To ensure fair play and maintain equipment integrity, new paddle testing and challenge procedures are now in effect at all PPA Challenger Series tournaments. The rules apply to every event on the schedule and cover both professional and amateur draws.
Here’s what players need to know.
Spot Testing at Check-In
Paddle spot testing is conducted during tournament check-in and may be performed across all divisions.
- Random players from both professional and amateur draws are eligible for selection.
- Prior to the event, the Tournament Director will determine the number of players to be tested and randomly select those players.
- Selected paddles will be tested for Acceptable Deflection Force (ADF) using the official Go/No-Go Machine.
Player Paddle Challenges
Paddle challenges are available to all participants and follow the same procedures used at Professional PPA Tour events.
Equipment Responsibility
Players are responsible for ensuring their paddle remains compliant throughout the tournament. If a player believes their paddle is no longer performing as intended, it is their responsibility to switch to another approved paddle before it becomes an issue.
Initiating a Challenge
- A player may challenge an opponent’s paddle at any point during a match.
- The challenged player may immediately set the paddle aside and continue play with a different paddle. No penalty will be assessed.
- If the challenged player elects to continue using the paddle, the challenging player may either:
- Continue play without testing, or
- Request an official paddle test by paying a $75 testing fee.
- Both players must report to Tournament Operations with the paddle in question.
- The paddle will be tested immediately.
- Once testing is complete, play resumes.
- If the paddle passes, the player may continue using it.
- If the paddle fails, the player must switch to a different paddle before play resumes.
Testing Outcomes & Fees
| Test Result | Challenged Player (Paddle Owner) | Challenging Player |
|---|---|---|
| Paddle FAILS | Charged $150. Paddle is confiscated for the remainder of the player’s participation in the tournament and permanently marked “PPA-X.” | No charge |
| Paddle PASSES | No charge. Paddle is returned to the player. | Charged the $75 testing fee |
UPA-A and the PPA reserve the right to modify these procedures as necessary to ensure fair competition and uphold equipment standards.