USA Pickleball's Frequency Asked Questions

 

 

 

What’s the USAPA’s stance on the COVID-19 situation?  

On March 12, 2020 USAPA launched an official COVID-19 Statement Page regarding the situation. All official statements are found on this page.

Is my tournament canceled? 

Due to heightened concerns surrounding the COVID-19 virus, effective March 16, USAPA suspended sanctioning of tournaments through April 15,2020. USAPA is currently in contact with several tournament directors who in turn are in contact with their local government and health officials. We will be making a new announcement the week of March 30 regarding the sanctioning status of additional sanctioned tournaments, including USAPA Regional Championships. All other tournaments, sanctioned or non-sanctioned, should check with their tournament director.

Will I still be able to register for the 2020 Margaritaville USA Pickleball National Championships if my qualifying tournament (regional or qualifier) is cancelled or postponed beyond 7/15/2020?

If you were already a registered and paid participant in a USAPA regional or national qualifying tournament and that tournament has been or will be cancelled or postponed due to the COVID-19 crisis, you will be able to register for the 2020 Margaritaville USA Pickleball National Championships during the open registration which will be 8/1/2020.

Will my canceled/suspended/postponed event be rescheduled? 

Each tournament is owned and independently run. Regardless of USAPA sanctioning or not, it is up to the discretion of the tournament director to cancel/suspend/postpone their events.  We remain in contact with the sanctioned tournament directors to update them on their sanction status as it pertains to the COVID-19 situation and their local government restrictions and mandates.

What about events coming up in the future (May, June, July, etc.)? 

The USAPA recognizes the evolving and fast-changing nature of this situation and continues to monitor and evaluate conditions in order to make informed determinations about events and activities taking place beyond the current April 15, 2020 suspension of sanctioning. An announcement regarding sanctioned tournaments scheduled after April 15, 2020 will be made the week of March 30.

Will the USAPA be refunding tournament registration fees?

Tournament registration fees are paid directly to the tournament organizers. USAPA sanctioned and non-sanctioned tournaments are owned and operated independently of USAPA. Refund policies are at the discretion of each tournament director.  If your tournament is canceled or you need to cancel your registration regardless, request of a refund should be sent to the tournament director.  For all USAPA sanctioned tournaments that are canceled due to COVID-19, USAPA is refunding the sanctioning fee to the tournament director or applying it to a future date if the tournament is simply postponed.

What about April being National Pickleball Month?  Is this still happening?

Given the current situation and with every part of the country experiencing restriction or full mandates regarding social gathering or evening going outside, it would be inappropriate to promote or encourage pickleball events or play opportunities surrounding National Pickleball Month at this time. Given this, USAPA will not be promoting this annual initiative in 2020.

Is it safe to still play non-sanctioned or recreational pickleball?

Since March 12, USAPA has had an official statement page on the COVID-19 situation. USAPA has monitored the CDC communications on a daily basis and has also maintained communications with other US national governing bodies and sports organizations. Our messaging remains consistent with these organizations.  USAPA implores all members, ambassadors, players and the pickleball community at-large 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.

In addition, USAPA encourages 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.

My facility is still hosting matches/play/programming or is simply open for play. Are there any tips or recommendations on how to proceed during the COVID-19 outbreak to stay safe?

Regardless of the open status of your local facility, USAPA’s position is to implore 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 and follow recommendations of the CDC.

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.

These FAQs are available on usapa.org:
https://www.usapa.org/usapa-news/usapa-frequently-asked-questions-regarding-the-coronavirus/