Policy

A conflict of interest exists when an Ambassador's personal, financial, business, or other outside interests could reasonably influence, or appear to influence, their actions while serving as a USA Pickleball Ambassador.

Many Ambassadors are active participants in the pickleball community and may own clubs, teach lessons, direct tournaments, work for pickleball businesses, or represent manufacturers. These activities do not automatically constitute a conflict of interest. However, Ambassadors are expected to avoid using their volunteer position to obtain personal, professional, or financial benefit or to create the appearance of favoritism or bias.

Examples of potential conflicts of interest include, but are not limited to:

• Using Ambassador status to promote or endorse a personal business, employer, product, or service.
• Using Ambassador responsibilities to obtain personal or financial gain.
• Showing favoritism toward a specific club, facility, tournament, business, or organization based on a personal or financial relationship.
• Participating in USA Pickleball decisions or recommendations where a personal, family, or financial interest could influence impartiality.
• Representing personal opinions as official USA Pickleball positions.

Ambassadors should exercise sound judgment and always act in a manner that promotes public confidence in USA Pickleball and the Ambassador Program.

Enforcement

Any reported or observed conflict of interest may be reviewed by USA Pickleball. If it is determined that an Ambassador has violated this policy, the matter may be addressed in accordance with the USA Pickleball Ambassador Code of Conduct and Conduct Policy & Procedure. Corrective action may be taken when appropriate, based on the nature and severity of the violation.