What the FIP Code of Ethics means for padel players
Updated 6 August 2026. Corrected throughout: padel's governing body is the FIP (Federación Internacional de Pádel / International Padel Federation), not the "IPF". References to a specific 2024 edition of the Code have been generalised, as the FIP does not publish the Code of Ethics with that year designation.
Padel isn't just about winning points — it's also about playing with respect, honesty, and integrity.
That's why the International Padel Federation (FIP) maintains a Code of Ethics, a global standard that sets out how players, coaches and officials are expected to represent the sport. It sits alongside the FIP Disciplinary Code, and every player competing under FIP-sanctioned rules — including Premier Padel and the CUPRA FIP Tour — agrees to be bound by it as a condition of entry.
Here's what every padel player should know about it.
What the FIP Code of Ethics is
The FIP is padel's world governing body, founded in Madrid in 1991 by the Argentinian, Spanish and Uruguayan federations. It organises the World Padel Championships, manages the official rankings, and standardises the rules of the sport worldwide.
Its Code of Ethics is the values document underneath all of that. Where the Rules of Padel tell you what is legal on court, the Code of Ethics addresses conduct — integrity, respect and the protection of participants. The Disciplinary Code is what gives it teeth.
For players, the Code is more than a list of prohibitions. It's a guide to becoming a credible member of the padel community.
Core values for every player
At the heart of the code are four simple but powerful principles:
| Value | What it means for players |
|---|---|
| Integrity | Compete honestly — no cheating, doping, or match-fixing. |
| Respect | Treat opponents, referees, and teammates with dignity. |
| Safety | Protect your own and others' physical and mental well-being. |
| Fair play | Play to win, but accept defeat with grace and respect. |
These values reflect what makes padel so special: teamwork, energy, and sportsmanship.
Your responsibilities as a player
As a padel player, you represent the spirit of the game. The Code sets out clear expectations:
- Play fair. Avoid anything that gives an unfair advantage, such as doping or manipulating results. The FIP's anti-doping programme has been delivered by the International Testing Agency since January 2025.
- Respect officials. Disagreeing is fine — but do it through the right channels, never through anger.
- Keep it balanced. Training hard is great, but remember to care for your education, health, and private life.
- Report problems. If you see unethical behavior or harassment, you're encouraged to speak up.
- Accept outcomes. Winning with pride and losing with respect are equally important in padel.
Staying safe and respectful
The Code also emphasizes creating a safe environment for everyone. That means no bullying, verbal abuse, or discrimination — whether on the court, online, or during tournaments.
Players are expected to look out for each other and to promote inclusion and positivity in every match and practice session.
Note that conduct rules tightened in the 2026 rulebook: a coach's second verbal warning now means immediate expulsion from the match, where previously an intermediate formal warning applied. See what changed in the 2026 padel rules.
Why this matters for your game
Ethical play doesn't just protect the sport — it makes you a better player.
By following the FIP Code of Ethics, you earn trust, respect, and credibility within the padel community. It's the kind of attitude that builds lasting partnerships, attracts sponsors, and sets the tone for a strong global sport.
The primary documents are published on the FIP website, and the Disciplinary Code that enforces the Code of Ethics is available there as a PDF.
Want to put your ethics into practice? Check out great places to play padel in Los Angeles, Miami, Austin, or New York City.
For more guides and updates, visit WhatThePadel.com.