USA Pickleball FAQ regarding the Coronavirus, click FAQ - Coronavirus

USA Pickleball COVID-19 Return to Play GuidanceClick Here

 

Update December 10, 2020 (10am PT)

USA Pickleball Sanctioning Remains Limited and on a Case-by-Case Basis for those Meeting State and Local Mandates  

Due to the varying geographical impacts of COVID-19 and differing state and local mandates, a full return to sanctioned play without restrictions continues to be not possible. Sanctioned tournaments that meet their state and local safety mandates and guidelines must also meet new criteria and provide USA Pickleball with documentation from local city, county and/or state officials confirming that the event meets all safety regulations.

USA Pickleball continues to recommend that all players follow all local health and safety regulations and mandates as well as those implemented by individual facilities.

*****

Update Sept 1, 2020

USA Pickleball COVID-19 Return to Play – Updated Guidance on Safe Return to Play

USA Pickleball recently updated the information on the safe return to play guidelines for recreational pickleball.  The information does not apply for everyone as stay-at-home restrictions and mandates vary state to state. However, if you live in an area where local stay-at-home or shelter-in-place mandates have been relaxed or modified, and courts are available for play, we encourage you to take every precaution and follow these safety recommendations as well as those implemented and required by your facility or club and local, state and federal government authority.  In addition to these, USA Pickleball has additional information regarding new criteria and requirements for sanctioned play. This information is provided directly to tournament directors as part of the review process for sanctioned play.

USAPA COVID-19 Return to Play Guidance - Click Here

*****

 

Update June 19, 2020 (2pm PT)

USA Pickleball Announces Updated Regulations for Resumption of Sanctioned Tournament Play

As of today, USA Pickleball is moving forward with sanctioned tournament play on a LIMITED, CASE-BY-CASE basis. Because of the varying geographical impacts of COVID-19 and differing state and local mandates, a full return to sanctioned play without some restrictions is not currently possible. Sanctioned tournaments that wish to proceed will need to meet new criteria and provide USA Pickleball with documentation from local city, county and/or state officials confirming that the event meets all safety regulations.

To begin this process, USA Pickleball has been working directly with the organizers of the Virginia Classic Pickleball Tournament, scheduled June 19-21, 2020. USA Pickleball staff will be on hand to monitor and observe this event and evaluate the effectiveness and timing of newly established mandates and protocols. Information gathered from this event will help us further refine our sanctioning criteria as we evaluate our process and provide first-hand feedback to tournament directors of upcoming events. USA Pickleball continues to recommend that all players follow all local health and safety regulations and mandates as well as those implemented by individual facilities.

USA Pickleball will evaluate the Virginia tournament as we complete what will be the mandates and protocols for sanctioned play. This information will then be posted on this page and communicated directly to tournament directors starting in July.

 

*****

 

Update May 22, 2020 (11am PT)

USAPA Sanctioned Tournaments (June 3 thru June 15, 2020)

As USAPA continues to monitor the national emergency over the coronavirus pandemic, effective immediately USAPA is suspending USAPA sanctioning of existing pickleball tournaments through June 15, 2020. The health and safety of all participants, spectators, volunteers and staff is our foremost concern. This is very consistent within Governmental Standards and across the sports industry landscape. The complete list of USAPA sanctioned tournaments during this period is located below.

The events listed below are owned and managed by third-party tournament organizers who have received USAPA tournament sanctioning. We are doing our best to keep communication open and current with these sanctioned tournament organizers. While the USAPA is withdrawing official sanctioning of these tournaments, the decision to postpone, cancel, or proceed with the tournaments in a “non-sanctioned mode” is determined at the discretion of the tournament director and their leadership team.

