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May 17, 2024

National Pickleball League® and DUPR Announce Partnership, Joint Effort to Unify Global Pickleball Community Under One Common Language and Standard

For the 2024 season, NPL Will Adopt DUPR as Official Rating and Support Efforts to Enhance the League With Level-Based Play, More Opportunities to Compete and Grow Participation 

The National Pickleball League® (NPL) www.nplpickleball.com is pleased to announce it has entered into a partnership with DUPR, (Dynamic Universal Pickleball Rating) to develop the league and further enhance the competitive experience for players.  

DUPR offers organizers the ability to use its accurate, reliable rating to organize competitive, level-based matches, and use its community platform to reach hundreds of thousands of pickleball players to highlight their leagues and upcoming events. Most importantly, players  benefit from competing against others at their level for an even better experience.

“DUPR is the most accurate and reliable pickleball rating, and its team prioritizes collaboration and partnership to grow the game together. We are excited to bring DUPR’s rating and technology to our league, provide an even better experience for our players and partners, and showcase NPL to DUPR’s large community of pickleball players to bring more competitors into the league,” said Paul Bamundo, Chief Executive Officer of the National Pickleball League®. “Integrating DUPR also benefits our players beyond league play. DUPR provides connectivity to the entire global pickleball community, uniting all players across a common rating and standard. Now, our participants have the ability to know their level, find more opportunities to play wherever they are, and be a part of the global pickleball community.”

“We are honored to have the opportunity to collaborate with the National Pickleball League® and support their exciting formats for professional players ages 50 and up,” said Tito Machado, DUPR CEO. “NPL has built a dynamic and exciting professional league that showcases talented athletes and reminds everyone that age shouldn’t be a barrier. These players are the heart of the game and we hope that our rating and technology platform will help to make the experience even better, and offer more connections and opportunities to players to participate and achieve at the highest levels in pickleball.”

All results from NPL will be submitted to count for a player’s rating. Players can also follow the NPL league page on DUPR for updates on competition, scheduling and league standings. 

The 2024 season will consist of 12 teams representing cities from across the country. Each team will have a roster of 14-16 players, equally split between women and men, with more than 200 pickleball professionals playing in the NPL this season. 

The 2024 regular season kicks into high gear with competition event weekends taking place once per month beginning May 17-19 in Chicago, with $150,000 in prize money on the line, culminating in the season-ending Championships in October. The season opener will be livestreamed on the National Pickleball League® YouTube Channel @nationalpickleballleague with additional coverage of NPL events on CBS Sports this season. 

National Pickleball League® is among the many leagues worldwide adopting DUPR to enhance the experience for its players, and to support the growth and global unification of the game,  joining Honcho Pickleball League, National Team Pickleball League (NTPL), World Pickleball Tour (WPT) and La Cocina, and others. DUPR’s solution provides organizers with the ability to showcase their events to the most active and engaged community in pickleball, and enables players to find more opportunities to play at their level wherever they are. The platform is built on DUPR’s industry-leading rating, which looks at match results to provide an accurate, reliable evaluation of a players skill level across age, gender and location. 
About National Pickleball League®

The National Pickleball League® was founded in 2022 by Champions Pro players Rick Witsken, Beth Bellamy, and Michael “Hammer Mike” Chen. NPL Pickleball™ is a nationwide team competition for Champions Division (age 50+) professional pickleball players and made up of twelve teams in metropolitan locations in Indianapolis, Austin, Boca Raton, Naples, Denver, Oklahoma City, Houston, Seattle, Kansas City, Columbus, Coachella Valley and Princeton. National Pickleball League® is owned by National Pickleball League, LLC. The NPL is dedicated to expanding the reach of pickleball, fostering community engagement, physical and mental health, and elevating the sport to new heights. Companies interested in sponsorship opportunities with NPL Pickleball™ can email info@nplpickleball.com for more information or visit the league’s website at www.NPLpickleball.com.

