Training: Safety
Eye-safety guidance for instructors and players, plus the official IPTPA waiver and the documents we recommend every pro keep on hand.
Protective eyewear is
strongly recommended.
The IPTPA, strongly recommends that all instructors and players use eye wear for safety protection. As our sport continues to transition to more of a power game as a result of paddle technology and younger players with tennis and racquetball experience, the hard plastic from the ball along with the increase speed of play can cause serious eye injury. Therefore, although the USAPA has not required eye protection to date, our association is strongly recommending that eye protection be used by all participants.
Protect Your
Eyes
Safety is part of the job
An IPTPA credential says the person holding it can run a session safely, not only teach a skill. These are the things we recommend every IPTPA professional has in place before anyone steps on court.
Get the waiver signed first
The standardized IPTPA participant waiver covers clinics, workshops, private lessons and IPTPA-sanctioned events. We recommend a completed copy for every participant, kept on file, before play begins.
Recommend eye protection every session
Paddle technology and faster play have raised the risk of eye injury. The IPTPA strongly recommends eye protection for all instructors and players, whether or not a particular event requires it.
Know the concussion signs
We publish the CDC’s HEADS UP materials rather than writing our own. Recognising a suspected concussion, removing a player from play and the return-to-play progression are the CDC’s guidance, and it is the standard we point our professionals to.
Coaching children carries more responsibility
Our Certified Junior Pickleball Instructor credential trains adults to coach children safely and appropriately.
Clean sport
The IPTPA operates a WADA Code aligned anti-doping program that protects the integrity of the sport of pickleball. See our anti-doping resources.
Player Safety Resources
Download the IPTPA waiver and the concussion awareness materials we recommend for every pro and program.
IPTPA Waiver
The standardized IPTPA participant waiver — use it for clinics, workshops, lessons, and IPTPA-sanctioned events.
DownloadHeads Up for Sports Professionals
The CDC HEADS UP concussion fact sheet for youth-sports coaches — what to look for and how to respond.
ViewReturn-to-Play: Concussion
The CDC HEADS UP concussion information sheet — recognizing a concussion and the step-by-step return-to-play progression.
View