evolving landscape of pickleball equipment standards and the stringent measures in place to ensure fair play. As the sport continues to grow, so too does the importance of maintaining rigorous equipment testing and certification processes.
News In Brief: JOOLA Gen 3 Paddles Fail USA Pickleball Standards:
USA Pickleball has announced that JOOLA Gen 3 paddles failed to meet approved equipment standards, keeping them off the Approved Paddles List. Initially removed on May 15 due to incorrect certification submissions, their return now seems unlikely. This decision impacts upcoming PPA and Major League Pickleball (MLP) events, with the PPA preemptively banning the paddles ahead of the CIBC Texas Open. The PPA emphasized the need for paddles to be on the USAP list and pass PPA testing by Pickle Pro Labs.
Consequently, JOOLA’s contracted players used Gen 2 models or previously approved versions during the Texas Open and will continue to do so at the Veolia Sacramento Open and MLP D.C. This situation underscores the evolving standards in pickleball equipment and the importance of rigorous testing for fair play as the sport grows.