For more information and to sign up for DUPR’s free platform, visit www.dupr.com

Community
Partners
May 16, 2024

Dinking on Deck: The Cruise Industry is Riding The Pickleball Wave

Pickleball player demographics, tight court dimensions and easy accessibility is making it a popular addition to cruise liners and riverboats.

Pickleball's unique blend of fun, friendship, fitness and accessibility has attracted millions of older people to the court in the last few years. These players can now combine their new favorite hobby with another activity beloved by retirees - cruises.

As well as hitting the demographics bullseye, pickleball is an attractive proposition for the cruise industry because of the low price of installing courts and their compact 20mx44ft dimensions, far easier to accommodate compared to those of tennis, squash or padel.

Many cruise ships already contain pickleball courts either indoor or on deck, but Pickleball International is taking its offering several stages further. The company was founded by former professional basketball player Eric Dailey Sr, who is now applying his 15 years' experience in basketball training, competitions and tours to the sport he fell in love with almost as soon as he picked up a paddle.

His sports travel enterprise included a partnership with cruise industry giants Caribbean International, which he is now expanding. Pickleball International offer cruises which include pickleball tuition from top pros, competitions and off-court physical preparation including yoga, spin classes, strength and agility training in top-of-the-range gyms and aqua training in the ship's swimming pools - in addition to all the usual cruise attractions: dinners, parties, casino nights and much more. 

physical preparation
AmaWaterWays Co-Founder

Eric says: "The training is an important part of the offer for this demographic of pickleball players. We can't play like we're 17 any more! We have a world-class yoga instructor and facilities to prepare our players' muscles for four hours of fun on court each day."

Caribbean International's ship, The Odyssey of the Seas, has three indoor pickleball courts. Five-day cruises set sail from the UK, Greece and the USA (Fort Lauderdale, Florida) to the Caribbean, Australia, Hong Kong and Alaska. A maximum of 24 players go on a single trip and all standards are catered for by Pickleball International's roster of highly qualified pro coaches ('Z' Orano, Pedro Penteado, Jay Jaudon and Fiona Edwards).

"These cruises are for guys who want to improve," says Eric. "If you're a DUPR 3.0, that's fine, go have fun and learn. If you're a 5.0, there will be plenty of competitions to get your teeth into. It's a great opportunity for anyone who loves pickleball and loves to travel."

UK-based Amadeus River Cruises have pickleball courts on their Amadeus Cara and Amadeus Silver III and offer pickleball-themed cruises on which you can take on locals at clubs along the way.

physical preparation
Janine and Damian on board

AmaWaterways, headquartered in Calabasas, California, has also spotted pickleball's potential. Last year, they added a full-size pickleball court on the 21m-wide deck of the AmaMagna riverboat which cruises along the Danube through Austria, Bulgaria, Croatia, Germany, Hungary, Serbia, Romania, Slovakia and Turkey.

Pickleball activity led by on-board coach Damian fuses perfectly with the ship's large gym and Zen Wellness Studio (offering circuit training, resistance bands and core training, yoga and Pilates). “More people want to stay active when they’re on holiday. Pickleball is really easy to pick up and you can quickly start playing a game,” says Damian.

As more cruise companies capitalize on pickleball's popularity, we are sure to see the trend for dinking on deck spread across the globe.

Community
May 14, 2024

Meet the Passionate Organizer Behind The Dink Minor League Pickleball

With pickleball's rising popularity, there's a growing demand for local tournaments catering to amateurs.

The Dink Minor League Pickleball (formerly known as Minor League Pickleball) gives players an exciting way to compete, emphasizing teamwork, strategy, and camaraderie. 

Following Major League Pickleball’s innovative format involving teams of four players (two women and two men), teams compete against other teams in four events: women’s doubles, men’s doubles, and two mixed doubles matches. A singles-based tiebreaker format, called a dreambreaker, is used when teams are tied 2-2. 

The Dink Minor League Pickleball’s National Pathway allows teams to compete locally to pursue a spot at the national championship. A national leaderboard is utilized to display ranked players, allowing you to easily view their standings.

Its first official season was in 2023, and its director, Caroline Luelf, is tasked with growing the organization.

