Grant Brittain, from Abbotsford, is a local dealer for S-Types, Pro-Lite and Spikes Paddles. I've recommended Grant's services to a number of players here in the lower mainland and I will be placing his link on the Blog.
Grant's Blog is at http://pickleballinternational.blogspot.com/ and you can email Grant at
uthdudegrant@hotmail.com
Thursday, October 13, 2011
Tuesday, September 20, 2011
BC SENIOR GAMES - PADDLE DEBATE
I've been asked by Fred Hubbick and Ken Witt, Zone representatives for our area, to address the issue before the Rules Committee of the BC Senior Games. In my capacity as President of Pickelball Canada I've written a letter to Darlene Currie who is the Chairperson on the Rules Committee for BC Senior Games explaining Pickleball Canada's position on paddle specifications as it should apply to any future BC Senior Games.
The content of that letter is as follows:
BC Senior Games Society
203 – 2453 Beacon Avenue
Sidney, BC V8L 1X7
Attention: Darlene Currie – Rules Chairperson
Dear Ms. Currie:
I have been contacted by both Fred Hubbick and Ken Witt with respect to Pickleball Canada’s official position on the standard rules and paddle specifications for pickleball as it currently applies to tournament play throughout Canada, the USA and Internationally and as it should apply to any future BC Senior Games.
I have attached a letter which was sent to the editor of Senior Living Magazine as a result of some published errors in information that I can only assume were provided by Mr. Chuck Lefaive. The letter outlines the current status of pickleball nationally and is included in my correspondence in order to provide background information regarding Mr. Lefaive and his business partner, Mr. Brent Johner from Calgary.
The game of pickleball was created in the summer of 1965 and the US national association was formed in 1984. The standardized set of rules for the game was published in May 2008 and along with these rules is the Paddle Material Specifications which is revised as new paddles are tested and introduced to the marketplace.
Pickleball Canada is the only governing national pickleball organization for Canada. Pickleball Canada was initiated by a Founding Committee in 2006. In 2008, an official Board of Directors was elected and presently we have Board members from western, eastern and Maritime provinces with more than 400 paid members across Canada. This Board is a volunteer non-profit Board formed solely to promote and support the sport of pickleball. We do not sell, promote or endorse any specific products or paddles.
In 2010 Pickleball Canada joined the International Federation of Pickleball. This federation encompasses the USAPA (United States of America Pickleball Association), Pickleball Canada and the All India Pickleball Association. Each of the representative organizations supports the International Rules of Pickleball along with the associated paddle material specifications regulations. These specifications can be found at the following link:
http://ipickleball.org/rules/IFP_Paddle_Material_Specifications.pdf
It is important to note in paragraph (2) of the document: “In deciding any matter related to equipment, the IFP is required to interpret the Rules in a manner which will preserve the traditional nature and character of the game and preserve the skills traditionally required to play the game.” In the following paragraph the rules state: “Paddles that produce a trampoline effect similar to a stringed racquet are specifically disallowed.”
You will note that the only two paddles that do not pass the test for rigidity and compressibility are the Apike and current version of the Hush paddle which are both manufactured by Mr. Frank Wu and aggressively promoted by Mr. Chuck Lefaive.
It is Pickleball Canada’s contention that the Apike and Hush paddles not only represent an unfair advantage by players who choose to use them but more importantly represent a safety hazard to opposing players who by the very nature of the game stand 14’ away and can be subjected to a ball coming at them at a velocity that could be hazardous.
The following statement was copied directly, without any editing on my part, from Mr. Lefaive and Mr. Brent Johner’s retail web site, http://www.okpickleball.ca/
“3G pickleball paddles are made overseas. They have softer surfaces and offer a little more power and control. This small increase in power frightens some seniors. So some clubs and tournaments have banned them. However, they are proving to be very popular with players who dislike the edge guards on 2G pickleball paddles.
The revolutionary APIKE pickleball paddle is the top selling 3G paddle in the world. It is made entirely from advanced resins and polymers and features a vibration-absorbing core.
Older players at the beginner and intermediate levels are unlikely to notice any increase in power between this paddle and 2G pickleball paddles. However, younger, stronger and/or more advanced players may notice an ability to hit 5-10% faster with the Apike.”
The first paragraph says it all: “This small increase in power frightens some seniors.” Why, you may well ask? Because the ball is traveling at a velocity that can not only frighten but injure an opponent.
Pickleball Canada and the International Federation of Pickleball have long argued that the Apike and Hush paddles should not be used in tournament play. I am a competitive player that has reached an advanced level and the 5-10% that the above advertisement represents is a substantial velocity, one which I feel places me in jeopardy. In addition, the 5-10% they willingly concede may well be understating the real increase in velocity which I feel is an underestimation of their claim.
I respectfully submit that BC Senior Games and specifically you as chairperson of the Rules Committee have the obligation to preserve the nature of our game and to protect your participants from harm. This can only be accomplished with a fair playing field and adherence to internationals rules of play.
If you require any further information from Pickleball Canada or me personally, I’d be more than willing to discuss this matter further.
Regards,
Colin Caldwell – President
Pickleball Canada
president@pickleballcanada.org
The content of that letter is as follows:
BC Senior Games Society
203 – 2453 Beacon Avenue
Sidney, BC V8L 1X7
Attention: Darlene Currie – Rules Chairperson
Dear Ms. Currie:
I have been contacted by both Fred Hubbick and Ken Witt with respect to Pickleball Canada’s official position on the standard rules and paddle specifications for pickleball as it currently applies to tournament play throughout Canada, the USA and Internationally and as it should apply to any future BC Senior Games.
I have attached a letter which was sent to the editor of Senior Living Magazine as a result of some published errors in information that I can only assume were provided by Mr. Chuck Lefaive. The letter outlines the current status of pickleball nationally and is included in my correspondence in order to provide background information regarding Mr. Lefaive and his business partner, Mr. Brent Johner from Calgary.
The game of pickleball was created in the summer of 1965 and the US national association was formed in 1984. The standardized set of rules for the game was published in May 2008 and along with these rules is the Paddle Material Specifications which is revised as new paddles are tested and introduced to the marketplace.
Pickleball Canada is the only governing national pickleball organization for Canada. Pickleball Canada was initiated by a Founding Committee in 2006. In 2008, an official Board of Directors was elected and presently we have Board members from western, eastern and Maritime provinces with more than 400 paid members across Canada. This Board is a volunteer non-profit Board formed solely to promote and support the sport of pickleball. We do not sell, promote or endorse any specific products or paddles.
