The following special resolution is proposed and will be debated by the members at the Annual General Meeting in August. If passed, it will be added to our bylaws as Article 20.
WHEREAS the Alberta Pickleball Association wants to grow the game of pickleball and to include as many players as possible;
AND WHEREAS the Alberta Pickleball Association recognizes that more than 25% of Canadian pickleball players currently choose to play with paddle brands that are prohibited by the USA Pickleball Association;
AND WHEREAS the Alberta Pickleball Association wants to foster a positive relationship with industry partners in Canada;
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED: The Association shall not make rules which prohibit the use of particular brands or models of pickleball paddles that are otherwise acceptable under Section 2 of the Rules of Pickleball unless there is compelling evidence that such paddles create an unacceptable safety risk to pickleball players. Such evidence must include a documentary record with a reasonable number of verified injury reports from multiple facilities which clearly identify the paddle brand responsible for the reported injury.
AND BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED: The Association shall not be affiliated with any club, program, facility, national organization or international body that prohibits particular brands or models of pickleball paddles that are otherwise acceptable under Section 2 of the Rules of Pickleball unless there is compelling evidence that such paddles create an unacceptable safety risk for pickleball players. Such evidence must include a documentary record with a reasonable number of verified injury reports from multiple facilities which clearly identify the paddle brand responsible for the reported injury.
It is important to note that this resolution clearly defines the terms under which paddles may be prohibited by the Association. In summary, any paddle that can be demonstrated to be injurious to pickleball players may be prohibited. However, it is not possible for Pickleball Alberta to prohibit paddles for purely subjective reasons.
We believe that this compromise resolution will provide a stable and level playing field for all existing and potential industry partners that will simultaneously promote innovation and protect our players from harm.
