# Junior PPA Tour players must switch to approved paddles from August 30

2026-08-13T16:14:53+00:00 | Sports | Indian Opinion Desk

Corroboration: 1 independent outlet

From August 30, 2026, every player on the Junior PPA Tour must use a paddle from the UPA-A Approved Paddle list, matching the rule already in place for the Senior Pro divisions. The UPA-A’s paddle certification tests power, spin, and the effects of accelerated wear, with manufacturers paying a $3,000 testing fee (valid for 24 months) and a $10,000 annual fee to stay eligible for professional events. For brand visibility at PPA and MLP events, a $50,000 annual Marketing and Broadcast License is required, though waived for brands already sponsoring PPA or MLP with at least $100,000. Players whose paddles are not on the approved list must switch to a certified model before the deadline, as certification can only be arranged by manufacturers, not individuals. The UPA-A list, searchable by brand, model, and thickness, is available on the official website.

## Coverage

- timesnownews.com <https://www.timesnownews.com/sports/pickleball/upa-a-approved-paddles-ppa-juniors-article-155607479>

Tags: equipment rules, junior sports, paddle certification, pickleball, UPA-A
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