In 2010 Pickleball Canada joined the International Federation of Pickleball. This federation encompasses the USAPA (United States of America Pickleball Association), Pickleball Canada and the All India Pickleball Association. Each of the representative organizations supports the International Rules of Pickleball along with the associated paddle material specifications regulations. These specifications can be found at the following link:
http://ipickleball.org/rules/IFP_Paddle_Material_Specifications.pdf
It is important to note in paragraph (2) of the document: “In deciding any matter related to equipment, the IFP is required to interpret the Rules in a manner which will preserve the traditional nature and character of the game and preserve the skills traditionally required to play the game.” In the following paragraph the rules state: “Paddles that produce a trampoline effect similar to a stringed racquet are specifically disallowed.”
You will note that the only two paddles that do not pass the test for rigidity and compressibility are the Apike and current version of the Hush paddle which are both manufactured by Mr. Frank Wu and aggressively promoted by Mr. Chuck Lefaive.
It is Pickleball Canada’s contention that the Apike and Hush paddles not only represent an unfair advantage by players who choose to use them but more importantly represent a safety hazard to opposing players who by the very nature of the game stand 14’ away and can be subjected to a ball coming at them at a velocity that could be hazardous.
The following statement was copied directly, without any editing on my part, from Mr. Lefaive and Mr. Brent Johner’s retail web site, http://www.okpickleball.ca/
“3G pickleball paddles are made overseas. They have softer surfaces and offer a little more power and control. This small increase in power frightens some seniors. So some clubs and tournaments have banned them. However, they are proving to be very popular with players who dislike the edge guards on 2G pickleball paddles.
The revolutionary APIKE pickleball paddle is the top selling 3G paddle in the world. It is made entirely from advanced resins and polymers and features a vibration-absorbing core.
Older players at the beginner and intermediate levels are unlikely to notice any increase in power between this paddle and 2G pickleball paddles. However, younger, stronger and/or more advanced players may notice an ability to hit 5-10% faster with the Apike.”
The first paragraph says it all: “This small increase in power frightens some seniors.” Why, you may well ask? Because the ball is traveling at a velocity that can not only frighten but injure an opponent.
Pickleball Canada and the International Federation of Pickleball have long argued that the Apike and Hush paddles should not be used in tournament play. I am a competitive player that has reached an advanced level and the 5-10% that the above advertisement represents is a substantial velocity, one which I feel places me in jeopardy. In addition, the 5-10% they willingly concede may well be understating the real increase in velocity which I feel is an underestimation of their claim.
I respectfully submit that BC Senior Games and specifically you as chairperson of the Rules Committee have the obligation to preserve the nature of our game and to protect your participants from harm. This can only be accomplished with a fair playing field and adherence to internationals rules of play.
If you require any further information from Pickleball Canada or me personally, I’d be more than willing to discuss this matter further.
Regards,
Colin Caldwell – President
Pickleball Canada
president@pickleballcanada.org
Tuesday, September 13, 2011
PICKLEBALL CANADA SEPTEMBER NEWSLETTER
For anyone not on Pickleball Canada's email list here is the latest edition of Pickleball Canada's Newsletter. There are some great stories of interest and an interesting article that concerns all of us Snowbirds that escape to warmer climates in the US.
Enjoy
http://pickleballcanada.org/news/nl_2011_september.pdf
Enjoy
http://pickleballcanada.org/news/nl_2011_september.pdf
Monday, September 12, 2011
SENIOR LIVING MAGAZINE ARTICLE - FACT & FICTION
Hello Everyone:
There was a recent article in the Senior Living Magazine that promotes pickleball here in Canada. Unfortunately, Chuck Lefaive had a heavy hand in its creation so the facts may be a bit distorted.
A copy of the article can be viewed at the following link. http://www.seniorlivingmag.com/articles/a-passion-for-pickleball
I've written a response to the managing editor which outlines some of the longstanding issues we have had with Chuck and his organizations. I've copied my response here for you to view. It is quite a lengthy response so please forgive me for that.
Dear Ms. Reid:
As President of Pickleball Canada I’d like to comment on the attached news article by Jane Cassie.
While some of the historical information in the article was indeed correct there are a few statements that are inconsistent with the truth. It is understandable that there may be confusion due to the name of our long-standing organization known as Pickleball Canada which is run by a volunteer non-profit Board of Directors and the recently formed Canada Pickleball Association which is an organization for profit operated by Brent Johner of Calgary in conjunction with Mr. Lefaive. To my knowledge their organization is operated without a formal Board of Directors.
The article gives the impression that Mr. Lefaive was the sole founder of our national organization, Pickleball Canada. Mr. Lefaive was one of five original founding members that formed Pickleball Canada. To imply that he was the founder of the sport here in Canada does a disservice to the other founding members from various provinces who worked equally long and hard to promote the sport.
In fact, Mr. Lefaive is no longer a member of our national organization, Pickleball Canada. Over a year and a half ago Mr. Lefaive resigned from Pickleball Canada because our Board of Directors voted to join the IFP (International Federation of Pickleball) and to adopt the global set of rules that govern the sport and outline equipment conformance requirements.
You may well ask why would Mr. Lefaive chose to do that if he is such a proponent of the game?
Mr. Lefaive has for the past few years had a vested interest in selling two specific paddles. He worked with a gentleman from South Surrey to manufacture and promote these paddles. Unfortunately for Mr. Lefaive and the paddle designer when the paddles were submitted for testing and approval to the regulatory group, USAPA (US Pickleball Association) they both failed the test and were subsequently banned from all sanctioned tournament play. Due to that ban Mr. Lefaive broke with the USAPA and continues to promote the sale of these paddles here in BC and throughout Canada.
When the Board of Directors for Pickleball Canada adopted the IFP & USAPA rules including standards for all paddles to be used in sanctioned tournaments, Mr. Lefaive chose to withdraw from Pickleball Canada and set up a partnership with Mr. Johner’s Racquet Network in Calgary. Mr. Lefaive and Mr. Johner formed their own association. They named it Canada Pickleball Association.
Earlier this year Pickleball Canada prepared and filed an Allegation of Confusion with Corporations Canada against Mr. Lefaive’s newly formed association Canada Pickleball due to the infringement and confusion that the name represented. That allegation was upheld by Corporations Canada and Mr. Lefaive and company changed their name to Canadian Pickleball Federation.
