Report on the Adoption Status of the Automatic Consent Clause for Sports Arbitration

1. Introduction

The Japan Pickleball Federation (hereinafter “the Federation”) supports the arbitration system provided by the Japan Sports Arbitration Agency (JSAA) as a means of achieving fair and efficient resolution of sports-related disputes. The Federation adopts the principle that arbitration rulings shall serve as the final resolution method.

2. Basic Policy on Adoption
The Federation has adopted automatic consent to arbitration procedures by JSAA based on the following considerations:

• Emphasis on fair dispute resolution by a neutral third-party organization with expertise in sports

• Cooperation with a system designed to reduce the burden on disputing parties and expedite resolutions

• Implementation as part of building a governance framework compliant with both domestic and international standards

3. Details of Adoption

In the Japan Pickleball Federation Code of Ethics, which took effect in 2025, the following provision has been added as a supplementary clause to clearly express agreement to automatic arbitration consent.

[Additional Clause]
Article 18 (Automatic Consent to Sports Arbitration)
In the event of a dispute involving the Federation (including disciplinary actions, athlete eligibility, registration revocation, etc.), the parties agree to accept the arbitration ruling by the Japan Sports Arbitration Agency (JSAA) as the final resolution. The parties shall automatically consent to arbitration under the JSAA Arbitration Rules.
 

This clause applies to all relevant individuals, including athletes, coaches, and officials.

4. Future Measures

• Formal approval of the arbitration clause by the Board of Directors and widespread dissemination

• Inclusion of the clause in pledge forms and application documents at the time of registration

• Distribution of explanatory materials and Q&A documents to prevent disputes before they arise