Luelf's journey with the league began as a participant, along with her husband, in a one-day event in Kansas City. The convenience of these short events appealed to the couple, balancing their passion for pickleball with family commitments. 

As Luelf says, “When you have four kids, planning the logistics, getting all the kids to where they need to be and us being gone three or four days for a tournament, that's not easy.”

After participating in several Minor League Pickleball events and experiencing firsthand the thrill of competition and community, Luelf was inspired to bring the experience to her hometown in Oklahoma. Her first event sold out and received rave reviews. Luelf shares, “This one team posted on Facebook that it was their favorite tournament ever. They didn't even win a match!”

People were hungry for more events, and Luelf decided to reach out directly to the league saying, “I love everything about Minor League Pickleball, and I have all these ideas on how to grow it.” A few weeks later, they offered her a job.

What sets the league apart is its emphasis on the team concept.
Unlike traditional tournaments, where players compete individually, The Dink Minor League Pickleball encourages collaboration and support among teammates. With rally scoring and opportunities for coaching between points, players are fully engaged both on and off the court, creating an electrifying atmosphere for participants and spectators alike. 

"The Dink Minor League Pickleball is for everyone,” Luelf notes. It’s for any player — from amateurs to non-contracted pros, regardless of age. Events have seen players as young as 12 and as old as 70. The family-friendly nature is obvious, with Caroline herself cherishing the opportunity to play alongside her husband and 18-year-old son and create lasting memories on the court.

Looking ahead, The Dink MiLP's goal is “to be in all 50 states” (they are currently in 29 states) and “continue to expand globally,” according to Luelf. With events planned across the United States, Canada, Australia, Mexico, Puerto Rico and beyond, it’s poised to become the premier destination for amateur pickleball enthusiasts worldwide.

Whether you're a seasoned player or new to the game, The Dink Minor League Pickleball welcomes you to find a team, join the fun, forge new friendships, and experience the thrill of pickleball like never before.

Join a team, have fun, and experience the excitement of pickleball! Sign up now!

Written by Alana Jackler

The Dink MiLP
May 12, 2024

Leigh Waters: The Mother of Modern Day Pickleball - Mother's Day Special

In a heartfelt Instagram post, Anna Leigh Waters recently honored her mother's remarkable legacy in pickleball.

"Growing up I always looked up to her, not only as a person but also as an amazing athlete who was once was ranked #1 in the world in pickleball in 2019! She doesn’t get enough credit for her pickleball skills! She changed the way pickleball was played. Truly a pioneer of the sport!"

This Mother’s Day, DUPR joins Anna Leigh in honoring the mother of modern pickleball, Leigh Waters.

Traditionally characterized by a gentle finesse, pickleball experienced a transformative shift with Leigh Waters’ entry into professional play. Along with her then twelve-year-old daughter, Anna Leigh, the Waters burst onto the professional pickleball scene and changed it forever.

Leigh and Anna Leigh’s pickleball journey began amidst the upheaval of Hurricane Irma in 2017. While seeking refuge with Leigh's father in Pennsylvania, he introduced them to pickleball, igniting a passion that led them to enter their first tournament shortly after returning to Florida.

As a former tennis player on a full scholarship at the University of South Carolina, Leigh’s background brought out a fierce, unapologetic style to the pickleball court.

Recalling their early days, Leigh reminisces, "Everyone was still just playing the soft game, and here I am with Anna Leigh, ripping balls, driving, crashing the next ball—we took a lot of people off guard."

Anna Leigh adds, "People would tell my mom to ease up, but she stood her ground, saying, ‘No, this is working; I'm beating you. Why would I change?’ If asked to slow down, she just hit the ball even harder."

By 2022, Team Waters had become the #1 team in women's doubles in the Professional Pickleball Association (PPA). However, in November Leigh suffered an ACL injury at Nationals, temporarily halting her competitive pursuits. 

Initially disheartened, Leigh found solace in coaching during her recovery, nurturing Anna Leigh's talent and watching her thrive. 

