USA Pickleball Rules, Regulations, and Membership Growth
As a pickleball player you’ve probably seen the logo. You’ve probably probed its rulebook, attended one of its events, or played at one of its venues. And as a pickleball enthusiast you definitely support its purpose: to grow the game and participation in pickleball.
These are just some of the activities and resources USA Pickleball (USAP), the U.S. national pickleball governing body, offers. A non-profit organization headquartered in Scottsdale, AZ., has worked on rulebooks, referee certification, facilities construction, tournament and championship programming, partnerships, membership, and more since 1984—20 years after pickleball’s debut.
Jose Moreno, USA Pickleball Chief Marketing & Strategy Officer
“Pickleball is truly for all. The sport offers more than competition; it’s a way to build friendships, strengthen communities, and feel empowered on and off the court,” says Jose Moreno, chief marketing and strategy officer, seeming to speak to the everyday pickleball-playing choir. “Our mission is to grow the game, and we’re committed to making sure every player has a place to belong and thrive in the game.”
Setting the Foundation
First established as the United States Amateur Pickleball Association, issuing its first rulebook in 1984, the organization in 2005 dropped “amateur” and began four years of intensive, volunteer-led foundational activities, according to Justin Maloof, chief competition officer. Early initiatives included:
Pickleball rulebook and equipment standards updates
Bylaws and articles of incorporation
First website
Nationwide membership program
Nationwide ambassador program
Nationwide ‘places to play’ online search platform
Tournament sanctioning
First National Championships held in Buckeye, AZ, for all ages. The event drew nearly 400 players from 26 states.
While USA Pickleball’s activity portfolio has continued to expand from its early days, increasing membership reach and opportunity—demographically and geographically—is key to its mission and purpose. In July 2025, USAP restructured its membership model with new benefits and price points. The strategy is designed to broaden membership generally, and especially to open USAP-sanctioned tournament play and Golden Ticket events to more members, Jose said. The new membership tiers, rates, and select benefits include:
Casual: Free; Monthly newsletter, educational content; USAP community connections;
Challenger: $12 per year; eligibility to play in USA Pickleball–sanctioned tournaments, Golden Tickets, and Nationals; digital Pickleball Magazine and yearly instructional guide; access to tailored educational content and exclusive member emails; A free sleeve of Franklin X-40 balls, new members only; participation in the Tiered Point System (TPS), to earn points for sanctioned event play;
Champion: $60 per year; recognition as a supporter of the sport’s growth; partner discounts on equipment and facility play; a free sleeve of Franklin X-40 balls; eligibility to play in USA Pickleball–sanctioned tournaments, Golden Tickets, and Nationals; digital Pickleball Magazine and yearly instructional guide; tailored educational content and exclusive member emails; participation in the Tiered Point System (TPS), to earn points for sanctioned event participation and performance.
Content and Member Experience
USA Pickleball Members
The new membership approach has had an “overwhelmingly positive response,” according to Jose, who noted the focus on “constantly evolving the member experience and community growth.” To that end, USAP will soon debut a new site and newsletters developed to answer members’ demand “for content that will make me a better player” and “content targeted at my level.”
Even as USAP puts the spotlight on participation and growth of the game, Jose emphasized its role “as a trusted resource for players through learning, training, competition, safety, officiating, and coaching” The Board of Directors, volunteer and 35 staff members also fulfill its responsibilities to “uphold governance and integrity by “maintaining the rules, regulations, and ethical conduct of the sport.”
Non-Profit and Neutral
As a non-profit, USAP can grow its business and impact as a “neutral entity, without a vested interest other than our mission and purpose,” Jose explains.
“We’re like a sideline person, always advocating for the player. We always take a pulse and have our ear to the ground on how to best serve the pickleball ecosystem,” he added.
Looking to current and future priorities, USAP will “lean into youth,” bringing more youth—elementary, high-school, and collegiate players—into the pickleball community, according to Jose. He also noted the organization’s advocacy efforts behind Olympic pickleball recognition; willingness to embrace entertainment and professionals’ presence at events; and grant programs, including recent awards to build courts.
When asked to look into USAP’s crystal ball, Jose paused, then offered data points for the future. “If we could say we got paddles in the hands of 500,000 kids, and helped build 1,000 new courts, and got as many individuals into the USAP family as we possibly could in five years, that would be in keeping with our purpose and mission—and be fun and exciting.”
About the Author: Laurel Nelson-Rowe is an independent contributor to Empower Pickleball. A longtime business technology and communications leader, she now runs LaurelComms, delivering content for corporate and non-profit partners. When she’s not writing, you’ll find her on the pickleball court, volunteering, or sharing stories on her Substack, My Life Adventurement.