PAA Official Statement - UPA-A Paddles

Pickleball Australia Association (PAA) has today announced it will provisionally adopt the United Pickleball Association of America (UPA-A), approved paddle list via the UPA-A Interim Paddle Certification Program.

This is effective immediately.

Paddles which have been approved through the Interim UPA-A Paddle Certification Program and from January 1st 2025, their official UPA-A Certification Program, will appear on their approved paddle list and will be able to be used at PAA Sanctioned tournaments in Australia.

The UPA-A has established a transparent and rigorous certification process, including the process of destructive testing. Through this process, the UPA-A aim to ensure a level playing field whilst still encouraging innovation that adheres to official standards; for the entire lifecycle of the paddle.

The Australian pickleball community will now be able to utilise UPA-A approved paddles at PAA sanctioned tournaments as well as those listed on the USA Pickleball (USAP) approved paddle list (as per the Global Pickleball Federation 2024 Rulebook).

PAA will be undertaking ongoing assessments with third parties to ensure that pickleball in Australia is played with the utmost integrity and with the safety of all players in mind.

To find out more about the UPA-A Interim Certification Program please click here

Click here to read the official UPA-A 2025 Paddle Certification Press Release