“I started realizing that this is the best thing for her. This felt like it was her journey. Being there for her and being able to take it all in as a parent rather than a teammate. And I actually found that I loved coaching and didn't really miss the competition. I missed the rec play and all that, like playing with your friends and training, but I didn't really miss the grind of the tournament schedule.”

Reflecting on her mother's pivotal influence, Anna Leigh shares, “I definitely don't think I would be the player I am today without my mom's coaching and strategy. I mean, she's really good at coaching, but she's amazing at strategy. She can look at a player and give you their weaknesses and strengths by watching them for five minutes. It's crazy.”

Their reunion at the US Open this year marked a triumphant return for Team Waters. However, they have no plans to resume a full tournament schedule together.

Anna Leigh expresses, "She's not just an athlete; she's a mother, coach, wife, and daughter. She does so many things for our family, and she still somehow has time for herself and everybody else. I'm just so proud of her."

This Mother's Day, let's celebrate Leigh Waters—a trailblazing athlete, devoted coach, and loving mother—whose resilience, passion, and unwavering support continue to inspire us all.

By Alana Jackler

Community
May 9, 2024

DUPR Integration, Integrity, and Info: Your Questions Answered

How is DUPR planning to integrate with other platforms? Will matches be entered retroactively or only for matches going forward?

Answer: Many platforms, events, and leagues integrate with DUPR to make it simple for all your results to count toward your rating. In most cases, matches recorded on third-party platforms, events, or leagues on or after integrating with DUPR will count towards players’ ratings. Some systems will also submit match results that occurred before the integration with DUPR to count towards players’ ratings. For more details, we recommend speaking directly with your event/league organizer or contacting our support team

Note - DUPR’s rating system places more weight on your most recent results, and as time passes, your past results have less of an impact on your rating. To read more about this, please visit our Rating FAQ page here

Are DUPR ratings affected by playing different game types like doubles and mixed doubles, or self-reported matches vs. tournament matches?

Answer: The weight of any match is determined by the method of score submission: self-reported scores will have a lower weight on your DUPR-rating than a score submitted by a tournament organizer/club. The game type (same-gender doubles, mixed doubles, singles, etc.) does not affect the weight of the match. DUPR provides both your singles and doubles rating, and matches played in those formats against players of all genders and ages are factored into the rating. What makes DUPR unique is that it provides a unifying language and standard for pickleball players across age and gender to evaluate their skill level on the same scale. All types of matches impact your rating, regardless of who you are playing with and against.

How does DUPR compare to other rating systems, and what changes are being made to improve its effectiveness?

Answer: DUPR is the most accurate and reliable global pickleball rating system, trusted by leagues, clubs, tournaments and players around the world. As the pickleball community grows larger and more results are entered into our system, our dedicated team of data scientists are hard at work making improvements and updates to the system to ensure that DUPR is providing the most accurate and reliable assessment of level. Here are the key things to know about the rating: 

  1. All players regardless of age, gender or geographic location are evaluated across the same 2.000 - 8.000 scale. 
  2. A player can have a singles and doubles DUPR rating, with all singles play (against all ages and genders) counting towards the singles rating and all doubles play (including mixed and gendered doubles) counting towards their doubles rating. 
  3. DUPR takes into account results from leagues, tournaments, clubs and even self-posted scores to provide an accurate, reliable and real-time assessment of your score. 
  4. Every time a new result is submitted, it is instantly factored into your DUPR rating 

Here is how the rating is evaluated:

  • Match Performance: Your performance compared to the expected score determines whether your rating goes up or down.
  • Result Type: Club and Tournament Matches carry more weight than recreational ones.
  • Match Count: The more matches you’ve played, the more stable your rating becomes.
  • Match Recency: Recent matches have a greater impact to reflect your current level of play.

For more on the rating, visit our How it Works page or rating FAQs.

How is DUPR preventing players from manipulating their ratings? 

Answer: DUPR enforces our (Community Guidelines) for all players, which states that players may not manipulate ratings, results, or data in any manner. Players who violate these guidelines are restricted or suspended from the platform accordingly. 

