Dear Manufacturer, New Testing Laboratory The USAPA is pleased to announce that it has selected Chesapeake Testing, located in Belcamp, Maryland, as its new test lab for paddles and balls. Chesapeake Testing is an accredited, state-of-the-art laboratory that conducts ballistic experimentation, non-destructive testing, and personal safety equipment testing for the sports industry, including football, baseball, ice hockey, lacrosse, soccer, and polo. For further description of its services and accreditations, please refer to chesapeaketesting.com. Equipment Evaluation Committee In addition to contracting with Chesapeake for testing services, the USAPA has established the Equipment Evaluation Committee (EEC), which is led by the USAPA Managing Director of Competition and consists of two individuals with engineering backgrounds and diverse experience in manufacturing. The purpose of the EEC is to ensure, with respect to equipment, that the integrity of the game is maintained. They will also review and recommend equipment rule and specification test modifications as needed and directed by the Managing Director of Competition. Dennis Dacey will act as an advisor to the team as his many years of experience provide valuable insight. Manufacturers Website We have updated the USAPA website to include the following information: Updated Paddle and Ball Submission forms Test plan and video documentation for specification tests being conducted by Chesapeake Sample of test result forms Testing fee payment link New Paddle Submission Process The following process applies to all paddles submitted to the USAPA for testing after 1/23/2017: 1. Submit a Paddle Testing Request Form located on the USAPA website to the Managing Director of Competition. The current version of the form is attached. See Attachment 1, Paddle Testing Request Form. 2. Once the USAPA receives the form, it will send the submitting manufacturer an e-mail with the payment link and the shipping addresses for the five paddle samples: a. Mail two paddles to Chesapeake Testing for specification testing. b. Mail one paddle to the Managing Director of Competition for USAPA archive purposes. c. Mail one paddle to each member of the EEC (for a total of two) for general review of rule compliance and confirmation that the paddle is consistent with USAPA s goal of protecting the USA Pickleball Association P.O. Box 7354 Surprise, AZ 85374 1
nature of the sport. Include a return shipping label as these paddles will be returned to you after completion of the testing process. d. Three paddles will be retained as follows: i. Two paddles will be stored at Chesapeake Testing for a period of three years and used for reference testing as needed. ii. One paddle will be stored in the USAPA paddle and ball storage facility for reference as needed. 3. The fee for paddle testing is $600.00 per model. New Ball Submission Process The following process applies to all balls submitted to the USAPA for testing after 1/23/2017: 1. Submit a Ball Testing Request Form located on the USAPA website to the Managing Director of Competition. The current version of the form is attached. See Attachment 2, Ball Testing Request Form. 2. Once the USAPA receives the form, it will send the submitting manufacturer an e-mail with a payment link and notify it of the shipping addresses for the six ball samples: a. Mail five balls to Chesapeake Testing for specification testing. They will be stored for a period of three years and used for reference testing as needed. b. Mail one ball to the Managing Director of Competition. It will be stored in the USAPA paddle and ball storage facility for reference as needed. 3. The fee for ball testing is $525.00 per model Test Results The results of ball and paddle testing will be provided by the USAPA to the manufacturer within three weeks, unless otherwise notified by the USAPA. New USAPA Seal of Approval 1. Paddles Once a tested product is approved, manufacturers will be required to label all paddles and balls with the appropriately designated official USAPA seal: a) Vector artwork will be provided by USAPA and must be reproduced exactly as depicted. b) Location of the seal must be in the neck of the paddle 1/4 above the handle. c) The artwork may be re-sized but must be a minimum size of 3/4 with a maximum size of 1 See attachment 3 for a sample of the seal. d) Must be clearly visible and the text legible and easy to read e) Color: I. May be complementary to the paddle color scheme II. May be one color on a solid color background paddle or two color on a patterned paddle. III. Full color version is available for packaging or for use on paddles if desired, but must be reproduced exactly as presented. USA Pickleball Association P.O. Box 7354 Surprise, AZ 85374 2
2. Balls a) Vector artwork will be provided by USAPA and must be reproduced exactly as depicted. b) The artwork may be re-sized but must be a minimum size: ½. See attachment 3 for a sample of the artwork. c) Text must be legible. d) Color must be black, single color, and clearly visible on the ball. 3. Penalty for unauthorized use of the USAPA Approved seal. If USAPA discovers that a paddle or ball has been misrepresented and/or labeled as approved by USAPA without having been submitted for testing or has failed testing: i. The offending manufacturer will be placed on probation for one year. During the probationary period the manufacturer s products (includes: all paddles and balls) may not be submitted for testing. ii. After the one-year probationary period, all testing fees for the offending manufacturer will be increased by 40% of the current fee for a five-year period. iii. Special notifications may also be communicated to Certified Referees, Tournament Directors of Sanctioned Tournaments, and retailers of