The International Pickleball Federation (IPF) has announced the hosting of a virtual 2024 International Pickleball Summit from January 6 to 7, 2024.
The summit aims to gather leaders from all Pickleball Continental Federations and the two International Federations to engage in discussions regarding unification.
Mission, Governance, And Funding
The first day of the summit is dedicated to allowing continental federations the opportunity to articulate their vision for an international federation.
This will encompass the international federation’s mission, system of governance, and the proposed approach to funding. Each continental federation will present its vision on Day 1.
The subsequent day of the conference is allotted for each international federation to present its vision for a unified international federation in alignment with the visions outlined by the continental federations.
Day 2 will culminate with a plenary session focused on deliberating the various approaches to unification, and this session is open to all concerned parties.
Detailed Schedule Available In December 2023
While all continental and international federations are invited to attend, country representatives are also welcome. However, only two representatives per country will be permitted.
The detailed schedule for the 2024 International Pickleball Summit will be made available in December 2023.
About The IPF
The IPF, established in 2023, is committed to fostering the global growth and advancement of pickleball. Its predecessor, the International Federation of Pickleball (IFP), was founded in 2016.
Membership
The IPF has expanded its presence to over 80 member countries, with ongoing growth as additional nations join the IPF in pursuit of the goal of having pickleball recognized as an Olympic sport.
Volunteer leaders serving as IPF Executive Vice Presidents are entrusted with overseeing programs that establish the worldwide standard for pickleball.
These programs encompass IPF Certified Tournament Directors, Referees, and Line Judges. Additionally, IPF Global Diplomats offer on-ground support to country organizations, while the IPF Grant Programs provide essential equipment to remote regions.
Location
The IPF’s headquarters are in Chevy Chase, Maryland, and it also has Liaison Offices in Mumbai, India; Shenzhen, China; and Lausanne, Switzerland.
Bainbridge Cup
The Bainbridge Cup International Championship Tournament, inaugurated in 2017, saw Spain as the host for the IPF’s inaugural signature event. This tournament garners support from players, volunteers, and organizations worldwide.
Origin
The IFP was instituted to drive the global growth and progress of pickleball, leading to the formulation of its Constitution, Bylaws, and Officers in 2015.
In 2023, recognizing the inefficacy of the IFP model in managing the rapid growth of pickleball, the Board of Directors strategically restructured the federation into a more comprehensive and expansive model termed the International Pickleball Consortium, with the IPF taking the place of the IFP.
