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.
About the Equipment Evaluation Committee (EEC)
USA Pickleball has established the Equipment Evaluation Committee (EEC) to develop pickleball equipment testing standards and work directly with the NTS to ensure all USA Pickleball approved equipment meets these rigorous standards. The EEC is led by the USA Pickleball Managing Director of Equipment Standards and consists of others with engineering backgrounds and/or diverse experience in sports. The EEC evaluates manufacturers’ prototypes and new product introductions, which may use new shapes, configurations, or surface treatments. The compliance program ensures that once equipment enters the marketplace, it is still manufactured to the strict specifications needed to ensure a level playing field for players and manufacturers. The EEC is a review body that ensures these developments are consistent with maintaining the nature of the game and makes recommendations to USA Pickleball’s Board of Directors relating to equipment testing and the approval process.
Members of the EEC Inlude
Carl Schmits
Managing Director of Equipment Standards
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 Operating 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. 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 two years as the team’s head fan development before being named Executive Director of the team’s training center in Scottsdale.
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.