failure to comply. This notification will be done at the discretion of the Managing Director of Competition. Approval by Similarity (Paddles only) Application for Approval by Similarity is a new option that allows manufacturers to submit a paddle model that has been re-branded or where only the artwork has been modified without requiring that the paddle undergo a full battery of specification tests. Examples include Signature Series paddles or graphics changes. The Manufacturer may apply for an Approval by Similarity by submitting documentation/proof that the new paddle model is structurally and functionally identical to a previously submitted and approved paddle model. A special paddle submission form for Approval by Similarity is available from the USAPA website. Current version is attached - see attachment 4. Signature Series, Specialty or Custom Paddles Specialty or custom paddles must be USAPA-approved using the paddle approval process in order for them to be used in sanctioned play. Annual Testing All approved and currently manufactured paddles and balls will be tested on an annual basis. Random samples may also be obtained for testing if the USAPA has reason to believe that a product has been modified from the sample that was initially submitted to the USAPA and approved. Samples for annual or random testing will be obtained from retailers or distributors that carry the equipment being sold for USAPA sanctioned play. If the USAPA is unable to obtain a sample or if the USA Pickleball Association P.O. Box 7354 Surprise, AZ 85374 3
sample is not available anyplace other than the manufacturer, the manufacturer must provide a sample (i.e. custom, signature series or specialty). Note: the sample will be returned. Annual Testing Fee (does not apply to random testing): a. Paddle: $450.00 per model b. Ball: $400.00 per model If equipment fails an annual or random test, the Manufacturer will be notified of the failure via phone call and e-mail from the Managing Director of Competition. The written notice will attach appropriate documentation that may include videotaped and written test results. If the Manufacturer would like to confirm a failed test, a second sample will be obtained for testing and the manufacturer will be charged an additional re-test fee of $200 for a paddle test and $150 for a ball test. If manufacturers have a product that has been retired and is no longer produced or available on the open market, that item is exempt from annual testing and will continue to be approved but will be moved to a retired listing on the USAPA website for five years. After five years, the product will be removed from the approved list and that paddle will no longer approved for sanctioned play. USA Pickleball Association P.O. Box 7354 Surprise, AZ 85374 4
Attachment 1 PADDLE TESTING REQUEST FORM (Rev 1/17/17) SUBMISSION INSTRUCTIONS Complete and e-mail this form to Managing Director of Competition: ckbarksdale@usapa.org Shortly after the EEC has received and reviewed your submission, you will receive an e-mail outlining next steps including: Shipping addresses for mailing paddles to USAPA and Chesapeake Testing. Note: USAPA requires a total of five samples for each individual paddle submitted for testing. Three paddles will be retained for documentation and archival purposes and two will be returned to the submitter and will require a return shipping label. Payment processing. A test fee of $600.00 per paddle must be submitted along with the five paddles. You will be sent a link to make a credit card or PayPal payment to USAPA. The normal turnaround time for testing is approximately three weeks after paddles are received by the lab. Results of the test will be forwarded to the submitter via e-mail. Paddles that are tested will be listed as pass or fail (no exact specifications will be shown). USAPA will not publish testing results for prototype paddles. MANUFACTURER INFORMATION Manufacturer s Name: Date: Primary Contact: Secondary Contact Address: State: Zip: Phone: E-Mail: PADDLE TEST INFORMATION Model Name: Model #: Core Material(s): Surface Material(s): Surface Finish: USA Pickleball Association P.O. Box 7354 Surprise, AZ 85374 5 1 of 2
PADDLE TESTING REQUEST FORM (Rev: 1/17/17) Manufacturer s Name Model Name Has this model name been used on a previous paddle that was: Manufactured Yes No Distributed Yes No If Yes to either of the above, please specify the core and surface that were used in this paddle Have you previously submitted this model name to USAPA for testing? Yes No If Yes, did it: Pass Fail Does the paddle comply with the following USAPA/IFP Rules?: USAPA/IFP Rule Rule Description Pass Manufacturer s Comments 2.E.1 Material Yes No 2.E.2 Surface Roughness, Reflection Yes No 2.E.2 a Surface Paint Yes No 2.E.2.b Depictions Yes No 2.E.3 Size Yes No 2.E.6 Prohibited Surface Features Yes No 2.E.8 Model Designation Yes No Manufacturer s Representative must initial each item below attesting to company s agreement that: The submitted paddle will be identical to the paddle offered and sold to customers. The submitted paddle will continue to meet USAPA/IFP rule specifications as it continues to be produced and sold to customers. After approval, if the submitted paddle is modified, I understand it will need to be resubmitted to USAPA for testing. The five samples submitted for testing are identical including material and structure. / / / Representative Name (Printed) / Signature / Initials Date 2 of 2 USA Pickleball Association P.O. Box 7354 Surprise, AZ 85374 6
