Eligibility for Adaptive Standing Division

Final text pending

Players eligible for the Adaptive Standing Division must have a permanent physical disability that impacts mobility, balance, or coordination but do not use a wheelchair during pickleball play.
Examples include, but are not limited to: lower-limb amputation, limb difference, cerebral palsy, stroke, neurological or orthopedic conditions, and spinal cord injury with ambulatory function.
Eligibility may be confirmed through athlete self-assessment or, for sanctioned tournaments, with physician documentation on letterhead indicating a “permanent physical disability” that affects mobility, balance, or coordination. Once submitted and approved, this documentation becomes part of the player’s permanent USA Pickleball record.

No existing eligibility criteria specific to an Adaptive Standing Division.

Defining eligibility criteria provides clarity for players, officials, and tournament directors to fairly determine who qualifies to compete in the Adaptive Standing Division, ensuring a level playing field and consistent application across tournaments.

Applies to all players seeking to compete in the Adaptive Standing Division in USA Pickleball sanctioned events.

Submitted on behave of the Para/Adaptive Sports working group.