UPA-A Issues Guidelines For Retiring Pickleball Paddles To Maintain Competitive Integrity

Source: PPA Tour

The United Pickleball Association of America (UPA-A) has recently unveiled a set of guidelines aimed at assisting players and manufacturers in determining when a pickleball paddle should be retired from competitive play. These recommendations are designed to maintain high performance standards and ensure fairness across tournaments.​

Recognizing When To Retire A Paddle

According to the UPA-A, several indicators suggest that a paddle may no longer be suitable for competition:​

• Cracking: Visible cracks or structural damage on the paddle face, edge guard, throat, or handle.​

• Crunching: A crunching sound when squeezing the paddle face, indicating internal breakdown.​

• Rattling: Loose materials inside the paddle that produce a rattling sound when shaken.​

While these guidelines are not yet formal rules, the PPA Tour encourages adherence to these best practices to maintain high performance and consistency in professional events. ​

Enhancing Equipment Standards Through Certification

In addition to these retirement guidelines, the UPA-A has launched an Interim Certification Program to elevate paddle standards. This program applies rigorous testing to ensure paddles perform as intended and maintain their performance characteristics over time. Key aspects include deflection testing to assess paddle power and setting maximum RPM thresholds.

Starting September 1, 2025, all paddles used in professional UPA events, including those in the PPA and Major League Pickleball, will require UPA-A certification.

Promoting Fair Play And Innovation

The UPA-A's initiatives aim to uphold the integrity of pickleball by ensuring players compete with safe and effective equipment. By recognizing when a paddle is no longer fit for use and adhering to certification standards, players contribute to a fairer competitive environment. Moreover, these measures encourage manufacturers to innovate while maintaining consistent performance across all levels of play.