FROM THE USAPA
FROM THE USAPA EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
JUSTIN MALOOF
New and Improved USAPA Net System
Back in 2010 , USAPA determined that in order to grow and expand the sport both nationally and internationally , exposure and access to courts would be key . While permanent pickleball courts were ( and are ) preferred , in many cases , these simply are not readily available or accessible . The answer was the development of an affordable , portable pickleball net system that could be used for both indoor and outdoor play and make access to the sport attainable like never before .
Former USAPA president Bill Booth went to work and in a few short months , the USAPA Portable Net System was born !
The official USAPA system allows anyone the ability to play pickleball anytime , anywhere and remains the only portable net system used by USAPA for national and regional tournaments .
Over the years , USAPA has tweaked the design and made subtle changes in materials to improve the quality and longevity of the system .
This year , some significant changes to the system were made . The powder-coated steel frame system still measures 22 feet wide but has an upgraded , heavier-gauge black nylon net that meets the IFP specification height of 36 inches at the sideline and 34 inches at the center . The net stays taut at the 34-inch center height due to the Velcro tension system . Sturdy legs are located on either side of the net as well as one in the middle for extra support . Two of the more noticeable upgrades are the new oval-shaped frame pieces that make setup even easier and eliminate the possibility of the center frame twisting . In addition , the center support rod has been replaced by a flat , “ yard-stick ” design . The included nylon carry bag has also been redesigned and compartmentalized with dividers and straps . Every piece of the net system has a place when not in use ! The total system weight of 30 pounds makes transportation and storage very easy .
The USAPA Portable Net System is the perfect choice for pickleball players , and USAPA members still receive a $ 10 discount through the USAPA store website . Likewise , every purchase supports the USAPA ’ s ongoing mission of growing the game we love .
2016 USAPA BOARD OF DIRECTORS
OFFICERS
PRESIDENT David Jordan
VP & AMBASSADOR CHAIR Jack Thomas
SECRETARY Laura Patterson
TREASURER Darryl Noble
BOARD MEMBERS ( COMMITTEES )
LEGAL COUNSEL , GRIEVANCE Phil Mortenson
COMMUNICATIONS Bob Nibarger
RATINGS Chris Thomas
TOURNAMENTS Lenny Chimino
GRANTS Ray Pereyra
TRAINING CHAIRS Lynn and Linda Laymon
NON-VOTING BOARD MEMBER
ADVISORY COMMITTEE Mark Friedenberg
STAFF
Executive Director , Justin Maloof Managing Director of Competition , Christine Barksdale Business Manager , Linda Gartlan
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