The United Pickleball Association of America (UPA-A) has partnered with Pickle Pro Labs (PPL), an independent equipment testing organization, to introduce the UPA Certification Program, as announced on Tuesday.
In a significant development, Pickle Pro Labs (PPL) will team up with the University of Massachusetts Lowell, a trusted partner of Major League Baseball in bat and ball testing, to enhance the standardization of regulatory criteria for the professional pickleball game.
This collaboration will facilitate the implementation of a rigorous testing process across the United Pickleball Association (UPA), which governs the PPA Tour and Major League Pickleball, ensuring a higher level of quality and consistency in the sport.
The strategic partnership between Pickle Pro Labs (PPL) and the University of Massachusetts Lowell aims to establish the pickleball industry’s most comprehensive and stringent testing program. This collaboration will ensure that all pickleball paddles certified by the United Pickleball Association (UPA) meet exceptional standards of performance, quality, and safety, setting a new benchmark for the sport.
UPA-A President Jason Aspes Highlights Commitment to Excellence
“The United Pickleball Association of America is committed to upholding the integrity of the game and ensuring pickleball’s continued growth,” said Jason Aspes, President of UPA-A. “The collaboration with PPL and the University of Massachusetts Lowell, an institution that has set the gold standard in sports equipment testing, signifies our commitment to excellence and innovation. This partnership will ensure our testing and certification program is unmatched in the industry.”
UPA-A Announces Interim Certification Program and Ongoing Compliance Measures
The United Pickleball Association of America (UPA-A) has introduced an interim certification program, offering expedited certification based on Paddle Face Deflection and RPM measurements. This program will be available until the comprehensive certification program launches later in 2024. Details of the Interim Certification testing protocols will be released within the next 30 days.
Additionally, UPA-A has implemented an ongoing compliance program to ensure that certified paddles align with those available for consumer purchase, guaranteeing consistency and quality in the market. All paddles certified by UPA-A will be subject to this compliance program, upholding the highest standards in the industry.
UPA-A Announces Mandatory Certification and Expanded Advisory Board
The United Pickleball Association of America (UPA-A) has announced that UPA certification will become a mandatory requirement for all paddles used in professional events, effective upon the establishment of the certification program.
UPA-A is expanding its Equipment Manufacturer Advisory Board to include representatives from independent paddle brands Volair, ACE, and Six Zero to foster a more diverse and representative decision-making process.
For the latest information and updates on the UPA-A’s testing, licensing, and certification program, including test protocol documentation, please visit unitedpickleball.com. Additional details will be posted as they become available.