Based on our analysis, the vast majority of the DUPR community operates with integrity, and this personal integrity is what connects all players, keeping our rating accurate and valuable to everyone. Of course, as in life, there are instances where players have tried to game the system, and our team works hard behind the scenes to identify and prevent these bad actors from impacting our system. We are constantly improving our methodologies and performing checks on our data to identify behavior that violates our Community Guidelines

You can report any violations by emailing support@mydupr.com.

What measures are being taken to address the concerns about sandbagging?

Answer: Sandbagging, or deliberately playing below one’s actual ability, is unfortunately a problem that exists across many sports, including pickleball. Sandbagging in pickleball will occur when a player purposefully plays below their true level so they have a chance to play in a future event against players they believe they can beat. Sandbagging has no place in DUPR’s community, and our rating system actively works to identify and flag sandbagging to event organizers and tournament directors. 

Sandbagging occurs more frequently in events where organizers are not checking players’ DUPR ratings and are instead relying on self-ratings. We encourage players to join DUPR clubs and play in level-based tournaments that are organized using DUPR which makes it much more difficult for sandbagging to occur. 

Why do recreational matches count towards my DUPR? Aren’t they less accurate and easily rigged?

Answer: In order to provide a full view of your skill level, DUPR looks at results across all types of play, including self-posted scores. There are many players who do not compete in competitive leagues or tournaments, and by accepting self-posted scores, we are able to make the community more inclusive and accessible for pickleball players everywhere to have a DUPR rating. Whether it’s a recreational match or a tournament match, all scores provide valuable data points to accurately assess a player’s skill level. 

For players who also participate in club or tournament events, scores from self-posted matches carry less weight than those from the club or tournament events. We are constantly monitoring our data to make sure that it maintains the quality dictated by our Community Guidelines

Still curious on more FAQS and how the algo plays with your rating? Visit our latest Algo FAQS Here.

DUPR Ratings
May 3, 2024

Pickleball Tournaments and Pickleball Brackets Integration with DUPR - FAQS

The wait is finally over!

Here is all the information you need regarding our integration with Pickleball Tournaments and Pickleball Brackets.

Will DUPR be integrated into Pickleball Tournaments/Pickleball Brackets with results automatically uploaded and integrated into DUPR?

Yes, we are currently working on integrating results from Pickleball Inc. properties, such as Pickleball Brackets, Pickleball Tournaments, and Pickleball.com, to count towards your DUPR rating.

Will players need a DUPR to register for events on Pickleball Tournaments/Pickleball Brackets?

For brackets that contribute to DUPR ratings, players will need to link their DUPR ID or create a DUPR account if they do not have one already.

What steps should players take to ensure their profiles and results are integrated?

Players will receive prompts on Pickleball Brackets to easily link their DUPR account, through their profile, event registration, or creating a new account. The process will be kept simple and user-friendly.

When will the integration process begin, and when can we expect it to be completed?

The integration process is underway, and updates on the progress will be shared regularly.

Will past results be considered along with new results after the integration is finished?

The handling of past results is still being discussed, and updates will be provided as the platforms are fully integrated.

Will players be prevented from registering for brackets below their DUPR rating to prevent sandbagging?

Tournament directors will set a maximum allowed rating for bracket registration, ensuring fair play and preventing sandbagging.

Will Pickleball Brackets switch from CTPR ratings to DUPR for Pickleball Canada sanctioned tournaments?

This is still under consideration based on discussions with Pickleball Canada.

Will mixed doubles and same-gender doubles be rated separately by DUPR?

DUPR does not differentiate between mixed and same-gender matches in its ratings. However, Pickleball Brackets may choose to offer separate ratings for these categories at their discretion.

Leave your question at Pickleball Play Solutions or reach out to us HERE.

