UPA Implements Provisional ‘Targeting’ Rule to Enhance Player Safety and Game
Integrity
February 17, 2025 — The United Pickleball Association (UPA) has announced the
implementation of a new provisional rule, known as the “Targeting” rule, aimed at protecting
players and upholding the integrity of the game. Effective immediately, this rule will remain in
place until further notice as officials assess its impact on professional play.
The “Targeting” rule is designed to discourage intentional or reckless shots directed at an
opponent, above the shoulders in a manner deemed dangerous or unsportsmanlike. While
aggressive play is a natural part of professional competition, this rule seeks to ensure that
competitive intensity does not compromise player safety or the spirit of fair play.
“Our goal is to foster an environment where players can compete at the highest level without
unnecessary risk,” said Jason Aspes, President of the UPA-A. “This provisional rule allows
us to evaluate and refine our approach to maintaining both safety and competitive integrity in
the sport.”
Enforcement of the rule will be at the discretion of referees, who will assess the context of
the match and type of shot when determining violations. Consequences for infraction will
result in a technical fault and point assessment to the opponent as well as a financial penalty
depending on the severity of the offense.
The PPA will continue to gather feedback from players, officials, and fans throughout the
provisional period to assess the rule’s effectiveness. Adjustments may be made as needed
to ensure it aligns with the league’s commitment to fair and competitive play.
For further updates and details on the “Targeting” rule, visit www.upaa.unitedpickleball.com
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Provisional Rule: Targeting
In the spirit of fair play and sportsmanship, the UPA-A is committed to maintaining the
integrity of the game while prioritizing player safety. As such, intentional or reckless targeting
of an opponent above the shoulders is considered extreme unsportsmanlike conduct and is
subject to the following enforcement:
● Penalty: In matches with officials, if a player deliberately or recklessly directs a
powerful shot at an opponent’s head or neck area, the offending team will receive a
technical foul, resulting in a point added to the opponent. There will also be a
minimum fine of $2,500 to the offending player.
At this point, both teams will be warned about retaliation.
If the same team commits a targeting violation, the offending player will be
fined a minimum $5,000 and the match will be forfeited, resulting in a loss for
the offending team.
If the opposing team retaliates and commits a targeting violation, a technical foul and
point penalty will be enforced and the offending player will be subject to a
mandatory minimum fine of $5,000 or more.
At this point, another warning will be made by the officials. If there is another
targeting violation, the team that commits the violation will forfeit the match
and the offending player will be subject to disciplinary action including fines
and suspension.
● Escalating Penalties: Repeat offenders or particularly egregious instances may
result in additional penalties, fines, or suspensions at the discretion of tournament
officials and the UPA-A disciplinary committee.
Rationale & Enforcement
While the modern game has become faster and more aggressive, respect for opponents
remains paramount. Players are encouraged to compete with intensity but must avoid
endangering fellow competitors. UPA-A officials will assess intent, ball trajectory, and overall
gameplay context when determining violations.
This rule is designed to preserve both player safety and the integrity of professional
competition, ensuring that pickleball remains a sport built on skill, strategy, and
sportsmanship.