USAPA SANCTIONED TOURNAMENTS WITH SUSPENDED SANCTIONING

  • Pasadena Senior Games – Arcadia, CA: June 5-7, 2020 (Cancelled)
  • Ocean Pines Pickleball 2020 Summer Classic – Ocean Pines, MD: June 6-7, 2020 (Cancelled)
  • Powerade State Games – Charlotte, NC: June 12-14, 2020 (Postponed Date TBD)

 

Members, ambassadors, players and the pickleball community at-large seeking information on general play should adhere to social gathering and distancing policies, guidelines, recommendations and mandates of state and local health and government officials, and your facility. Special considerations should be made for transitional periods between groups when overlap and crowding is more likely to occur. Be prepared to adhere to six-foot social distancing measures, as defined by the CDC. In addition, the following online resources are available including, WHO Coronavirus Website, and the CDC Coronavirus Website. The International Olympic Committee has also developed specific advice for athletes, including a statement from the IOC Medical and Scientific Director, Dr. Richard Budgett. We encourage you to follow the travelpreventiontesting, and treatment recommendations of the CDC. For the latest updates and resources on the coronavirus, go to the CDC Situation Summary.

*****

 

Update May 1, 2020 (6am PT)

USAPA COVID-19 Return to Play – Guidance on Safe Return to Play

USAPA has provided information on the safe return to play. The information does not apply for everyone as stay-at-home restrictions and mandates vary state to state. However, if you live in an area where local stay-at-home or shelter-in-place mandates have been relaxed or modified, and courts are available for play, we encourage you to take every precaution and follow these safety recommendations as well as those implemented and required by your facility or club and local, state and federal government authority.

USAPA COVID-19 Return to Play Guidance - Click Here

Return to Pickleball Play

 

USAPA Sanctioned Tournaments (May 15 – June 2, 2020)

As USAPA continues to monitor the national emergency over the coronavirus pandemic, effective immediately USAPA is suspending USAPA sanctioning of existing pickleball tournaments through June 2, 2020. The health and safety of all participants, spectators, volunteers and staff is our foremost concern. This is very consistent within Governmental Standards and across the sports industry landscape. The complete list of USAPA sanctioned tournaments during this period is located below.

The events listed below are owned and managed by third-party tournament organizers who have received USAPA tournament sanctioning. We are doing our best to keep communication open and current with these sanctioned tournament organizers. While the USAPA is withdrawing official sanctioning of these tournaments, the decision to postpone, cancel, or proceed with the tournaments in a “non-sanctioned mode” is determined at the discretion of the tournament director and their leadership team.

Members, ambassadors, players and the pickleball community at-large seeking information on general play should adhere to social gathering and distancing policies, guidelines, recommendations and mandates of state and local health and government officials, and your facility. Special considerations should be made for transitional periods between groups when overlap and crowding is more likely to occur. Be prepared to adhere to six-foot social distancing measures, as defined by the CDC. In addition, the following online resources are available including, WHO Coronavirus Website, and the CDC Coronavirus Website. The International Olympic Committee has also developed specific advice for athletes, including a statement from the IOC Medical and Scientific Director, Dr. Richard Budgett. We encourage you to follow the travelpreventiontesting, and treatment recommendations of the CDC. For the latest updates and resources on the coronavirus, go to the CDC Situation Summary.

 

USAPA SANCTIONED TOURNAMENTS WITH SUSPENDED SANCTIONING

  • 2020 American Riviera – Santa Barbara, CA: May 15-17, 2020 (New Dates: July 10–12, 2020)
  • 4th Annual Sunrise – Citrus Heights, CA: May 15-17, 2020 (New Name & Dates: 5th Annual Sunrise, Oct 23-25, 2020)
  • 2020 New Mexico Games – Albuquerque, NM: May 15-17, 2020 (Postponed Date TBD)
  • 2020 Hawaii Senior Games – Honolulu, HI: May 15-17, 2020 (New Dates: August 14–16, 2020)
  • Coshocton Pickleball 4 Paws – Coshocton, OH: May 16-17, 2020 (Postponed to May 2021)
  • Willow Grove SSIPA – Memphis, TN: May 19-21, 2020 (Postponed Date TBD)
  • Red Mountain Classic – Mesa, AZ: May 22-24, 2020 (New Dates: December 11–13, 2020)
  • Memorial Day Pickleball in Tustin – Tustin, CA: May 23-25, 2020 (Sanctioning Removed)
  • May Mayhem – Oceanside, CA: May 23-25, 2020 (Cancelled)
  • The Thorlos Rowlett Rumble – Rowlett, TX: May 28-31, 2020 (May 20-23, 2021)
  • PLS Fundraiser – St. George, UT: May 28-31, 2020 (Sanctioning Removed)
  • Atlanta Open – Alpharetta, GA: May 29-31, 2020 (New Dates: September 11–13, 2020)
  • Prescott Pickleball Round Up – Prescott, AZ: May 29-31, 2020 (Cancelled)
  • Horseshoe Bay – Horseshoe Bay, TX: June 3-5, 2020 (New Dates: August 3–5, 2020)