As your article mentions Mr. Johner and Mr. Lefaive promoted what they called a National Tournament. This tournament was not sanctioned by the national association Pickleball Canada. What Mr. Lefaive failed to mention was that the tournament was so poorly attended (less than 30 players) that they were forced to shorten the event. To put it bluntly, their national tournament was a bust.
Mr. Lefaive was quick to point out that he attends at elementary schools to share his pickleball pointers and passion. What he fails to share is that his organization, Canadian Pickleball Federation or Canada Pickleball in association with Mr. Johner’s Racquet Network charges for teaching pickleball in their area. See the fee structure listed on Mr. Johner’s web site.
http://clubhouse.racquetnetwork.com/proshop/products/category/pickleball-lessons-in-calgary/
Pickleball Canada does not charge for any training sessions and does not promote the sale of any specific paddles.
Your article lists web sites to contact for more information on pickleball. All of the noted web sites are connected to Mr. Lefaive’s many groups and online retail services. I was very disappointed to note that while reference was made to our national organization, Pickleball Canada, we were not referenced along with Mr. Lefaive’s links.
I strongly suspect that Mr. Lefaive did not point out to the author that he was not associated with Pickleball Canada. In fact the cover page picture shows Mr. Lefaive wearing one of our Pickleball Canada name tags. So I can see how Ms. Cassie could have been confused by Mr. Lefaive’s representations.
I’m sure it is an industry standard to check the accuracy of any story before publication. Our web site, which was quoted in your article, www.pickleballcanada.org has a contact link and it would have been a welcome courtesy to vet the article with us given the fact we were referenced in the article.
Mr. Lefaive is a passionate promoter of pickleball and certain paddles. But in my personal opinion he is promoting pickleball for a price.
Your magazine article has helped to promote our sport by providing much needed exposure in the print media. We at Pickleball Canada appreciate your effort but wish to point out that there were errors in content.
If you require any further information or clarification please feel free to contact me by email or by phone.
Regards,
Colin Caldwell – President
Pickleball Canada Organization
There was a recent article in the Senior Living Magazine that promotes pickleball here in Canada. Unfortunately, Chuck Lefaive had a heavy hand in its creation so the facts may be a bit distorted.
A copy of the article can be viewed at the following link. http://www.seniorlivingmag.com/articles/a-passion-for-pickleball
I've written a response to the managing editor which outlines some of the longstanding issues we have had with Chuck and his organizations. I've copied my response here for you to view. It is quite a lengthy response so please forgive me for that.
Dear Ms. Reid:
As President of Pickleball Canada I’d like to comment on the attached news article by Jane Cassie.
While some of the historical information in the article was indeed correct there are a few statements that are inconsistent with the truth. It is understandable that there may be confusion due to the name of our long-standing organization known as Pickleball Canada which is run by a volunteer non-profit Board of Directors and the recently formed Canada Pickleball Association which is an organization for profit operated by Brent Johner of Calgary in conjunction with Mr. Lefaive. To my knowledge their organization is operated without a formal Board of Directors.
The article gives the impression that Mr. Lefaive was the sole founder of our national organization, Pickleball Canada. Mr. Lefaive was one of five original founding members that formed Pickleball Canada. To imply that he was the founder of the sport here in Canada does a disservice to the other founding members from various provinces who worked equally long and hard to promote the sport.
In fact, Mr. Lefaive is no longer a member of our national organization, Pickleball Canada. Over a year and a half ago Mr. Lefaive resigned from Pickleball Canada because our Board of Directors voted to join the IFP (International Federation of Pickleball) and to adopt the global set of rules that govern the sport and outline equipment conformance requirements.
You may well ask why would Mr. Lefaive chose to do that if he is such a proponent of the game?
Mr. Lefaive has for the past few years had a vested interest in selling two specific paddles. He worked with a gentleman from South Surrey to manufacture and promote these paddles. Unfortunately for Mr. Lefaive and the paddle designer when the paddles were submitted for testing and approval to the regulatory group, USAPA (US Pickleball Association) they both failed the test and were subsequently banned from all sanctioned tournament play. Due to that ban Mr. Lefaive broke with the USAPA and continues to promote the sale of these paddles here in BC and throughout Canada.
When the Board of Directors for Pickleball Canada adopted the IFP & USAPA rules including standards for all paddles to be used in sanctioned tournaments, Mr. Lefaive chose to withdraw from Pickleball Canada and set up a partnership with Mr. Johner’s Racquet Network in Calgary. Mr. Lefaive and Mr. Johner formed their own association. They named it Canada Pickleball Association.
Earlier this year Pickleball Canada prepared and filed an Allegation of Confusion with Corporations Canada against Mr. Lefaive’s newly formed association Canada Pickleball due to the infringement and confusion that the name represented. That allegation was upheld by Corporations Canada and Mr. Lefaive and company changed their name to Canadian Pickleball Federation.
As your article mentions Mr. Johner and Mr. Lefaive promoted what they called a National Tournament. This tournament was not sanctioned by the national association Pickleball Canada. What Mr. Lefaive failed to mention was that the tournament was so poorly attended (less than 30 players) that they were forced to shorten the event. To put it bluntly, their national tournament was a bust.
Mr. Lefaive was quick to point out that he attends at elementary schools to share his pickleball pointers and passion. What he fails to share is that his organization, Canadian Pickleball Federation or Canada Pickleball in association with Mr. Johner’s Racquet Network charges for teaching pickleball in their area. See the fee structure listed on Mr. Johner’s web site.
http://clubhouse.racquetnetwork.com/proshop/products/category/pickleball-lessons-in-calgary/
Pickleball Canada does not charge for any training sessions and does not promote the sale of any specific paddles.
Your article lists web sites to contact for more information on pickleball. All of the noted web sites are connected to Mr. Lefaive’s many groups and online retail services. I was very disappointed to note that while reference was made to our national organization, Pickleball Canada, we were not referenced along with Mr. Lefaive’s links.
I strongly suspect that Mr. Lefaive did not point out to the author that he was not associated with Pickleball Canada. In fact the cover page picture shows Mr. Lefaive wearing one of our Pickleball Canada name tags. So I can see how Ms. Cassie could have been confused by Mr. Lefaive’s representations.
I’m sure it is an industry standard to check the accuracy of any story before publication. Our web site, which was quoted in your article, www.pickleballcanada.org has a contact link and it would have been a welcome courtesy to vet the article with us given the fact we were referenced in the article.
Mr. Lefaive is a passionate promoter of pickleball and certain paddles. But in my personal opinion he is promoting pickleball for a price.
