Subject: New Gender Eligibility Policy for Pickleball Alberta Events
Effective Date:  September 1, 2025
Policy Reference: Fairness and Safety in Sport Policy

Dear Pickleball Alberta Clubs and Members,

We are writing to inform you of a new policy adopted by Pickleball Alberta in response to the Fairness and Safety in Sport Act (formerly Bill 29), recently enacted by the Government of Alberta.

Effective September 1, 2025, Pickleball Alberta has implemented a Fairness and Safety in Sport Policy that applies to events that fall under Pickleball Alberta’s direct jurisdiction and are competitive in nature.

This policy is designed to:

• Protect the integrity of female-only competitions, ensuring that women and girls have the opportunity to compete in divisions designated for biological females;
• Ensure compliance with Alberta’s legislation and demonstrate our continued commitment to a safe, respectful, and inclusive sport environment.

Pickleball Canada Tier 1 Sanctioned Tournaments and Club member only tournaments (cannot be sanctioned and do not impact Canadian Tournament Player Ratings (CTPR)) will continue to set their own eligibility criteria.

We understand this is a sensitive and evolving area, and we are committed to working with athletes and families to provide clarity and support, respecting privacy and dignity in all conversations and decisions.

You can find the full policy and FAQ’s on our website.  Resources published by the Government of Alberta are available here.

If you have any questions or would like to discuss the policy further, please don’t hesitate to reach out.  Thank you for your continued support in fostering a sport environment that is both fair and welcoming.

Pickleball Alberta’s Board of Directors