 

*****

Update April 1, 2020 (Noon PT)

USAPA TOURNAMENT UPDATE as of April 1, 2020

This is an update on the following tournaments:

  • USAPA Sanctioned Tournaments through May 14, 2020
  • USA Pickleball National Indoor Championships
  • USAPA Regional Championships

 

As USAPA continues to monitor the national emergency over the coronavirus pandemic, effective immediately USAPA is suspending USAPA sanctioning of existing pickleball tournaments through May 14, 2020. The health and safety of all participants, spectators and staff is our foremost concern. This is very consistent within Governmental Standards and across the sports industry landscape. We are announcing now as to allow participants and spectators time to plan accordingly, and help facility, sponsors, organizers, etc. manage the process. While we are all hoping and praying for great progress on this coronavirus well before May 14, this action is necessary now. The complete list of USAPA sanctioned tournaments during this period is located at the end of this statement.

 

Will the 2020 Margaritaville USA Pickleball National Championships be affected by COVID-19? 

Given the end-of-year timeframe, plans to hold the 2020 Margaritaville USA Pickleball National Championships in Indian Wells Oct. 31-Nov. 8 are proceeding.  The tournament organizers are hard at work and looking forward to hosting this much anticipated event.

 

USA Pickleball National Indoor Championships

The USA Pickleball Association is announcing the postponement of the USA Pickleball National Indoor Championships in Hoover, AL.  The inaugural tournament has been rescheduled from June 7-14, 2020 to June 8–13, 2021.

With the uncertainty from the impact of the COVID-19 crisis, the tournament team felt compelled to make this difficult decision for many reasons. Most importantly was the concern for the safety of all participants, spectators, volunteers and staff.  We anticipated more than 700 players from all over the country as well as many volunteers and spectators.  We anticipate registration to open for the 2021 USA Pickleball National Indoor Championships on January 10, 2021 (subject of a future announcement). We appreciate your understanding.

What does this mean for you the tournament player and registration for the 2020 USA Pickleball National Championships in Indian Wells, CA? You will also be able to register for the 2020 USA Pickleball National Championships (at this time, given end-of-year timeframe tournament is proceeding) during the lottery registration which will begin on August 1, 2020.

For the 2020 USA Pickleball National Indoor Championships registered and paid players you have a choice of 2 options:

  • Option #1 – registration and payment moved to the 2021 tournament guaranteeing your spot for next year’s event AND as mentioned above, you meet the qualifying criteria for the 2020 USA Pickleball National Championships.
  • Option #2 – a full refund of all tournament registration fees and removal from the tournament registration. Please go to pickleballtournaments.com and withdraw from the tournament. Refunds issued within 30 days. If any questions, please contact the Tournament Director, Karen Parrish.

We greatly appreciate your patience during these unprecedented times in our country and look forward to a time where we will be able to get back on the courts continuing to make memories with family and friends.

 

 

2020 USAPA Regional Championships

The remaining 2020 USAPA Regional Championships are listed below with current status and additional details, as applicable. Please note – we will continue to update this page and the Regional Championships section of our website as further details are known.

