Brooks Wiley, Major League Pickleball (MLP) Commissioner, discusses the progress and success of MLP and reflects on the recent event in San Clemente. The first part of the Inside The MLP Podcast covers various topics, including the growth of pickleball, the positive reception from the audience, and the first season's conclusion. Brooks highlights the beautiful venue, the engaged crowds, and the successful implementation of the super final, which served as the season one championship. They also discuss the challenges and anxieties of organizing such events and the importance of grassroots efforts and marketing.
The conversation then shifts to MLPalooza, a special highlight of the San Clemente event, where owners and pro players were involved in the draft process. Brooks shares that MLPalooza was a fun and engaging programming initiative to keep the audience entertained during breaks. The involvement of owners, players, and partners in the sport creates a tight-knit network and sets pickleball apart from other professional sports leagues. The experience was a bonding opportunity for all participants.
The discussion continues with reflections on the major highlights of season one from the league's perspective. Brooks emphasizes the tight margins and the competitive nature of the game, where small differences in performance can have significant impacts on standings and rankings. They mention that every Challenger team made it to the knockout rounds at least once, highlighting the competitiveness and balance of the league. The goal of improving from event to event is also discussed, with Brooks mentioning the challenges of integrating the new teams and finding the best approach for long-term success. They express the commitment to iterate and improve with each event, considering feedback and making adjustments.
Overall, the first part of Inside The MLP Podcast Episode 39 provides insights into the growth and development of Major League Pickleball, the successful San Clemente event, the engagement of owners and players, and the competitive nature of the league.
Brooks Wiley Interview Summary Part 2
In the second part of the interview with Brooks Wiley several improvements and changes for season two were discussed. One of the main improvements mentioned was the modification of tiebreakers for how groups advanced in the draw. They also made changes to how seeds were determined, considering whether they came from the same group or not.
Another significant improvement was the implementation of paddle testing. After receiving feedback and concerns about paddle performance, they conducted extensive testing in Daytona and San Clemente events. They tested a large number of paddles and set parameters based on the collected data. If a paddle exceeded or fell below a certain deflection force, it would not be allowed for play. This testing process was successful, with only nine paddles flagged out of the entire amount tested.
Brooks mentioned their ongoing efforts to refine the video review process and the importance of dynamic testing to establish a correlation between deflection measurement and ball speed. They aim to maintain the best representation of paddle performance on-site.
The data collected from paddle testing provided interesting insights, showing the progression of paddle deterioration throughout an event. Some paddles started near the threshold and gradually approached it, while others deteriorated quickly. This data was shared with the players, allowing those whose paddles failed to provide a replacement for testing.
Regarding season two, the commissioner mentioned the continuous collaboration with USA Pickleball, the PPA, and paddle manufacturers to define clear guidelines for paddle performance characteristics and implement proper compliance tests. They aim to anticipate potential issues and be proactive in addressing them, rather than being reactive. The goal is to ensure fairness, level the playing field, and prioritize player safety while considering manufacturing and marketing realities.
The interview also touched on other improvements such as the replay system, the blue and orange card system, and the positive player receptivity to the paddle testing process. The MLP competition committee, comprised of key stakeholders, regularly meets to discuss and debate potential changes or improvements, with the aim of minimizing alterations and providing better training for referees.
Regarding the new CEO of MLP, Julio, it was mentioned that his long-term relationship with MLP's founder, Steve Kuhn, and his experience in strategic planning make him the right leader to channel Steve's vision and grow the sport of pickleball. Julio's role is to bridge the gap between the visionary aspects of MLP and the day-to-day operations, ensuring the company's future growth and international expansion of pickleball.
Overall, the interview highlighted the ongoing efforts to improve various aspects of Major League Pickleball, including rule modifications, paddle testing, and strategic planning under Julio's leadership. The commissioner emphasized the importance of collaboration and proactive measures to address potential issues and maintain the integrity of the game.
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