Is It Fair to Play with Delisted Paddles in Rec Play or Amateur Events?
We posed a question to our followers, readers and fans this morning on social media regarding a topic in the news cycle in the world of pickleball:
If a paddle is banned, or de-listed, by USA Pickleball or the Pro Tours...
Do you think it's fair to use it in rec play or amateur tournaments?
Some were for, and some were against. Others brought up Gearbox again.
Those in favor, say ...
Surprisingly (he said in the most sarcastic tone ever) there were plenty of comments saying players should be allowed to use illegal paddles.
There was this person whose friend took a "Let me hit you first, then I'll stop using it," approach:
One of my pals told me today some people ask him not to play with his. He said, how about this, if I hit you, I’ll switch it out. Kinda fair 🤷🏼♀️
— Leigh Anne Rehkopf (@LArehkopf) June 10, 2024
This guy who phoned a friend before commenting:
Your friendly neighborhood pizza delivery driver rejoiced about this answer:
Rec is rec. Use a pizza peel if you want.
— Eric Steen (@esteen11) June 10, 2024
But if I enter a tournament that’s sanctioned, I expect some level of protection from the sanctioning body on illegal equipment.
Some offered other ways you might want to gain an advantage over your opponent – even invoking Van Damme from the movie Bloodsport.
Yes & I also throw powder in my opponents eyes. pic.twitter.com/V23AReGWyv
— Marcus Wolford (@mvmntcoach) June 11, 2024
And those opposed ...
As you can imagine, most responses leaned into the 'No' category.
Some proudly stating that they stopped using theirs as soon as it was delisted and expect others to do the same:
No - I stopped using my Joola Magnus when they got banned. Will stop using Vatic Oni now that they’ve been delisted. Don’t want people to accuse me of having unfair advantage. It’s also hard to re-adjust to non-Gen 3 paddles for tournaments and league play
— H Tang (@htang777) June 11, 2024
Others seem to have alternate plans for those they see using delisted paddles:
Not fair and bush league but in rec I would just silently judge the person playing it and try to bag them without any feeling any remorse
— Kyle (@erne_bert) June 10, 2024
Any abstains?
It wouldn't be the internet without some deliberate waffling, would it?
We're still waiting for a response. ^
Then, there was this comment, which had us like 🤔
Good thing user @lietzkek was there to get us back on track.