 

Mountain Regional Championships: May 22-27, 2020 (Brigham City, UT) - Postponed

  • Tournament moved to September, possible new dates September 14-19 (to be confirmed)
  • Tournament registration is closed due to maximum participation
  • All registered and paid players will be able to register during open registration for 2020 Nationals

 

Great Lakes Regional Championships: June 18 -21, 2020 (Ft. Wayne, IN) – Rescheduled

  • New Dates: June 17-20, 2021
  • New Registration date: TBD
  • This tournament does not affect registration for 2020 Nationals
  • Tournament players from this year will be able to keep their spot for next year or offered a refund less $25 administrative fees to cover costs already incurred by the tournament

 

Atlantic Regional Championships: June 26-28, 2020 (Portland, ME) – Postponed

  • New Dates: To be determined, working with facility managers to secure a date
  • Tournament registration is closed due to maximum participation
  • New Registration date: TBD, if needed based on full capacity

 

Great Plains Regional Championships: August 7-20, 2020 (Colorado Springs, CO) – Rescheduled

  • New Dates: June 23-28, 2021
  • This tournament does not affect registration for 2020 Nationals
  • New Registration date: April 1, 2021

 

Mid States Regional Championships: August 13-15, 2020 (St. Louis, MO) – No change

  • Registration opens: May 1, 2020

 

Atlantic South Regional Championships: August 20-23, 2020 (Foley, AL) – No change

  • Registration opens: May 1, 2020

 

West Regional Championships: September 14-20, 2020 (Fountain Valley, CA) - Rescheduled

  • New Dates: May 1-7, 2021
  • New Registration date: January 1, 2021

 

Mid Atlantic Regional Championships: September 18-20, 2020 (Myrtle Beach, SC) – New date location

  • New Dates: September 24-27, 2020
  • Location change: from Virginia Beach, VA to Myrtle Beach, SC
  • Registration opens: May 1, 2020

 

Pacific NW Regional Championships: Next tournament in 2021

  • Qualifier played in late 2019 is qualifier for 2020 Nationals
  • New Dates: June 2021, exact dates to be determined
  • Registration opens: January 15, 2021

 

 

USAPA Sanctioned Tournaments (April 16 - May 14, 2020)

As USAPA continues to monitor the national emergency over the coronavirus pandemic, effective immediately USAPA is suspending USAPA sanctioning of existing pickleball tournaments through May 14, 2020. The health and safety of all participants, spectators and staff is our foremost concern.

The events listed below are owned and managed by third-party tournament organizers who have received USAPA tournament sanctioning. We are doing our best to keep communication open and current with these sanctioned tournament organizers. While the USAPA is withdrawing official sanctioning of these tournaments, the decision to postpone, cancel, or proceed with the tournaments in a “non-sanctioned mode” is determined at the discretion of the tournament director and their leadership team.

USAPA SANCTIONED TOURNAMENTS WITH SUSPENDED SANCTIONING

  • VA Beach Classic - Glen Allen, VA: April 24 - 26, 2020 (Postponed Date TBD)
  • 2020 Zin to Win - Templeton, CA: April 29 - May 3, 2020 (Postponed Date TBD)
  • iPickle Players Championships Cup - La Habra, CA: May 1 - 3, 2020 (Postponed Date TBD)
  • Pickle for the Pets - Prescott, AZ: May 1 - 3, 2020 - (Cancelled)
  • West Coast Classic - Santa Monica, CA: May 3 - 5, 2020 (Postponed Date TBD)
  • Owensboro Pickleball Open - Owensboro, KY: May 8 - 10, 2020 (Cancelled)
  • Central Ohio Head Penn Pickleball Championships: Columbus, OH - May 8 - 10, 2020 (Cancelled)
  • Mix it Up in May Hartland Tournament - Howell, MI: May 8 - 9, 2020 (Sanctioning Removed)
  • Southern Utah Pickleball Shootout - St George, UT: May 13 - 16, 2020 (Sanctioning Removed)

 

*****

Update March 30, 2020 (5:00 pm PT)

The remaining 2020 USAPA Regional Championships are listed below with current status and additional details, as applicable. Please note – we will continue to update this page and the Regional Championships section of our website as further details are known.

