Despite the rapidly growing popularity of pickleball in Switzerland, one crucial question remains: why are there no pickleball courts marked in Swiss gyms - neither in existing halls nor in new buildings? The answer lies in the official status of the sport: Pickleball is not yet a recognized sport in Switzerland by the Federal Office of Sport (FOSPO) or Swiss Olympic.
The reason: No official status
In Switzerland, the infrastructure for sports is based on clearly defined specifications that are set out in the official regulations and catalogs of the FOSPO. Only recognized sports that are registered with Swiss Olympic are included in these catalogs. This also includes the specifications for playing fields, which are automatically taken into account when new gyms and sports facilities are built.
As pickleball has not yet achieved this official status in Switzerland, the necessary court definitions are missing from the relevant guidelines. This means that architects and planners do not have any specifications for pickleball courts when building gyms and therefore do not plan for them.
The solution: The path to official recognition
The way to marked pickleball courts in gyms is through the recognition of pickleball as an official sport in Switzerland. To achieve this, two conditions must be met:
- At least 1,000 active membersThese can be individuals who are direct members of the Swiss Pickleball Association or members of clubs affiliated to the association.
- At least 20 member clubsThese associations must come from at least two linguistic regions of Switzerland in order to represent the linguistic and cultural diversity of the country.
As soon as these figures are reached, the Swiss Pickleball Association can register pickleball as an official sport. This step will not only officially recognize the sport, but will also open up new opportunities for promotion and support. This includes the inclusion of pickleball court definitions in the catalogs for gym builders, making it easier to mark courts in existing and new halls.
What does this mean for the future?
Recognizing pickleball as an official sport would not only improve the infrastructure, but also significantly promote the development and spread of the sport in Switzerland. Pickleball could then be integrated even more strongly in schools, clubs and sports centers, which would further increase participation and enthusiasm in all age groups.
What can we do?
In order for this vision to become a reality, it is crucial to further increase the number of members and found new clubs. Every new player and every new club brings pickleball one step closer to official recognition. Together, we can ensure that pickleball in Switzerland not only remains a trend, but becomes an integral part of the sports landscape.
Now is the time to become part of this movement and actively shape the future of pickleball in Switzerland!