How Many Pickleball Associations Are There
Pickleball is one of the fastest-growing sports in the United States and has become a popular recreational activity for people of all ages. With the rise in popularity of pickleball, many national and international organizations have been established to promote the sport and provide resources for players. In this article, we will explore the various pickleball associations, clubs, and organizations, and provide a comprehensive overview of the sport.
What is the USA Pickleball Association?
The USA Pickleball Association (USAPA) was the first national pickleball organization established in 1984 under the name of the United States Amateur Pickleball Association (USAPA). In 2005, it was reorganized as the USA Pickleball Association and changed its name to USA Pickleball (USAP) in 2020 [Wikipedia].
USAPA published the first official rule book in 1984, and since then, it has grown to become the largest governing body for pickleball in the United States. It oversees tournaments, rankings, and rules, and provides resources for players, clubs, and organizations.
How Many Pickleball Clubs are there?
There are many pickleball clubs across the United States and Canada. The USA Pickleball Association provides a list of pickleball clubs on its website, but the list is not exhaustive. If you know of a pickleball club or community that is not listed, you can let the USAPA know by filling out a form on their website [USAPA].
How Many Pickleball Players are there?
According to the Association of Pickleball Professionals (APP), there were an estimated 36.5 million pickleball players in the United States in 2022 [Pickleheads]. This number is up from the 3.3 million players estimated in 2019. Pickleball has seen an average growth rate of 158.6% over the last three years, making it the fastest-growing sport in America [Pickleheads].
What is the USA Pickleball National Championship?
The USA Pickleball National Championship is the premier event for the sport in the United States. The event is organized by the USA Pickleball Association and attracts top players from around the country and the world. In 2023, the USA Pickleball National Championships will be held at Invited’s Brookhaven Country Club in Farmers Branch, with an increased capacity of more than 3,500 amateur players and all of pickleball’s top pros set to compete [USAPA].
What are the International Pickleball Associations?
There are two main international pickleball organizations: the International Federation of Pickleball (IFP) and the World Pickleball Federation (WPF) [Pickleball Portal].
The International Federation of Pickleball is the official governing body of the sport and promotes the sport globally. The IFP organizes international competitions and sets rules and regulations for the sport worldwide. In February 2022, IFP President Pat Murphy got a letter of no confidence from eight of the organization’s directors and two of its [Pickleball Portal].
The World Pickleball Federation was established in 2017 and is focused on promoting pickleball worldwide. It is a non-profit organization that aims to provide players with opportunities to compete internationally and expand the sport’s reach. The WPF also supports the development of the sport at the grassroots level and provides resources for clubs and organizations [Pickleball Portal].
Other Pickleball Associations
In addition to the USA Pickleball Association and the international organizations, there are many other pickleball associations in the United States and Canada. These organizations range from local clubs to regional and national governing bodies. Some notable organizations include:
- Pickleball Canada: The national governing body for pickleball in Canada
- United States Pickleball Association (USAPA) Pacific Northwest Region: A regional organization that oversees pickleball in the Pacific Northwest
- Pickleballtournaments.com: An online resource for finding pickleball tournaments and events
- American Pickleball Association (APA): A non-profit organization that promotes the sport of pickleball and supports the growth of the sport at the grassroots level.
Conclusion
In conclusion, pickleball has grown rapidly in popularity in recent years, and with that growth has come the establishment of many pickleball associations, clubs, and organizations. The USA Pickleball Association remains the largest governing body for pickleball in the United States, while the International Federation of Pickleball and the World Pickleball Federation promote the sport globally.
Other organizations provide resources and support for players and clubs at the local, regional, and national levels. Pickleball is a sport that continues to grow and evolve, and these associations and organizations play an essential role in its development.