Partners
Pickleball Tournaments
May 2, 2024

Leading Amateur Leagues Collaborating With DUPR

Leagues Nationwide Are Adopting Standard Pickleball Rating System To Enhance Competition With Level-Based Play, More Opportunities to Compete and Grow Participation 

As amateur pickleball competition continues to gain momentum – both in opportunities to compete and in the number of players participating – leagues across the country are partnering with DUPR (Dynamic Universal Pickleball Rating) to enhance opportunities for amateur players to compete, showcase their skills and even win prize money.  

La Cocina, Honcho Pickleball League, National Team Pickleball League (NTPL) and World Pickleball Tour (WPT) are just a few of the amateur leagues that have recently partnered with DUPR. The technology platform has solidified its status as the go-to-solution for the largest amateur leagues and tours in the sport, collaborating with local pickleball leaders to support level-based competition for hundreds of thousands of players and the overall growth of the game here in the United States and worldwide. 

“The adoption of DUPR by these leading pickleball leagues marks a major milestone in unifying the leading amateur tours and eliminating barriers to gameplay. League organizers and players are the heart of the game, and offering our technology and rating system can help to further enhance their efforts, support local play and make the sport even more fun,” said Tito Machado, DUPR CEO.

DUPR offers organizers the ability to use its accurate, reliable rating to organize competitive, level-based matches, and use its community platform to reach hundreds of thousands of pickleball players to highlight their leagues and upcoming events. Most importantly, players benefit from competing against others at their level for an even better experience. 

With 3,184 players across 12 states and 20 active venue partners, Honcho Pickleball League is also relying on DUPR to grow the sport and foster connections. “We are excited to dive into this relationship with DUPR,” said Chris Mott, Chief Revenue Officer of Honcho Pickleball League. “Their support not only provides us with one of the largest, most detailed player databases in the sport but also aligns with our mission to provide exceptional pickleball experiences and development opportunities for our players. We look forward to a fruitful relationship that brings added excitement and competition to our communities across the nation.”

The adoption of DUPR by these amateur leagues marks a move towards unifying the game under one common language and standard. When players have DUPR, they not only can experience more competitive play within their leagues, but are now part of a global pickleball community, enabling them to find level-based play wherever they are. Amateur leagues that use DUPR include: 

  • Honcho Pickleball League: With thousands of players across 12 states, Honcho Pickleball League is a premier amateur league offering six weeks of regular season play and two weeks of playoffs, offering fun, structured and dynamic competition. 
  • La Cocina: La Cocina Pickleball is a dynamic and innovative platform dedicated to promoting the thrilling sport of pickleball across the diverse and vibrant region of Latin America. 
  • National Team Pickleball League: The NTPL is an exciting points-based team concept of play that features men’s, women’s and mixed doubles. Each win for a player earns points for their team, and the teams with the highest points in their local leagues have the chance to advance to the National Championships held each fall. 
  • World Pickleball Tour: WPT is the world’s largest amateur pickleball tour, offering unparalleled competition, camaraderie, and excitement while offering a Round Robin format, providing 8 guaranteed matches to all players, elevated swag, and an inclusive and competitive atmosphere.
  • The Dink Minor Leagues: The Dink Minor Leagues is an innovative round-robin team competition with guaranteed matches. Mixed teams of 4 players (2 women and 2 men) are broken into divisions to compete against each other in four 21-point games.

To join the global pickleball community and support your league with level-based play, please visit www.dupr.com.

Partners
April 24, 2024

International Coaches Institute, DUPR, and Tyson McGuffin Launch Professional and Competitive Pickleball Coaching Certification Courses

  • Exclusive Pickleball Coach Certification Courses to be built and taught By Tyson McGuffin “The Most Electrifying Man in Sports” - Barstool Sports
  • Courses are part of broader collaboration between RPPk, DUPR and McGuffin to Formalize Global Professional Pickleball Training and Development

DUPR (Dynamic Universal Pickleball Rating); The Registry of Pickleball Professionals (RRPk), the pickleball arm of the International Coaches Institute; and Tyson McGuffin, a world top ten singles and doubles pickleball professional, today announced a co-venture to support the career development of professional pickleball coaches and organizers with a new series of educational programs and certification courses.  While pickleball continues its rapid growth in the United States and around the world, professional coaches and organizers have yet to be supported with formalized training and tools to introduce and teach the sport to their communities.

