Welcome to Episode 12 of the Behind the Paddle pickleball podcast. In this episode, Rob Nunnery welcomes Carl Schmits, chief technology officer at USA Pickleball. Carl shares his journey from a systems engineer to a pro pickleball player. He discusses his involvement in the development of pickleball equipment standards, the challenges faced in the pro pickleball scene, and the importance of viewer engagement through broadcasting. Carl and Rob also discuss the evolving landscape of pickleball, the impact of these changes on amateur players, and the importance of maintaining the sport's integrity, especially with so many organizations running the game. Schmits emphasizes the need for a collaborative approach to ensure the pickleball's sustainability.