How to apply USAPA certificates

2024-03-27

How to apply USAPA certificates

Applying for USAPA (USA Pickleball Association) certificates involves several steps:

Eligibility: Ensure that you meet the eligibility criteria for the specific certificate you wish to apply for. This may include completing required courses, meeting experience requirements, or other prerequisites.

Application Form: Obtain the appropriate application form from the USAPA website or by contacting their certification department.

Documentation: Gather any required documentation, such as proof of completion of courses or certifications, proof of experience, and any other supporting documents.

Application Fee: Pay the required application fee, if applicable. Fees may vary depending on the type of certificate you are applying for.

Submit Application: Submit your completed application form along with the required documentation and payment, if applicable, to the USAPA certification department. You may be able to submit your application online or by mail.

Review Process: The USAPA certification department will review your application and verify that you meet all the requirements. They may contact you for additional information or clarification if needed.

Certificate Issuance: Once your application is approved, you will receive your USAPA certificate. This certificate may be mailed to you or made available for download, depending on the method of application submission.

Maintaining Certification: Some USAPA certificates may require periodic renewal or continuing education to maintain certification. Be sure to familiarize yourself with the requirements for maintaining your certificate once it is issued.

It's important to follow the specific instructions and requirements provided by USAPA for the particular certificate you are applying for.

2.D.Ball Specifications.

2.D.1 Construction. The ball shall be made of a durable material molded with a smooth surface and free of texturing. The ball will be one uniform color, except for identification markings. The ball may have a slight ridge at the seam, as long as it does not significantly impact the ball’s flight characteristics.

2.D.2 Approval. The Tournament Director will choose the tournament ball. The ball selected for play in any USA Pickleball or GPF sanctioned tournament must be named on the official list of approved balls posted on the USA Pickleball and GPF websites: USAPickleball.org and globalpickleballfederation.org.

2.D.3 Size. The ball shall be 2.87 inches (7.29 cm) to 2.97 inches (7.54 cm) in diameter. The maximum out-of-round diameter variance shall not be greater than +/-0.020 inch (0.51 mm).

2.D.4 Weight. The ball shall weigh between 0.78 and 0.935 ounces (22.1 and 26.5 grams).

2.D.5 Bounce. The ball shall have a bounce of 30 to 34 inches (76.2 to 86.4 cm) to the top of the ball when dropped from a height of 78 inches (198.1 cm) onto a granite surface plate that is a minimum of 12 inches (30.5 cm) by 12 inches (30.5 cm) by 4 inches (10.2 cm). The test is to be performed at an ambient temperature of 70 degrees F plus or minus 5 degrees F.

2.D.6 Compression. The ball, undergoing a test performed in accordance with (IAW) ASTM F1888- 09, shall yield an average compression test result of <43 LBF. Each ball will be tested two (2) times, once with the load applied perpendicular to the ball seam (if applicable) and once with the load applied parallel to the ball seam (if applicable). If there are no seams, then the ball will be tested once in a random location and the second location will be approximately 90-degrees from the first.

2.D.7 Hardness. (RECORDED FOR COROLLARY DATA ONLY, this is no longer a compliance requirement). The ball shall have a hardness of 40 to 50 on a Durometer D scale at an ambient temperature of 70 degrees F plus or minus 5 degrees F.

2.D.8 Design. The ball shall have a minimum of 26 to a maximum of 40 circular holes, with spacing of the holes and overall design of the ball conforming to flight characteristics. The ball must have a manufacturers or supplier’s name or logo printed or embossed on the surface, in addition to the “USA Pickleball Approved” seal or text treatment on the ball packaging in the case of balls intended for competition, or “USA Pickleball Approved” seal for non-competition applications.

2.E. Paddle Specifications.

2.E.1 Material. The paddle must be made of any material deemed safe and not prohibited by these rules. The paddle shall be made of rigid, non-compressible material meeting the criteria located on the USA Pickleball website.

2.E.2 Surface roughness. The paddle’s hitting surface shall not contain holes, indentations, rough texturing, or any objects or features that allow a player to impart excessive spin on the ball.

2.E.2.a Paddle roughness and friction characteristics are determined in two ways:

2.E.2.a.1 Using a Starrett SR160 or SR300 Surface Roughness Tester (or equivalent). The allowable limits for roughness shall be an average of no greater than 30 micrometers (µm) on the Rz readings (average maximum height, peak to valley) and an average of no greater than 40 micrometers on the Rt readings (maximum height, peak to valley), with all readings to be taken in six different directions.

2.E.2.a.2 A coefficient of friction test based on protocol (IAW) ASTM D1894-14 is used to measure the general friction characteristics regardless of surface finishing process or technology; a paddle will pass this test with a maximum kinetic coefficient of friction value of ≤ 0.1875. See USA Pickleball Paddle test document in Appendix

2.E.2.b Reflection. The paddle’s hitting surface shall not be adversely reflective, such that it has the potential to negatively affect the vision of opposing player(s). Paddles shall not have any Measurement exceeding 80 GU. Measurement is to be taken at the universal measurement angle of 60 degrees with ETB-0833 SelfCalibration 20° 60° 85° Surface Gloss meter Tester 0-200 GU or equivalent.

2.E.3 Size. The combined length and width, including any edge guard and butt cap, shall not exceed 24 inches (60.96 cm). The paddle length cannot exceed 17 inches (43.18 cm). There is no restriction on paddle thickness.

2.E.4 Weight. There is no restriction on paddle weight

2.E.5 Alterations. Altered paddles must meet all specifications.

2.E.5.a Player alterations or additions to a commercially produced paddle as certified, may include such items as edge guard tape/replacements, weighted tape, weights for an Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) integrated weight system, changes to the grip size via inserts, grip wraps, OEM interchangeable grips, OEM replacement paddle faces, and name decals and/or other identification markings on the paddle face.

2.E.5.b Decals and tape can extend no farther than 1.0 inch (2.54 cm) above the top of the grip nor more than 0.5 inch (1.27 cm) inside the outer edge of a paddle or, if an edge guard is in place, 0.5 inch inside the edge guard.

2.E.5.c Handwritten markings are allowed on the paddle’s playing surface as long as they do not impact the surface roughness and are in good taste. No aftermarket graphics are allowed on a commercially made paddle other than “handwritten” pen markings.

2.E.6 Prohibited Features

2.E.6.a Anti-skid paint or any paint textured with sand, rubber or vinyl compounds or any material that causes additional spin.

2.E.6.b Rubber and synthetic rubber.

2.E.6.c Sandpaper characteristics.

2.E.6.d Moving parts that can increase head momentum with a proven increase in force. Vibration dampers are acceptable.

2.E.6.e Removable parts. No removable parts except for edge guard tape/replacements, weighted tape, weights for an Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) integrated weight system, changes to the grip size via inserts, grip wraps, OEM interchangeable grips, OEM replacement paddle faces.

2.E.6.f Springs or spring-like material, flexible membranes or any compressible material that creates a trampoline effect.

2.E.6.g Electrical, electronic, or mechanical assistance of any sort.

2.E.7 Model Designation. The manufacturer must have a clearly marked brand and model name or model number on the paddle, and must also include the ‘USA Pickleball Approved’ seal or text treatment. Paddles with different core material, surface material, or other significant differences must have a unique name or number.

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