 

Mountain Regional Championships: May 22-27, 2020 (Brigham City, UT) - Postponed

  • Tournament moved to September, possible new dates September 14-19 (to be confirmed)
  • Tournament registration is closed due to maximum participation
  • All registered and paid players will be able to register during open registration for 2020 Nationals

 

Great Lakes Regional Championships: June 18 -21, 2020 (Ft. Wayne, IN) – Rescheduled

  • New Dates: June 17-20, 2021
  • New Registration date: TBD
  • This tournament does not affect registration for 2020 Nationals
  • Tournament players from this year will be able to keep their spot for next year or offered a refund less $25 administrative fees to cover costs already incurred by the tournament

 

Atlantic Regional Championships: June 26-28, 2020 (Portland, ME) – Postponed

  • New Dates: To be determined, working with facility managers to secure a date
  • Tournament registration is closed due to maximum participation
  • New Registration date: TBD, if needed based on full capacity

 

Great Plains Regional Championships: August 7-20, 2020 (Colorado Springs, CO) – Rescheduled

  • New Dates: June 23-28, 2021
  • This tournament does not affect registration for 2020 Nationals
  • New Registration date: April 1, 2021

 

Mid States Regional Championships: August 13-15, 2020 (St. Louis, MO) – No change

  • Registration opens: May 1, 2020

 

Atlantic South Regional Championships: August 20-23, 2020 (Foley, AL) – No change

  • Registration opens: May 1, 2020

 

West Regional Championships: September 14-20, 2020 (Fountain Valley, CA) - Rescheduled

  • New Dates: May 1-7, 2021
  • New Registration date: January 1, 2021

 

Mid Atlantic Regional Championships: September 18-20, 2020 (Myrtle Beach, SC) – New location

  • Location change: from Virginia Beach, VA to Myrtle Beach, SC
  • Registration opens: May 1, 2020

 

Pacific NW Regional Championships: Next tournament in 2021

  • Qualifier played in late 2019 is qualifier for 2020 Nationals
  • New Dates: June 2021, exact dates to be determined
  • Registration opens: January 15, 2021

*****

Update March 27, 2020 (1:00 pm PT)

USAPA issued a Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) regarding the Coronavirus, click FAQ - Coronavirus

*****

Update March 19, 2020 (1:00 pm PT)

Everyone including the pickleball community can do their part to help respond to this public health threat:

  • On March 16, the White House announced a program called “15 Days to Slow the Spread,” (click on the link to the full PDF) which is a nationwide effort to slow the spread of COVID-19 through the implementation of social distancing at all levels of society. Key points from the program:
    • Listen to and follow the directions of your state and local authorities
    • If you are an older person or person with a serious underlying health condition, stay home and away from people
    • Do your part to slow the spread of the coronavirus
    • Even if you are young or otherwise healthy, you are at risk and your activities can increase the risk for others
    • Avoid social gatherings
    • Avoid discretionary travel, shopping trips, and social visits
  • Older people and people with severe chronic conditions should take special precautions because they are at higher risk of developing serious COVID-19 illness.

For the latest updates and resources on the coronavirus, go to the CDC Situation Summary.

We encourage everyone to do their part to slow the spread of the coronavirus, follow the directions of your state and local authorities, avoid social gatherings, and if possible, stay home and away from people. Soon enough we will be back to playing pickleball regularly.

*****

Update March 17, 2020 (3:00 pm PT)

Following yesterday's announcement suspending USAPA sanctioning through April 15, 2020, members, ambassadors, players and the pickleball community at-large seeking information on general play are encouraged to follow the recommendations and mandates of local health and government officials. In addition, the following online resources are available including, WHO Coronavirus Website, and the CDC Coronavirus Website. The International Olympic Committee has also developed specific advice for athletes, including a statement from the IOC Medical and Scientific Director, Dr. Richard Budgett. We encourage you to follow the travelpreventiontesting, and treatment recommendations of the CDC. For the CDC’s preventive measures, see the March 12 update (below).

*****

Update March 16, 2020 (11:30 am PT)

As USAPA continues to monitor the national emergency over the coronavirus pandemic, effective immediately USAPA is suspending USAPA sanctioning of existing pickleball tournaments through April 15, 2020. The health and safety of all is our foremost concern. The complete list of USAPA sanctioned tournaments during this period is located at the end of this statement.

