For national governing bodies
National Federation Membership
National Federation, Full member or Associate Membership is designed for the official national governing body for pickleball in a country or territory. This application is not for individual players, clubs, or commercial organizations.
Applications aren’t open for public submission yet. In the meantime, see what’s involved below, or contact the WPF Membership team to be notified once they open.
What we’ll put in place together
None of these are needed to apply. After you submit, the WPF Membership team will work with you and request each item gradually — we know some can take time to prepare. Items marked Model template have a starting document in the WPF National Federation Development Toolkit you can adapt to your nation’s law and language.
Statutes / Constitution
The governing document of your federation, setting out its objects, membership, organs and decision-making.
Democratic elections & term limits
Evidence that your leadership is elected democratically by your members, with defined terms of office and term limits.
Athletes’ commission
A constituted athletes’ commission giving competitors a formal voice in the governance of the federation.
Board gender balance
Evidence of gender balance on your board and a commitment to equality across the federation’s leadership.
Anti-doping rules (WADA-aligned)
Clean-sport rules aligned with the World Anti-Doping Code and an undertaking to enforce them.
CAS arbitration clause
A statutory clause recognising the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) as the final dispute-resolution authority.
Independent appeals body
An appeals mechanism that is independent of the bodies whose decisions it reviews.
Safeguarding officer & policy
A named safeguarding officer and an adopted policy protecting children and vulnerable participants.
Audited accounts
Your most recent independently audited financial statements demonstrating sound financial governance.
Conflict-of-interest & ethics
A code of ethics and conflict-of-interest policy binding on officials and staff.
Competition-integrity policy
Rules protecting the integrity of competition, including measures against match-fixing and manipulation.
Undertaking to be bound by WPF statutes
A signed undertaking that your federation will comply with and be bound by the statutes and regulations of WPF.
Questions before you apply?
If you are unsure whether your federation is the recognised body for your nation, or you need guidance on the requirements, contact the WPF Membership team and we will help you prepare.