In a decisive move aimed at tightening governance and standardizing the officiating of pickleball matches, the United Pickleball Association of America (UPA-A) has unveiled a 71-page rulebook for the PPA Tour and Major League Pickleball. In doing so, it has formally separated itself from the long-standing USA Pickleball regulations ahead of the 2026 Major League Pickleball (MLP) season.
The new regulations, which come into force on May 22 before the opening MLP event in Dallas, introduce stricter disciplinary measures, expanded video review protocols and clearer definitions of player conduct. The governing body for the PPA Tour and MLP has also drawn a sharp line on one of the sport’s most debated gray areas – players blowing the ball over the net during rallies.
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The release marks a significant moment for a sport trying to balance its fast-growing popularity with the demands of professional competition.
“This rulebook is about more than rules, it’s about trust, consistency and the integrity of competition,” said Onisha Smith, who has been appointed Director of Competitive Governance and Compliance.
UPA-A President Jason Aspes described the changes as “foundational steps for the future of competitive pickleball.”
At the professional level, teams will now receive two line reviews and one free video challenge per game. While line reviews are restricted to boundary calls, video challenges can cover issues such as foot faults or whether a player touched the ball.
However, unsuccessful appeals will now come at a cost. A failed challenge initially results in the loss of the free challenge, but repeated incorrect reviews can escalate into a “Mark” — also referred to as a Blue Card — and eventually hand a point directly to the opposition.
The rulebook also introduces a detailed conduct framework to regulate behavior on court. Actions such as repeated profanity, aggressively striking paddles or balls, persistent arguments with officials, delaying play, unauthorized coaching and misuse of electronic devices can trigger sanctions.
A Mark serves as a formal warning for disruptive conduct, while a stricter “Foul” or Orange Card immediately awards a point to the opponent. Penalties accumulate throughout the match, creating a system designed to deter repeated misconduct.
In another notable shift, the UPA-A has outlawed players from influencing the ball’s movement through airflow or body actions. The decision follows controversy at the Sacramento Open earlier this month when Eric Oncins was warned after blowing the ball over the net during play.
Under the new rules, “blowing on or fanning the ball” to alter its flight will now be treated as a fault.
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The organization defended the Sacramento ruling in a separate statement, saying such actions “do not align with the level of professionalism and credibility the sport is striving to establish.”
Besides the rulebook, the UPA-A also announced that Howard Hepworth will head its newly launched referee development program, as pickleball’s professional circuit moves toward a more structured and tightly governed future.