 

The events listed below are owned and managed by third-party tournament organizers who have received USAPA tournament sanctioning. We are doing our best to keep communication open and current with these sanctioned tournament organizers. While the USAPA is withdrawing official sanctioning of these tournaments, the decision to postpone, cancel, or proceed with the tournaments in a “non-sanctioned mode” is determined at the discretion of the tournament director and their leadership team.

 

Despite the suspension of USAPA sanctioning, tournament directors are encouraged to follow the recommendations and mandates of local health and government officials and take the health and safety of all players and tournament personnel into consideration.  We encourage everyone to err on the side of caution and cancel or postpone their tournaments and events for at least the next 30 days. For additional information about the below tournaments and all other USAPA sanctioned tournaments, please visit www.PickleballTournaments.com

 

The next scheduled USAPA Regional Championship is the Mountain Regional, May 22-27, followed by the USA Pickleball National Indoor Championships, June 9-13. These two events, as well as all remaining Regional Championships and the National Championships in Indian Wells, CA, remain scheduled as planned. We will be closely monitoring the coronavirus situation and make sanctioning and scheduling determinations as more information on the crisis becomes available.

 

Please bookmark this page and check back regularly, the USAPA will be updating this page on our website as developments unfold: https://usapickleball.org/usa-pickleball-statement-on-the-coronavirus/

 

We appreciate your patience and understanding.

 

USAPA SANCTIONED TOURNAMENTS WITH SUSPENDED SANCTIONING

Vero Beach Championship - Vero Beach, FL: March 14 - March 17

 

Sunshine Sizzler at Kings Point - Sun City Center, FL: March 16 - March 19 (Cancelled)

 

Hilton Head Pickleball Open - Hilton Head Island, SC: March 19 - March 22 (Rescheduled – see below)

 

PicklePlex Grand Slam - Punta Gorda, FL: March 21 - March 24 (Cancelled)

 

Southern Utah Pickleball Shootout - St George, UT: March 25 - March 28 (Rescheduled – see below)

 

Orange County Spring Games - Anaheim, CA: March 27 - March 29 (Rescheduled – see below)

 

2020 Zin 2 Win at the Templeton Tennis Ranch - Templeton, CA: March 27 - March 29 (Rescheduled – see below)

 

Simi Valley Town Crown - Simi Valley, CA: March 27 - March 29 (Cancelled)

 

MS Charity - Surprise, AZ: March 27 - March 29 (Cancelled)

 

Medgroup Pickleball Tournament - Swartz Creek, MI: March 28 - March 29 (Cancelled)

 

Texas Senior Games - Universal City, TX: March 31 - April 2

 

Encanterra Pickleball Tournament - San Tan Valley, AZ: April 2 - April 5 (Cancelled)

 

2nd Annual Wickenburg Ranch Pickleball Tournament - Wickenburg, AZ: April 3 - April 5 (Rescheduled – see below)

 

South Florida Open - Plantation, FL: April 3 - April 5

 

West Coast Classic - Santa Monica, CA: April 3 - April 5 (Cancelled)

 

2nd Annual Spring Heater 2020 - Santee, CA: April 3 - April 6 (Cancelled)

 

Pinnacle Pickleball Championship - Benton, AR: April 3 - April 5 (Rescheduled – see below)

 

The 3rd Annual Aaron Gifford Pickleball Benefit Tournament - Las Cruces, NM: April 4 - April 5

 

Horseshoe Bay Resort Senior Spring Championship - Horseshoe Bay, TX: April 7 - April 9 (Rescheduled – see below)

 

Riverside Court Club Smash - Kennewick, WA: April 10 - April 11

 

USAPA SANCTIONED TOURNAMENTS – Originally Scheduled through April 15, 2020, Rescheduled with New Dates and Sanctioned

2020 Zin 2 Win at the Templeton Tennis Ranch - Templeton, CA: April 29 – May 4

 

Southern Utah Pickleball Shootout - St George, UT: May 13 - May 16

 

Horseshoe Bay Resort Senior Spring Championship - Horseshoe Bay, TX: June 3 – June 5

 

Orange County Spring Games - Anaheim, CA: August 14 - August 16

 

2nd Annual Wickenburg Ranch Pickleball Tournament - Wickenburg, AZ: October 2 – October 4

 

Pinnacle Pickleball Championship - Benton, AR: October 2 – October 4

 

Hilton Head Pickleball Open - Hilton Head Island, SC: October 22 – October 25

 

 

For all the latest updates, please visit www.PickleballTournaments.com. We will update the above listed sanctioned tournaments as information is received. Thank you once again for your patience and understanding.