Your magazine article has helped to promote our sport by providing much needed exposure in the print media. We at Pickleball Canada appreciate your effort but wish to point out that there were errors in content.
If you require any further information or clarification please feel free to contact me by email or by phone.
Regards,
Colin Caldwell – President
Pickleball Canada Organization
REGISTRATION OF PICKLEBALL CANADA ORGANIZATION
After a long and arduous battle it was announced yesterday that Corporations Canada has finally approved our name Pickleball Canada Organization effective August 28, 2011.
This puts to rest the name battle with Canada Pickleball which tried to usurp our name. Many thanks to Bill Franzman, Shirley & Dave Shepherd and Jim Dixon for all their hard work in making this happen.
This puts to rest the name battle with Canada Pickleball which tried to usurp our name. Many thanks to Bill Franzman, Shirley & Dave Shepherd and Jim Dixon for all their hard work in making this happen.
Tuesday, August 23, 2011
BC Senior Games Pictures
Hello Everyone:
I've posted some of the pictures from the BC Senior Games. They are at the following link. Feel free to share this link with anyone who attended.
http://s1112.photobucket.com/albums/k493/colincaldwell/BC%20Senior%20Games/
I've posted some of the pictures from the BC Senior Games. They are at the following link. Feel free to share this link with anyone who attended.
http://s1112.photobucket.com/albums/k493/colincaldwell/BC%20Senior%20Games/
PICKLEBALL CANADA WINS THE NAME BATTLE
Pickleball Canada has received a notification that Canada Pickleball Association has changed its name to Canadian Pickleball Federation. The Canada Pickleball name was the name Brent and Chuck had registered.
It has been a long hard battle to preserve our name and to prevent confusion as to who truly is the representative for pickleball in Canada. Don't be fooled by imitations.
It has been a long hard battle to preserve our name and to prevent confusion as to who truly is the representative for pickleball in Canada. Don't be fooled by imitations.
Pickleball - Wednesday August 23rd
Hello Everyone:
Pickleball will be held at Cloverdale Wednesday from 1-3 PM. Hope to see you there.
Pickleball will be held at Cloverdale Wednesday from 1-3 PM. Hope to see you there.
Monday, August 15, 2011
PICKLEBALL NOT PROFITABLE IN CALGARY
I found an interesting article in Calgary's Pickleball News. It describes the state of affairs for Pickleball in Calgary which is supported financially by Brent's Racquet Network. Brent is losing money with his pay for play agenda and the only thing keeping him afloat is the sale of paddles and other equipment.
Here's the article in its entirety. The last paragraph is certainly an eye opener.
Pickelball Not Profitable in Calgary
Here's the article in its entirety. The last paragraph is certainly an eye opener.
Pickelball Not Profitable in Calgary
In the fall of 2010, Racquet Network administrators promised our players that we would carefully study the revenue numbers for pickleball over the winter and report back to them in the spring. Now that spring is here, we can do that.
In summary, pickleball activities in Calgary cost Racquet Network more than they earned over the winter of 2010/2011. Attempts to expand to Marlborough during prime time were particularly costly when the number of players who actually participated failed to match the number of players who indicated they would participate. Our competitive program at the West Hillhurst Community Centre also lost money when the number of competitive players failed to live up to expectations.
But even if we set those costly mistakes aside, it is clear that pickleball in Calgary has a long way to go before it can be considered a profitable activity.
Example: Southland Leisure Centre
The Southland Leisure Centre rents us courts on Tuesday mornings for the city’s largest pickleball program. The facility has eight courts, but only seven of these can be used because we need space for players to gather and be sorted into teams. This gives us a maximum of seven functional courts.
In order to access this facility, Racquet Network has to sign a contract and pay for all courts up front. The total paid in advance last season was well over $2000.00. These court rental costs are then added to staff wages, equipment costs, marketing costs and administrative costs and then divided to give us a total cost per session.
Once all costs and revenues are taken into account, the numbers break down like this …
When half of the courts at Southland were occupied last winter, we lost $47.62 per session. When three-quarters of the courts were occupied, we made $10.48 per session. When all of the courts were occupied we made $68.58 per session.
Only once over the winter of 2010/2011 were all of the courts at Southland occupied. In fact, 74% of the sessions were half-full. This means that Racquet Network lost money on 74% of the pickleball sessions we ran there last year.
All in all, Racquet Network paid out $318.85 more than we took in on the Southland Leisure Centre pickleball program in 2010/2011.
Under these circumstances, one might reasonably expect that the program would be cancelled for next season — something we seriously considered.
Fortunately, the program at Southland also generated just enough in sales of racquets, grips, shoes and other merchandise to make up the difference. So, overall, the program came close to breaking even and is considered a reasonable risk for 2011/2012.
So what does this mean for next season?
In order to minimize risk for next winter, Racquet Network will be sponsoring only three pickleball programs. One will be at the Southland Leisure Centre, two will be at the West Hillhurst Community Centre. Two of these programs will be day time programs, one will be a competitive, prime time program.
If these programs fail to cover their costs, Racquet Network will have no choice but to abandon support for pickleball the following season. While we genuinely love the sport, we cannot support any activity that is not able to at least cover its own programming costs.
Pickleball Monday August 15
I hope everyone has had a great weekend and that you are all rested up. The general consensus is that Monday's pickleball will be at SSRC from 11:00 - 1:00 Personally, I don't favour playing at SSRC much anymore but the majority I've talked with indicated that they'd be there. If it is really busy I will probably stop in at Cloverdale afterwards to see if anybody is there.
Anyway, come and join in and get your game face on for those of you attending this week's Senior Games.
Tuesday, August 9, 2011
BC Pickleball Contact List Inquiries
Recently, there's been emails received by many of our Pickleball Canada members from a gal named Kathleen Thomas. I suspect these emails have been generated from Chuck's contact list.
BC Pickleball is Chuck's new organization that is connected with Canada Pickleball or Canadian Pickleball Federation (whichever name they are currently adopting) All these organizations are connected with Chuck and Brent and as published before they are NOT affiliated with Pickleball Canada.
The email requests the recipient to confirm if they would like to stay on BC Pickleball's email list. The next email you probably will get from them is a request to sign up for BC Pickleball, for free of course, and then they'll want you to sign up for Brent's group as well.
I'm not sure who Ms Thomas is but I find it hard to believe that someone who indicates on her email signature that she winters in Arizona can support a group that promotes Apike and Hush paddles. Amazing!
