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.
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