 

Justin Maloof
Executive Director, USAPA

 

*****

 

Update March 12, 2020 (3:52pm PT)

The USA Pickleball Mid-South Regional Championships that started earlier today (March 12), has been suspended due to coronavirus precautionary measures taken by the Texas A&M University - the host site of the Regional Championship (see statement below):

MEETINGS & EVENTS: Campus community meetings and events are now restricted to less than 50 participants.

No participants from off campus (other than campus community members, such as with RELLIS or agencies) should join in-person meetings on campus, nor should any participants who travel from other states or countries. Effective March 13 – April 3.

For the latest updates and information, go to https://www.leaguelineup.com/welcome.asp?url=midsouthusapa or https://www.facebook.com/midsouthusapa/

 

*****

 

Update March 12, 2020 (noon PT)

USA Pickleball (USAPA) continues to monitor concerns associated with coronavirus, and we want to provide an update as it relates to USA Pickleball activities, including upcoming events and our two national tournaments.

The USA Pickleball National Indoor Championships in Alabama June 9-13, the Margaritaville USA Pickleball National Championships in California Oct. 31-Nov. 8, and all USA Pickleball Regional Championships remain scheduled as planned. We are continuing to monitor the situation, notifications of schedule changes or cancellations will be communicated to all registered players and information will be posted on usapickleball.org.

USAPA continues to accept applications for future sanctioned tournaments and all tournaments that have been approved for sanctioned play. Tournament directors are encouraged to stay in contact with local and state health officials and follow all recommendations and mandates regarding public gathering restrictions and other safety precautions for their tournaments.

For those seeking information on the virus, the following online resources are available including, WHO Coronavirus Website, and the CDC Coronavirus Website. The International Olympic Committee has also developed specific advice for athletes, including a statement from the IOC Medical and Scientific Director, Dr. Richard Budgett. We encourage you to follow the travelpreventiontesting, and treatment recommendations of the CDC.

We recommend all members, ambassadors and tournament organizers to follow the CDC’s preventive measures:

  • Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
  • Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.
  • Stay home when you are sick.
  • Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.
  • Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces using a regular household cleaning spray or wipe.
  • Follow CDC’s recommendations for using a facemask.
    • CDC does not recommend that people who are well wear a facemask to protect themselves from respiratory diseases, including COVID-19.
    • Facemasks should be used by people who show symptoms of COVID-19 to help prevent the spread of the disease to others. The use of facemasks is also crucial for health workers and people who are taking care of someone in close settings (at home or in a health care facility).
  • Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after going to the bathroom; before eating; and after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing.
    • If soap and water are not readily available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 62% alcohol. Always wash hands with soap and water if your hands are visibly dirty.
  • Older people and people with severe chronic conditions should take special precautions because they are at higher risk for developing serious COVID-19 illness.

USA Pickleball will continue to monitor developments as they unfold and provide you with additional information as it becomes available.

About USA Pickleball
The USA Pickleball Association, a non-profit 501(c)(3) was established in 2005 to further the advancement of the sport on a national level. As the official governing body of pickleball in the United States, the USAPA promotes the growth of pickleball by maintaining the rules, setting player ratings, advancing the sport through its national network of about 1,900 ambassadors, and sanctioning tournaments. Over the last two years, the USAPA has nearly doubled in size and its membership now totals over 42,000.

The USAPA is divided into 11 regions across the country with all 50 states being represented. The extensive group of volunteer ambassadors oversees the sport in their respective states. For more information, visit usapickleball.org.

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