SEATTLE, WA - March 5, 2026 - The International Association of Pickleball and Padel Facilities (IAPPF) - the only global trade association for pickleball and padel facility owners, operators, and suppliers - today announced a new strategic partnership with DUPR Coach, the premier Coach-Assigned DUPR rating platform, supported by the world’s most accurate global rating system, DUPR. This partnership will provide facility owners, coaches, and players with transformative tools, programs, and revenue opportunities, creating a stronger, more connected pickleball ecosystem worldwide.

‍

Through this collaboration, IAPPF members will receive exclusive tiered discounts on the DUPR Coach platform. Once enrolled as IAPPF DUPR Coach members, they will gain placement on the DUPR Coach Map, access to enhanced player rating and development pathways, guidance on implementing the DUPR system effectively, and a structured framework for Coach-Assigned DUPR Rating Sessions. In return, DUPR Coach members will enjoy exclusive IAPPF member discounts, access to industry resources, and networking opportunities designed to support facility growth and operational success. IAPPF DUPR Coach members will experience the full benefits of this partnership, including improved programming, player development, and community engagement.

‍

“This partnership represents a true win-win-win for everyone in the pickleball industry,” said David Johnson, CEO of IAPPF. “By connecting our global network of facilities and operators with DUPR Coach, combined with our already strong relationship with DUPR, we are empowering members with the tools they need to enhance club and member experiences, improve court utilization, and drive sustainable growth. This collaboration exemplifies the IAPPF’s mission: bringing the community together to uplift our industry and the sports we love.”

‍

DUPR Coach leverages the world’s most accurate, universal player rating system to train clubs and coaches on delivering DUPR programming and creating new revenue opportunities, including Coach-Assigned DUPR sessions and follow-up improvement sessions. Facilities and coaches learn the system from top to bottom, including how to introduce members to DUPR, implement rating sessions effectively, and guide players through their DUPR journey. This empowers facilities and coaches to develop programs that are both engaging and competitive, enhancing player experiences and driving overall club success.

‍

“We have been partners with the IAPPF from its inception, and we’re so excited that IAPPF is partnering with DUPR Coach to bring DUPR, DUPR Coach, and Coach-Assigned DUPR to their members and facilities worldwide,” said Tito Machado, CEO of DUPR. “This collaboration ensures that every IAPPF member has access to the tools and platforms needed to maximize programming value, improve player ratings and development, and create experiences that keep communities engaged.”

‍

“DUPR Coach was designed to empower facilities and coaches to deliver consistent, accurate, and meaningful player experiences, helping them not just keep their doors open, but also generate meaningful revenue and create positive member experiences,” added Katie Nimitz, President of MyJourney Pickleball and creator of DUPR Coach. “Partnering with the IAPPF allows us to extend these benefits on a global scale, supporting facilities, helping players improve, and driving sustainable growth for the sport. This partnership creates a lasting impact for everyone in the community, from clubs and coaches to players and industry partners.”

‍

With this partnership, IAPPF and DUPR Coach are establishing a comprehensive pathway for facility programming and success across the pickleball industry. By combining accurate ratings, coaching input, and access to exclusive resources, the collaboration empowers facilities, coaches, and players to achieve their goals while fostering sustainable growth, stronger communities, and a thriving, global pickleball ecosystem.

‍

About the IAPPF

The International Association of Pickleball and Padel Facilities is the only global trade association dedicated to the success of pickleball and padel facility owners, operators, and suppliers.  Founded and led by Pickleball Central co-founder David Johnson, the IAPPF provides myriad benefits to its members, including exclusive research and data, discounts and special service offerings, events, mentorship, and much more.  Facilities can join for free at https://iappf.org/.

‍

About DUPR Coach

DUPR Coach is a program designed to empower pickleball coaches to launch Coach-Assigned DUPR ratings for the 34 million non-rated players worldwide. Powered by MyJourney Pickleball, DUPR Coach helps coaches provide valuable insights into players’ skill levels and supports the growth of pickleball through more competitive, enjoyable play. Coaches interested in becoming DUPR Coaches can visit duprcoach.com/coach-cert to sign up and learn more.

‍

About DUPR

DUPR (Dynamic Universal Pickleball Rating) is the premier global pickleball rating system and technology platform, trusted by the world's leading clubs, tournaments, leagues, and players. DUPR's dynamic rating system unifies pickleball across age, gender, and location by analyzing match results to accurately evaluate all players across a 2.000 - 8.000 scale. DUPR is the official pickleball rating of leagues, tournaments, and clubs around the world, including USA Pickleball, United Pickleball Association (UPA), Professional Pickleball Association (PPA), Major League Pickleball (MLP), Pickleball.com, Life Time, The Picklr, National Team Pickleball League, National Pickleball League. It also owns and operates Minor League Pickleball and College Pickleball, two of the biggest amateur leagues in the sport. Players and operators can visit www.dupr.com to sign up and learn more.

‍

‍

Contacts:

Josh Kerns

Chief Marketing and Member Officer

IAPPF

josh@iappf.org