Now, pulling from DUPR’s technology and ratings, RPPk’s expertise in education and training, and McGuffin’s experience as a professional player and instructor, the new courses, accessible via RPPk, will provide coaching professionals with certified pickleball training, instruction and resources to further their professional development. “As pickleball grows, the sport needs foundational training and resources for coaches to grow the sport effectively in the US and worldwide,” said Luis Mediero, President of the Registry of Pickleball Professionals (RPPk). Working with Tyson and DUPR enables us to provide coaches with valuable training and technology that will positively impact their pickleball programs. These courses will empower professionals to successfully implement pickleball events and play, offer opportunities to grow in their careers and even train others to become certified coaches.” 

Tyson McGuffin, world-number 4 and triple crown champion, added, “As a player and professional I’ve been looking for opportunities to spread my knowledge and technical insights as a coach and professional in the game. I’m thrilled to partner with DUPR and RPPk to support my fellow professionals with the latest foundational tools, training and resources to support their career development and growth of the game we all love. While these courses are not yet a  finished product we are collectively aiming, over time, to have the most robust and authentic certification offerings available.” 

The program offers certification for those looking to advance their general pickleball professional acumen, featuring certification courses in coaching beginner, advanced and competitive players, as well as elite certification programs to equip leaders in the space with the tools to train others to help grow the game.

“Professionals are the lifeblood of the game, and we are committed to providing the training, tools and technology to grow pickleball and make the experience fun and exciting so players keep coming back to the court,” said Tito Machado, DUPR CEO. “Our focus at DUPR is to bring accessible, easy-to-understand technology and analytics to pickleball to unify the sport across age, gender and location with a simple rating system. We are honored to work with  RPPk and Tyson to support professionals and the growth of the game worldwide.” 

This partnership aims to formalize global standards for professional pickleball certification and education. Together, the organizations are developing the following programs to be released later this year: 


  • Coach Certification Courses: These three separate coach certification programs will offer professionals the opportunity to become certified in coaching beginner players, coaching advanced and competitive players, and pickleball management.  
  • Players’ Rating Program: This will train certified International Professional coaches in establishing initial DUPR ratings for new players to evaluate player skill level, organize level-based play and start to get results into the system. 
  • Tournament Director Course: Coaches will learn how to use the DUPR platform to develop and organize successful pickleball events and tournaments. 
  • Team Manager Course: Team organizers will learn how to use the DUPR platform and successfully direct and captain a team in a pickleball league.
  • Referee Certification Course: Open to licensed International Referee Professionals, this course will teach one how to use the DUPR platform and the necessary regulations in place to referee a pickleball tournament. 
  • Professional Services: RPPk offers a series of professional services so that all professionals certified through the RPPk, DUPR and McGuffin training and certification programs can carry out their work with total safety and guarantee.

About International Coaches Institute & RPPkThe International Coaches Institute (ICI) is the first and largest international organization dedicated to offering educational programs, international certification and comprehensive professional services to tennis, golf, padel, fitness and pickleball teaching professionals through their respective Professional Registries.
The ICI currently has +50,000 qualified coaches in 130 countries, and since its foundation in 1989, it has trained +100,000 sports coaches. For more information visit: www.icisports.org / www.RPPickleball.org

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. Players and operators can visit  www.mydupr.com to sign up and learn more.  

About Tyson McGuffinTyson McGuffin has captured the attention of fans and peers alike, establishing himself as a true icon in the world of pickleball. Tyson is a two-time US Open Champion, a five time National Champion, a 12 time PPA Champion and a two time Triple Crown winner. Tyson holds steadfast to his three pillars of Athlete, Dad and Coach. When Tyson is not competing he enjoys spending time with his family, going on hikes, working out, vacationing with his wife Megan, and soaking up special moments with their four children. For more information visit: www.tysonmcguffin.com

Find out more about the courses and how to get certified here.

Partners