DALLAS, TX - A new governing body is joining the fray in pickleball. The United Pickleball Association announced Thursday its plans to make UPA of America (UPA-A) the official governing body of pickleball “to protect, grow, and champion the sport at all levels.”

Global advertising, marketing, and pickleball executive Jason Aspes will serve as the president of the organization.

“The growth of pickleball is amazing to see, but it necessitates a steward to champion the evolution of the sport in such a way that allows its players at all levels to enjoy pickleball in a safe and fair manner,” he said. “The UPA of America is that steward. We will collaborate with the most respected and influential voices in the industry to guide what is best for the sport and all who value its growth to continue its meteoric rise.”

One of the most pressing issues in the sport right now is regulation of paddles, so Aspes will work with two different committees to address concerns in that area.

The Equipment Manufacturer Advisory Board is made up of representatives from several of the sport’s leading equipment companies:

•                  Franklin
•                  Gearbox
•                  JOOLA
•                  Onix
•                  United Pickleball Paddles (Paddletek/ProXR)
•                  Selkirk
•                  Vulcan
•  

The Equipment Player Advisory Board is made up of some of the most influential players—and voices—in the sport.

•                      Ben Johns
•                      Julie Johnson
•                      Brian Levine
•                      Altaf Merchant
•                      Catherine Parenteau
•                      Leigh Waters
•                      Thomas Wilson
•  

The UPA will continue working with Pickle Pro Labs for on-site paddle testing at PPA and MLP events, as well as to create a unified set of testing guidelines and rules to set standards at every level of the game.

Click here to see the full release from the UPA.