Attachment 2 BALL TESTING REQUEST FORM (Rev. 1/15/17) BALL SUBMISSION INSTRUCTIONS Complete and e-mail this form to Managing Director of Competition: ckbarksdale@usapa.org Shortly after the EEC has received and reviewed your submission, you will receive an e-mail outlining next steps including: Shipping addresses for mailing paddles to the USAPA and Chesapeake Testing. Note: The USAPA requires a total of 6 samples for each ball model and color submitted for testing. Payment processing. A test fee of $525 per ball model must be submitted along with the six balls. You will be sent a link to make a credit card or PayPal payment to the USAPA. The normal turnaround time for testing is approximately three weeks after balls are received by the lab. Results of the test will be forwarded to the submitter via e-mail. Balls that are tested and pass will be listed by the USAPA as acceptable for use in USAPA sanctioned tournaments (no exact specifications will be shown). MANUFACTURER INFORMATION Manufacturer s Name: Date: Primary Contact: Secondary Contact Address: State: Zip: Phone: E-Mail: BALL TEST INFORMATION Model Name: Model #: Is the name imprinted on the ball? Ball Diameter (+/- tolerance ) Ball Weight (+/- tolerance ) Ball Color Material used: USA Pickleball Association P.O. Box 7354 Surprise, AZ 85374 7
BALL TESTING REQUEST FORM (Rev 1/17/17) Manufacturer s Name Model Name Has this model name been previously used on a ball that was: Manufactured Yes No Distributed Yes No If Yes to either of the above, please specify the changes you have made to the ball: Have you previously submitted this model name to USAPA for testing? Yes No If Yes, did it: Pass Fail Does the ball comply with the following USAPA/IFP Rules?: USAPA/IFP Rule Rule Description Pass Manufacturer s Comments 2.D.1 Construction Yes No 2.D.2 Size Yes No 2.D.3 Weight Yes No 2.D.4 Bounce Yes No 2.D.5 Hardness Yes No 2.D.6 Design Yes No Manufacturer s Representative must initial each item below attesting to company s agreement that: The ball submitted for testing will be identical to the ball offered for use in USAPA sanctioned tournaments The ball produced will continue to meet USAPA/IFP rule specifications after approval. Once approved, if the ball is modified, I understand it will need to be resubmitted to USAPA for testing. The six ball samples submitted for testing are identical including material, color, and structure. / / / Representative Name (Printed) / Signature / Initials Date USA Pickleball Association P.O. Box 7354 Surprise, AZ 85374 8
Attachment 3 Paddle Artwork Ball Artwork The final design of each will be provided along with additional details on color and placement. USA Pickleball Association P.O. Box 7354 Surprise, AZ 85374 9
PADDLE TESTING REQUEST FORM Approval by Similarity (Rev 1/15/17) PADDLE SUBMISSION INSTRUCTIONS Complete and e-mail this form to Managing Director of Competition: ckbarksdale@usapa.org. Shortly after the EEC has received and reviewed your submission, you will receive an e-mail outlining next steps including: Shipping addresses for mailing paddles to the USAPA Note: The USAPA requires a total of three samples of each individual paddle submitted for testing. One paddle will be retained for documentation and archival purposes and two will be returned to the submitter and will require a return shipping label. Payment processing. A test fee of $300.00 per paddle must be submitted along with the three paddles. You will be sent a link to make a credit card or PayPal payment to the USAPA. The normal turnaround time for testing is approximately two weeks after paddles are received. Results of the test will be forwarded to the submitter via email. Paddles that are tested will be listed as pass or fail (no exact specifications will be shown). The USAPA will not publish testing results for prototype paddles. SIMILARITY CERTIFICATION To apply for paddle approval using a similarity certification, you must be able to provide ample documentation and explanation that this paddle is structurally and functionally the same as a paddle already approved by the USAPA. I, the manufacturer or manufacturer s representative, am applying for paddle approval using similarity certification. Attached is documentation that the paddle being submitted is structurally and functionally identical to (paddle model name), a paddle previously approved by the USAPA. MANUFACTURER INFORMATION Manufacturer s Name: Date: Primary Contact: Secondary Contact Address: State: Zip: Phone: E-Mail: PADDLE TEST INFORMATION Model Name: Model #: Core Material(s): Surface Material(s): Surface Finish: USA Pickleball Association P.O. Box 7354 Surprise, AZ 85374 10
PADDLE TESTING REQUEST FORM Approval by similarity (Rev 1/15/17) Manufacturer s Name Model Name Has this model name been used on a previous paddle that was: Manufactured Yes No Distributed Yes No If Yes to either of the above, please specify the core and surface that were used in this paddle Have you previously submitted this model name to USAPA for testing? Yes No If Yes, did it: Pass Fail Does the paddle comply with the following USAPA/IFP Rules?: USAPA/IFP Rule Rule Description Pass Manufacturer s Explanation Of Similarity Claim 2.E.1 Material Yes No 2.E.2 Surface Roughness, Reflection Yes No 2.E.2 a Surface Paint Yes No 2.E.2.b Depictions Yes No 2.E.3 Size Yes No 2.E.6 Prohibited Surface Features Yes No 2.E.8 Model Designation Yes No Manufacturer Representative must initial each item below attesting to company s agreement that: The submitted paddle will be identical to the paddle offered and sold to customers. The submitted paddle will continue to meet USAPA/IFP rule specifications as it continues to be produced and sold to customers. After approval, if the submitted paddle is modified, I understand it will need to be resubmitted to USAPA for testing. The three samples submitted for testing are identical including material and structure. / / / Representative Name (Printed) / Signature / Initials Date USA Pickleball Association P.O. Box 7354 Surprise, AZ 85374 11