BC Pickleball is Chuck's new organization that is connected with Canada Pickleball or Canadian Pickleball Federation (whichever name they are currently adopting) All these organizations are connected with Chuck and Brent and as published before they are NOT affiliated with Pickleball Canada.
The email requests the recipient to confirm if they would like to stay on BC Pickleball's email list. The next email you probably will get from them is a request to sign up for BC Pickleball, for free of course, and then they'll want you to sign up for Brent's group as well.
I'm not sure who Ms Thomas is but I find it hard to believe that someone who indicates on her email signature that she winters in Arizona can support a group that promotes Apike and Hush paddles. Amazing!
Pickleball Wednesday August 10th - Cloverdale
Hello everyone. Pickleball will be at Cloverdale this Wednesday from 1-3 PM. I'm really looking forward to a good turnout and some great games. I apologize for not publishing lately but I've been pretty busy down at Harrison Lake with the new lot. I'll try to keep you better informed.
Cloverdale Round Robin - Saturday September 17, 2011
For those of you that are looking for an alternative to SSRC's Tournament I'm organizing a round robin pickleball event at Cloverdale Rec Centre on Saturday September 17, 2011.
I've sent out invitations to many of the Cloverdale and SSRC group to join us for a rousing 3 hours of pickleball. If you are interested please email me at cbcaldwell@shaw.ca and get on the player list. I will publish the list as participants indicate they are playing.
I look forward to seeing you there.
I've sent out invitations to many of the Cloverdale and SSRC group to join us for a rousing 3 hours of pickleball. If you are interested please email me at cbcaldwell@shaw.ca and get on the player list. I will publish the list as participants indicate they are playing.
I look forward to seeing you there.
South Surrey "Recreational" Pickleball Tournament
South Surrey is holding their annual pickleball tournament on Saturday September 17, 2011 and unlike the previous years the tournament has become a recreational event. South Surrey has taken over the organizing of the event from the tournament committee that had organized and run a very successful USAPA rules tournament in the past.
The new tournament will be played without the benefit of either Pickleball Canada's, USAPA or IFP rules and therefore all non-sanctioned paddles will be allowed.
In addition, SSRC management has indicated that there will be drop-down draws with no separation between competitive and recreational players. This does not bode well with many of the competitive players who are choosing not to participate due to the lack of competition.
I too have chosen not to sign up partly in protest of the organizational change and the lack of true competitive play. If you are disappointed in the change in format I'd advise you to do the same.
The new tournament will be played without the benefit of either Pickleball Canada's, USAPA or IFP rules and therefore all non-sanctioned paddles will be allowed.
In addition, SSRC management has indicated that there will be drop-down draws with no separation between competitive and recreational players. This does not bode well with many of the competitive players who are choosing not to participate due to the lack of competition.
I too have chosen not to sign up partly in protest of the organizational change and the lack of true competitive play. If you are disappointed in the change in format I'd advise you to do the same.
Monday, July 4, 2011
Mark Friedenburg Joins Pickleball Canada
In a show of support Mark Friedenburg, president of Pro Lite Sports, has become a member of Pickleball Canada. It is refreshing to witness this spirit of cooperation between our friends in the US and the governing body of Pickleball in Canada.
Mark has been and continues to be a major proponent of Pickleball in the US. His "Official Pickleball Handbook" has long been a major training tool within the sport. I've read and re-read it several times and I would recommend the book to anyone who enjoys the game and want to improve their technique.
Considering the struggle Pickleball Canada has been facing these past months it is rewarding to see this kind of support coming from an icon of the game. Pickleball Canada welcomes Mark to our ranks.
Mark has been and continues to be a major proponent of Pickleball in the US. His "Official Pickleball Handbook" has long been a major training tool within the sport. I've read and re-read it several times and I would recommend the book to anyone who enjoys the game and want to improve their technique.
Considering the struggle Pickleball Canada has been facing these past months it is rewarding to see this kind of support coming from an icon of the game. Pickleball Canada welcomes Mark to our ranks.
Wednesday, June 29, 2011
Pickleball Wednesday June 29th - Cloverdale
Today's Pickleball is planned for Cloverdale starting at 1:00 PM. I hope to see you all there. Have a great day.
Friday, June 17, 2011
Pickleblall Friday June 17th
Hello Folks, Pickleball will be at Cloverdale today from 10-12. I hope to see you all there.
Tuesday, June 14, 2011
Pickleball Canada Board Reorganization
There have been some recent changes to the Board of Directors for Pickleball Canada.
Wayne Roswell, VP, had to resign due to a very heavy schedule. Wayne is the President of Pickleball Ontario and is heavily involved with that organization. When Wayne Roswell resigned his position as VP, Colin Caldwell was appointed by the Board to fill the vacancy.
Bill Canning, the President of the Board, recently required hospitalization and though he is recovering well at home now he felt that the pressure of the position was just too much for him at this time. When Bill resigned the position of President, according to our Bylaws, was filled by the VP and once again Colin Caldwell was appointed and confirmed as President by the Board of Directors.
The remaining Board of Directors voted to appoint Bill Canning as Past President which is a voting position on the Board. We wanted to retain Bill's expertise on the Board and we hope this will accomplish that goal.
Donna Robins, from Ontario, also tendered her resignation stating personal reasons.
Lastly, upon recommendation from Bev Butt, we have succeeded in adding another member to the Board. Bill Furse, from Ontario, has graciously accepted a position on the Board.
All these changes have been dramatic in nature and I am certainly keenly aware of the import and heavy responsibility that has been thrust my way. I am confident that with the assistance of our Board and with the experience of our Past President that I will have all the help needed to move our organization forward.
The Pickleball Canada website will be updated shortly to show all the changes and committee reorganization once appointments have been made.
Thank you all for your support.
Colin Caldwell
Wayne Roswell, VP, had to resign due to a very heavy schedule. Wayne is the President of Pickleball Ontario and is heavily involved with that organization. When Wayne Roswell resigned his position as VP, Colin Caldwell was appointed by the Board to fill the vacancy.
Bill Canning, the President of the Board, recently required hospitalization and though he is recovering well at home now he felt that the pressure of the position was just too much for him at this time. When Bill resigned the position of President, according to our Bylaws, was filled by the VP and once again Colin Caldwell was appointed and confirmed as President by the Board of Directors.
The remaining Board of Directors voted to appoint Bill Canning as Past President which is a voting position on the Board. We wanted to retain Bill's expertise on the Board and we hope this will accomplish that goal.
Donna Robins, from Ontario, also tendered her resignation stating personal reasons.
