Hushing the Hype: USA Pickleball Aims to Quiet the Noise

In response to the rising noise complaints surrounding pickleball, USA Pickleball is introducing a "quiet category" to promote and advance quieter equipment. Despite its booming popularity, especially during the Covid-19 pandemic, the sport's noise level, which is about twice as loud as tennis, has led to neighborhood disputes and court closures. This initiative by USA Pickleball aims to address these concerns by working collaboratively with manufacturers and facilities to develop solutions that will support the sport's continued growth while maintaining harmony in communities.

The sport's distinctive pop-pop-pop sound has not only led to quarrels but also lawsuits and 911 calls, highlighting the urgency of addressing this issue. USA Pickleball CEO, Mike Nealy, emphasizes the importance of this initiative in maintaining positive relationships between residential communities and facility operators. The organization has spent over a year researching and studying the acoustic output of the sport, working with acoustic experts to understand and find viable solutions to the noise concerns. The goal is to reduce the acoustic footprint of the sport by 50%, ensuring it remains a welcome activity in communities nationwide.

Efforts to mitigate the noise include testing various paddles and working with suppliers to dampen the noise through acoustic fabrics and panels. Bob Unetich, a sound engineer and pickleball player, has been studying this problem for the past eight years and consults for USA Pickleball. His insights into the high-pitch vibration of pickleball paddles, which leads to the distinctive pop noise, are instrumental in addressing the noise issue. The initiative also includes providing support and resources to municipalities and homeowners associations, helping them navigate the noise concerns and ensuring the sport can continue to grow without disturbing the peace in neighborhoods.