MLP, PPA TOUR, AND USA PICKLEBALL ANNOUNCE PARTNERSHIP TO IMPLEMENT EQUIPMENT COMPLIANCE TESTING STANDARDS FOR THE FIRST TIME

Major League Pickleball (MLP by Margaritaville), the Carvana Professional Pickleball Association (PPA Tour), and USA Pickleball today announced a new collaboration and partnership to implement “best in class” equipment compliance testing standards, with the first full joint testing taking place at MLP’s Daytona Beach event, March 23-26.

The three organizations are committed to creating an environment that showcases the speed, power, and skill of the sport while prioritizing player safety and a level playing field. To achieve these goals, MLP, the PPA and USA Pickleball will work together with players and manufacturers to set standards and establish rules for game equipment used in MLP and PPA events.

Automated equipment specifically designed for the sport of pickleball will be used to conduct laboratory and on-site testing of paddles and balls, ensuring that the testing is fair and equitable. Data analysis – via a proprietary software package – will be used to interpret and make informed decisions regarding the equipment of the sport, to ensure all athletes compete within the same guidelines.

Players will be treated with respect and dignity, and the organizations will support the world-class athletes of the sport with rules and regulations that keep up with the evolution of the game.

The focus at MLP Daytona Beach will be on data collection and analysis of the current standards for compliance testing, in order to begin setting the protocols and policies for in-field testing.

The collaboration and partnership by MLP, USA Pickleball, and the PPA Tour represents a major step forward for the organizations and players. By implementing “best in class” equipment compliance testing standards, the organizations are demonstrating their commitment to the safety and fairness of the sport while also keeping up with the evolution of the game.

More details about the process will be communicated to players and the pickleball community as soon as possible.