A Case for Adding Para-Standing (Adaptive Standing) Pickleball to the USA Pickleball Rulebook
1. Precedent in Adaptive Sports: Para-Standing Tennis
Para-standing tennis has established a strong competitive structure within adaptive sports.
While wheelchair tennis is in the Paralympics, para-standing tennis has developed
internationally through dedicated tournaments, classifications, and growing player participation.
This success demonstrates a clear demand and pathway for adaptive standing sports within
racket and paddle sports.
2. Expanding Competitive Inclusion
USA Pickleball already recognizes wheelchair pickleball, showing a commitment to
accessibility. However, athletes with physical disabilities who do not use wheelchairs—such as
amputees, individuals with limb impairments, or those with conditions like cerebral
palsy—currently have no formal division. Recognizing para-standing pickleball would create
new competitive opportunities and ensure that more athletes can compete on an equitable
playing field.
3. Alignment with Pickleball’s Core Values
Pickleball prides itself on being accessible, inclusive, and community-driven. Formalizing
para-standing pickleball aligns with these values by ensuring that all players with disabilities, not
just wheelchair-users, have a recognized pathway for participation and competition.
4. Competitive Integrity & Classification
Para-standing tennis has successfully introduced classification categories to ensure fair play
among athletes with different impairments. A similar system in para-standing pickleball could
categorize players based on their level of function, ensuring that competition remains balanced
while maintaining the integrity of the game.
5. Adaptive Rule Adjustments: One-Bounce vs. Two-Bounce Play
To maintain fairness and accommodate a range of physical disabilities, para-standing pickleball
could implement a one-bounce or two-bounce rule based on an athlete’s mobility. Players
with below-knee amputations or physical disabilities that do not prevent them from running
would follow the standard one-bounce rule. Meanwhile, athletes with above-knee amputations,
those whose disabilities prevent them from running, and players with short stature would be
allowed two bounces. To assist referees and opponents in distinguishing between
classifications, athletes permitted two bounces could wear a colored bracelet during matches.
This system, similar to classification methods used in other adaptive sports, ensures that each
player has a fair and competitive experience while maintaining the core principles of pickleball.
6. Growing Interest & Participation
With the rapid growth of both adaptive sports and pickleball, more athletes with physical
disabilities are taking up the sport. Some already play recreationally but lack official competitive
opportunities. Establishing para-standing pickleball in the rulebook would provide a clear
competitive structure, from grassroots play to potential national championships.
7. Potential for National & International Growth
Just as para-standing tennis has expanded into organized competitions, adding para-standing
pickleball to USA Pickleball’s Rulebook could set the stage for national tournaments, adaptive
leagues, and eventually international play. This could lead to partnerships with organizations like
the USOPC (United States Olympic & Paralympic Committee) and future inclusion in multi-
sport adaptive events.
Conclusion: The Time is Now
By recognizing para-standing pickleball, USA Pickleball would not only meet the needs of a
growing adaptive athlete base but also solidify its role as a leader in inclusion and
accessibility in sports. The success of para-standing tennis proves that this model works, and
pickleball—known for its adaptability—has the perfect opportunity to follow suit.
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