Equipment Evaluation Committee (EEC)
About Us
USA Pickleball’s Equipment Evaluation Committee (EEC) develops equipment testing standards and works with the NTS to ensure all approved equipment meets them. Led by the Managing Director of Equipment Standards, the EEC includes experts with engineering and sports backgrounds who evaluate new products and prototypes. The compliance program ensures equipment continues to meet strict specifications once in the market, maintaining a level playing field. The EEC also reviews innovations and makes recommendations to the Board of Directors on testing and approvals.
Equipment Testing with NTS
USA Pickleball contracts with NTS to provide all our equipment testing. NTS is the undisputed leader in equipment testing, inspection, and certification. NTS functions as USA Pickleball's independent lab partner and works directly with our Equipment Evaluation Committee (EEC) to test and certify all USA Pickleball approved equipment.
EEC Members
Carl Schmits
Chief Technology Officer
Carl, trained as an industrial/systems engineer at Battelle Memorial Institute. Most recently, he held operational leadership in product development with mobile technologies at a large semiconductor manufacturer, as well as high-speed super-computer interconnects at a leading European manufacturer. He has a 5.0 USA Pickleball rating, is an Open level racquetball competitor, and certified instructor for both pickleball (IPTPA) and racquetball, with product development experience in those sports as well.
Justin Maloof
Chief Competition Officer
Justin Maloof was named Executive Director for USA Pickleball on January 1, 2013 and was the organization’s first full-time employee. He was elevated to Chief Operating Officer in 2021 and then Chief Competition Officer in 2024. As USA Pickleball’s COO, he is responsible for the overall operation of the organization. He also oversees USA Pickleball’s operational structure, sustainability and service to its members and sponsors. Maloof is entering his 10th year with USA Pickleball and his 30th year in professional/amateur sports. Prior to joining USAP, he served 16 years with the NHL’s Arizona Coyotes Hockey Club. He served 2 years as the team’s head fan development before being named Executive Director of the team’s training center in Scottsdale.
Riley Burgess
Vice President of Compliance
Riley Burgess is the Vice President of Compliance, overseeing USAP’s compliance department, which in turn keeps the game of pickleball on a fair and even playing field and strengthens USAP’s brand. This includes communication with manufacturers, our testing lab, and our team of referees. I was born and raised in Pittsburgh, PA, and graduated from Marquette University with a double major in Supply Chain Management & Finance. I love Pickleball because you can learn to play the game and enjoy it faster than any other sport in recent memory. In my downtime, I love hanging out with my family and rooting for the Pittsburgh Steelers.
John Anderson
John has as 35 years of experience in the Aerospace industry. John recently retired as chief engineer for a large aerospace company responsible for the certification of commercial airplane components. He is also a registered professional mechanical engineer (California).
Carolyn Benson
While not a member of the EEC committee, Carolyn serves as the EEC administrator and is the initial point of contact for all manufacturers regarding questions, product submissions, etc.