Adaptive Standing Division
The Adaptive Standing Division is a recognized division of USA Pickleball for players with permanent physical disabilities who compete in a standing position. This division provides an inclusive and competitive format while maintaining the integrity and spirit of the sport.
Eligibility:
• Players must have a permanent physical disability that significantly affects mobility, balance, or coordination, and do not use a wheelchair during play.
• Eligible disabilities may include but are not limited to: lower-limb amputation, limb difference, cerebral palsy, stroke, neurological conditions, or spinal cord injury with ambulatory function.
• Eligibility may be verified by self-assessment or, for sanctioned tournaments, via a letter from a physician confirming a permanent physical disability affecting mobility, balance, or coordination.
Division Modifications:
• Players may use assistive devices such as prosthetics, orthotics, braces, crutches, or canes.
• Assistive devices are treated as part of the body for determining foot faults and legal play.
• Adaptive Standing Players with significant mobility or balance limitations may opt to use the two-bounce rule, provided they declare it prior to play. See Rule Proposal 4. If there is any doubt about the player’s eligibility for the two-bounce allowance, that player should not take the two-bounce allowance. The spirit of this rule is to create a more even playing field in the Adaptive Standing Division.
Hybrid Play:
• Adaptive Standing players may compete in integrated play with non-disabled athletes. Only eligible Adaptive Standing players may use the two-bounce rule in hybrid play and must declare this accommodation before the match.
Original Rule Text
No existing rule establishing an Adaptive Standing Division.
Reasoning Behind Suggested Change
This addition provides a consistent, inclusive rule structure for Adaptive Standing players. Like the existing Wheelchair division, it allows for fair play, tournament access, and appropriate accommodations for physical disabilities. It also empowers tournament directors with clear guidance.
Scenarios In Which the Rules Applies
Applies to all Adaptive Standing Division competition and related sanctioned play.
Submitted on behave of the Para/Adaptive Sports working group.
Recent Comments