Lastly, upon recommendation from Bev Butt, we have succeeded in adding another member to the Board. Bill Furse, from Ontario, has graciously accepted a position on the Board.
All these changes have been dramatic in nature and I am certainly keenly aware of the import and heavy responsibility that has been thrust my way. I am confident that with the assistance of our Board and with the experience of our Past President that I will have all the help needed to move our organization forward.
The Pickleball Canada website will be updated shortly to show all the changes and committee reorganization once appointments have been made.
Thank you all for your support.
Colin Caldwell
Pickleball Wednesday June 15th - Cloverdale
Hi everyone, I hope you are all enjoying the break from the rainy weather. Pickleball at SSRC this past Monday was very crowded and frankly I know i was disappointed. We might need to see if Cloverdale's management can move Monday's play to an earlier time so that we can play there instead.
Anyway, pickleball this Wednesday is scheduled for Cloverdale from 1-3 PM. Let' hope for a great turnout and some ever better games.
Anyway, pickleball this Wednesday is scheduled for Cloverdale from 1-3 PM. Let' hope for a great turnout and some ever better games.
Thursday, June 9, 2011
Pickleball Friday June 10th - Cloverdale
Hi Folks:
Pickleball for the competitive players will be at Cloverdale this Friday from 10:00 - 12:00. I won't be able to attend as I will be at the lake this weekend.
There seems to be a number of new developments in the pickleball world and I will try to give you updates as they happen. Keep checking in to hear the latest news.
Pickleball for the competitive players will be at Cloverdale this Friday from 10:00 - 12:00. I won't be able to attend as I will be at the lake this weekend.
There seems to be a number of new developments in the pickleball world and I will try to give you updates as they happen. Keep checking in to hear the latest news.
Wednesday, June 8, 2011
The New National Governing Body for Pickleball in Canada
There has been a recent development here in Canada. The new profit centre, Canada Pickleball, has decided to change its name to The Canadian Pickleball Federation and along with that its owner, Brent Johner from Calgary, has appointed his "federation" the governing body for the sport of pickleball in all of Canada. See the announcement on the web at http://canadapickleball.ca/
I'm amazed at the audacity of Mr Johner and company but maybe I shouldn't be so amazed as Chuck has been self appointing himself any number of things in the past months and years.
I'm amazed at the audacity of Mr Johner and company but maybe I shouldn't be so amazed as Chuck has been self appointing himself any number of things in the past months and years.
This proclamation along with the the article on Mr Johner's web site titled "Our Hidden Agenda" outlines their intent to become the governing body for pickleball in Canada to secure funding from Sports Canada. Once again, this all comes down to money. http://canadapickleball.ca/?p=79
By definition a "federation" is a group of states with a central government but with independence in internal affairs. Mr Johner could have joined the truly international federation of pickleball, the IFP, but because he insists on promoting the Apike and Hush paddles they cannot.
The IFP is the true federation of pickleball with representatives in the USA, India and Canada. Pickleball Canada is a proud member of that federation and we fully believe in promoting pickleball nationally and internationally through the federation.
Mr Johner and the Canadian Pickleball Federation can call themselves what they want and represent themselves however they wish but in the end they are fooling no one. It is a money grab and that's all it is.
Where will this all end? I don't know but I am sick and tired of these self appointed guns for hire entrepreneurs that think only of what kind of profit they can make out of pickleball.
Pickleball Wednesday June 8th
Sorry I am late in getting this out but I’ve been down at the lake and just got back this morning. Pickleball for the competitive group will be at Cloverdale today from 1:00-3:00. Hope to see you all there.
Friday, June 3, 2011
Pickleball Friday June 3rd - Cloverdale
Hi folk, pickleball will be at Cloverdale today starting at 10:00 AM till Noon. I hope to see everyone there.
Tuesday, May 31, 2011
The Great Canadian Pickleball Wars
There is currently a battle raging in Canada between two organizations, Pickleball Canada Association and a newly formed group out of Calgary, Canada Pickleball Association.
One might very well ask two questions: why are there two separate groups vying to represent pickleball across Canada and why is there so much animosity between the two?
A brief history of pickleball in Canada is in order. Five founding members formed Pickleball Canada in 2009. The object of the association was to increase awareness of pickleball across Canada through demos, radio, TV interviews and a monthly Pickleball Canada Newsletter. Membership grew through 2009 and into 2010 to 300 members across Canada.
In 2010 the founding members stepped aside in favor of a Board of Directors, who would create a set of Bylaws and establish the mission to promote the sport and spread the opportunity for players to find places to play. That mission is still evident to this day. Pickleball Canada offers guides and instruction materials on the game and does not charge for training or associated materials.
In the fall of 2010 Mr. Brent Johner of the Oakridge Racquet Club in Calgary requested that Pickleball Canada sanction what was to be billed as the Canadian National Pickleball Championships to be held in Calgary in July 2011. Mr. Johner’s group does not support the International Federation of Pickleball (IFP) or the USAPA rules concerning paddle material specifications. They insisted that the tournament be open to all people and all paddles. Mr. Johner is a promoter and retailer of the Apike and Hush paddles and sells these paddles through his many web sites including www.okpickleball.ca and http://clubhouse.racquetnetwork.com/proshop/products/category/pickleball/
An Annual General Meeting of Pickleball Canada was held in February 2011 in Arizona, where many of the board members reside during the winter months. At that time Mr. Johner made an unsuccessful bid to be elected to the Board of Directors of Pickleball Canada. Also at that meeting a motion was passed to adopt the International Federation of Pickleball Rules and USAPA Rules that include the guidelines on paddles. See Paddle Material Specifications.
Upon learning of the vote to accept the IFP Rules, Mr. Johner took three actions: he denounced the decision to standardize the rules for all sanctioned tournament play in Canada; he dropped the Pickleball Canada sanctioning for what was now his Canadian National Pickleball Championship Tournament; and he announced that his tournament would be open to all paddles, but not all players. He disallowed all US player participation, even those that had previously registered.
Since that time Mr. Johner, along with Chuck Lefaive from British Columbia and Marcel Lemieux from Quebec (who by the way were two of the founding members), have waged a war against Pickleball Canada. It is interesting to note that of the five original founding members, three have chosen to remain on Pickleball Canada’s Board of Directors. They are Bev Butt, Wayne Roswell and Bill Franzman.
One of the first volleys was to officially register the name Canada Pickleball Association with Corporations Canada, even though the name they chose closely matches the existing Pickleball Canada Association brand that had been in existence for over 2 years. Next the upstart group offered free memberships to attract new members hoping, I suspect, to legitimize their claim to be a bona fide association and not just a vehicle to sell Apike paddles. All new members must take the “Players’s Pledge” that includes the words “--- respect every player’s right to choose their own paddle.”
Their web site has included articles such as “Study Stated Apike Pickleball Paddle Safe”. Interestingly enough, there seems to be some disagreement between the two gentlemen relative to Apike performance. Chuck Lefaive has long insisted that the Apike is no different from any other paddle when it comes to the speed it can produce or the spin it can apply to the ball. Mr. Johner, on the other hand, states in his article that, depending on the level of player, there can be up to a 10% increase in the speed at which the ball can be propelled with an Apike. He also states in his article “Who’s Afraid of the Big Bad Apike?” “Some prefer it (the Apike) because it offers (and delivers) superior spin and control”. These admissions are very interesting considering that the promoters of the Apike have long shied away from admitting there is any advantage when it comes to velocity or spin. I wonder if Mr. Johner vetted his remarks through Frank Wu (the designer) or Chuck Lefaive? Obviously, they have failed to get their story straight.
So, the battle will continue between the two groups. On one hand you have the founding organization, Pickleball Canada, a non-profit organization whose primary goal is to promote the sport and provide free training tools to all. On the other hand you have the new association, Canada Pickleball, a for-profit group that promotes and sells Apike and Hush paddles and charges considerable fees for teaching pickleball and hosting tournaments. I was amazed at the cost for lessons that Mr. Johner is charging through his Racquet Network site. Check it out for yourself at Pickleball Lessons in Calgary. Mr. Johner’s Canadian National Pickleball Championship costs $65.00 per event, fairly pricey if you play in 2 or 3 events.
Mr. Johner and Canada Pickleball do not believe in volunteer pickleball programs. He does believe in making money. The only way to grow pickleball, in his estimation, is to make a business out of the sport. He states, “In general, volunteer-run programs work only where very special (and rare) volunteers can be found to make them work. In the absence of such a special person, there has to be an economic motive for somebody else to make it grow. It doesn’t matter if that person is a facility manager, a program leader, a racquet dealer, a teaching pro or a club owner. The sport will grow successfully only in those areas where somebody earns income by making it grow.” Furthermore, he believes the only way to grow our sport is to pay professionals to organize the game. “At the end of the day, pickleball is like any other sport. It has to pay both its court costs and the wages of the people doing the work. If it is unable to do this, pickleball will not be taken seriously by facility managers and will eventually be pushed aside by other sports who are able to pay their way. Equally important, though, is that pickleball will not be taken seriously by the players if the fee structures are unsustainable. The most important thing I have learned as the Executive Director for Racquet Network is this: FREE PROGRAMS ATTRACT FREE RIDERS. It is impossible to build anything sustainable around free riders.”
Let me make something very clear. Pickleball Canada did not ban the use of the Apike and Hush paddles for everyday use. If one chooses to play with an Apike or Hush paddle, that’s up to the individual. What Pickleball Canada maintains is that only approved paddles can be used in Pickleball Canada Sanctioned Tournaments.
Personally, I have chosen not to use them and I try not to play in any tournament where they are allowed. I don’t even like to play against them at the recreational level and avoid doing so whenever possible. Both the Apike and Hush paddles provide an unfair advantage to those that use them.
In conclusion, my opinion as a proud member of both Pickleball Canada and the USAPA, is that Mr. Johner is manipulating and manhandling the sport I love so dearly in order to market his products and services. He is using Canada Pickleball to promote that agenda. In addition, Mr. Johner and Chuck Lefaive have put profits ahead of the sport, and, frankly, I find their attack on Pickleball Canada, the original legitimate organization, self serving and distasteful.
All of us true patrons of the sport hope that in the coming months we can put an end to this debate and get on with promoting the true sport of pickleball here in Canada.
Competitive Pickleball - Wednesday June 1st At Cloverdale
Hello Everyone, Wednesday's pickleball for the competitive group will be at Cloverdale from 1:00 - 3:00 PM Let's hope we have a good turnout and a chance to get in some great games.
Friday, May 27, 2011
Monday May 30th - Pickleball
Hello everyone. We had a very good turnout at Cloverdale this past Friday. We had three courts going pretty much non-stop with some excellent play. It was great to see Bill Copeland and Reg Skinner out on the courts. Maybe we'll see more of them in the coming weeks if we can pry them off the tennis courts.
Monday's pickleball will be at SSRC from 11:00-1:00 PM and then for those who still want more play Cloverdale begins at 2:00-4:00.
Hope to see you all there and of course, have a great weekend.
Monday's pickleball will be at SSRC from 11:00-1:00 PM and then for those who still want more play Cloverdale begins at 2:00-4:00.
Hope to see you all there and of course, have a great weekend.
Wednesday, May 25, 2011
Wednesday May 25th Pickleball
Hello everyone, today's pickleball will be at Cloverdale Recreation Centre starting at 1:00 PM We look forward to a good turnout.
Sunday, May 22, 2011
Pickleball Canada Supports DREAMS Spring Break Programs
"In gracious recognition of Pickleball Canada Association for their generous support of the DREAMS Spring Break Programs in the Surrey School District, signed by Laurae McNally, Chair, Board of School Trustees, School District No. 38 (Surrey), April 4, 2011"
During this Spring Break Program, Dave, Shirley, Mike Shepherd and Herb Peters gave free Pickleball instructions to approximately 180 students at five schools in Surrey, B.C.
Saturday, May 21, 2011
Palm Creek Pickleball Tournament 2011 Video
Hi folks, here's a great video courtesy of Caryn McComas who attended our tournament in March and put together this video with the help of her daughter, Lacy. Turn up the volume and enjoy.
Palm Creek 8th Annual Tournament Video
Palm Creek 8th Annual Tournament Video
Victoria Pickleball Tournament - Response to Apike Question
As promised, here's the response I received from James Guzzo who I suspect is on the Victoria Tournament committee.
Hi Colin,
Thank you for your e-mail. The Apike and Hush paddles will be allowed in the upcoming Victoria tournament. We want this event to be as inclusive as possible given its recreation and social character. Most players around here who use these paddles do so for orthopedic reasons, finding them much less stressful on wrists and elbows. I know a number who would not be playing pickleball if it weren't for the Apike or Hush paddle and their participation in this wonderful sport with its physical, psychological and social benefits is far more important than scoring more points than one's opponent.
I'm sure there will be many paddle and ball innovations in Pickleball over the next few years but let's hope it always remains the fun and social sport we love.
Regards,
James Guzzo
Hi Colin,
Thank you for your e-mail. The Apike and Hush paddles will be allowed in the upcoming Victoria tournament. We want this event to be as inclusive as possible given its recreation and social character. Most players around here who use these paddles do so for orthopedic reasons, finding them much less stressful on wrists and elbows. I know a number who would not be playing pickleball if it weren't for the Apike or Hush paddle and their participation in this wonderful sport with its physical, psychological and social benefits is far more important than scoring more points than one's opponent.
I'm sure there will be many paddle and ball innovations in Pickleball over the next few years but let's hope it always remains the fun and social sport we love.
Regards,
James Guzzo
Pickleball Monday May 23rd
Hello Everyone:
I checked with Cloverdale and they couldn’t tell me whether or not they had cancelled pickleball for Monday. It seems that badminton is cancelled but there was no info on pickleball.
I called South Surrey and they are open for business and have extended their hours for 55+ from 11:00 – 2:00. So, I’m suggesting that we attend at SSRC instead. I hope that works for everyone. See you there.
I checked with Cloverdale and they couldn’t tell me whether or not they had cancelled pickleball for Monday. It seems that badminton is cancelled but there was no info on pickleball.
I called South Surrey and they are open for business and have extended their hours for 55+ from 11:00 – 2:00. So, I’m suggesting that we attend at SSRC instead. I hope that works for everyone. See you there.
Tuesday, May 17, 2011
Creekside Recreation Centre - Pickleball in Vancouver
Thanks to Bob and Georgia I was able to attend a training session with the folks at the brand new facility, Creekside Recreation Centre in Vancouver which is situated at the Olympic Village site.
It is a lovely scenic area and I was quite impressed with the caliber of play that is evident after only a short while in operation. They have a great base from which to draw and with a few pointers the group should be well on their way to becoming very competitive.
I look forward to be able to visit again and see how much improvement has been made. I also invite them to join us at Cloverdale or South Surrey....but watch out for Chuck, he'll try his hardest to sell you an Apike.
I look forward to be able to visit again and see how much improvement has been made. I also invite them to join us at Cloverdale or South Surrey....but watch out for Chuck, he'll try his hardest to sell you an Apike.
Sunday, May 15, 2011
West Kelowna Pickleball Tournament
On Saturday May 14th, 2011 our friends in Kelowna put on their annual spring Pickleball tournament. It was a fabulous event, well attended and very well organized.
This was the first big tournament of the season here in BC and we look forward to many more in the coming months.
Thanks to Jim Saunders and his tournament team for putting on a great tournament.
This was the first big tournament of the season here in BC and we look forward to many more in the coming months.
Thanks to Jim Saunders and his tournament team for putting on a great tournament.
Thursday, May 12, 2011
Creekside Recreation Centre - Vancouver
The Creekside Community Recreation Centre has begun a pickleball program and currently hosts drop-in sessions three times a week. You can visit their web site for schedule and times at: http://vancouver.ca/parks/cc/creekside/index.htm
It is interesting note that Chuck has been busy already trying to persuade the management team to let him organize training session. Of course he's asked management if they have paddles available for training sessions and I'm sure he'll bring along some for the folks to try.
Shirley Shepherd and I have indicated that we'd be happy to drop in and offer FREE suggestions on training or just to let people know about the rules and techniques of the game. We hope to organize something for next Tuesday or Thursday.
It is interesting note that Chuck has been busy already trying to persuade the management team to let him organize training session. Of course he's asked management if they have paddles available for training sessions and I'm sure he'll bring along some for the folks to try.
Shirley Shepherd and I have indicated that we'd be happy to drop in and offer FREE suggestions on training or just to let people know about the rules and techniques of the game. We hope to organize something for next Tuesday or Thursday.
Tuesday, May 10, 2011
Competitive Players Schedule - Wednesday May 11th, 2011
Play for the competitive Surrey "Cut-throats" will be at Cloverdale Rec Centre this Wednesday May 11, 2011 from 1:00-3:00 PM
We are all looking forward to some great games and some great SLAMS...bring your full body armour.
We are all looking forward to some great games and some great SLAMS...bring your full body armour.
Victoria Pickleball Tournament
I recently received a poster for the upcoming tournament on Vancouver Island at the Saanich Commonwealth Place on June 4 & 5, 2011. The poster indicated that "Official Pickleball Rules Apply". I also received a copy of an email from Chuck Lefaive that indicated that all paddles would be welcome. I took the opportunity to email the tournament director, Susan Guest, to ask for clarification. Here's the email I sent.
I will post any reply I may receive.
Dear Ms. Guest:
I have received a copy of your email to Chuck Lefaive through Bill Franzman of Pickleball Canada‚s Board of Directors and I‚d appreciate if you could clarify the rules of your tournament. Your poster states that the Official Pickleball rules apply which I‚m assuming is the USAPA and IFP rules found at:
http://www.ipickleball.org/rules/pbrules-ifp.pdf
http://www.ipickleball.org/rules/IFP_Paddle_Material_Specifications.pdf
http://www.usapa.org/officialrules/
In Mr. Lefaives‚ email he states that all players and all paddles are welcome. That statement therefore contradicts the position you advertise on your poster and I‚m confused by the contradiction. Could you clarify?
As a member of the Board of Directors for Pickleball Canada I have long taken the position that the inclusion of the Apike and Hush paddles into tournament play provides an unfair advantage to players who chose to use those paddles. The USAPA has banned the use of the Apike and Hush paddles in their sanctioned tournaments and I‚m surprised that any bona fide tournament committee would chose to allow them in tournament play.
Of course each tournament committee must decide for themselves which set of rules they intend on applying to their tournament. It might be wise to clarify your poster to avoid any misrepresentation.
If you do chose to follow the „Official Pickleball Rules‰ I would whole heartedly recommend to my fellow players here in South Surrey, Cloverdale and Abbotsford that they participate in your tournament. I myself would enjoy playing but have made it a personal rule never to play in tournaments where Apike or Hush paddles are allowed. I look forward to your response.
Regards,
Colin Caldwell
cbcaldwell@shaw.ca
I will post any reply I may receive.
Abbotsford Pickleball Tournament
The Abbotsford Recreation Centre will be holding their annual tournament on July 9, 2011. This is a NON-APIKE HUSH Paddle Tournament using IFP Rules. Contact Shirley Shepherd at shirleyshepherd@shaw.ca for further information or registration information.
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