DUPR (Dynamic Universal Pickleball Rating) presented by Delaware Life is pleased to welcome Pick’d Performance Plus, a revolutionary supplement engineered to help achieve peak performance, as the official hydration sponsor of the DUPR Collegiate Pickleball Powered by JOOLA. 

Pick’d Performance Plus is an innovative performance drink that delivers all the benefits of the secret-cure-all of pickle juice – without the briny taste. Long beloved by athletes as an unusual but highly effective hydration and recovery choice, Pick’d Performance Plus takes the two the prominent acids from pickle juice – lactic and acetic – which stop the muscle cramp cycle, and adds them into their supplements to enable all athletes to experience the power of pickles without the taste. 

Pick’d Performance tackles muscle cramps, enhances muscle performance, improves mental focus, increases energy levels and provides long-lasting hydration to enable athletes to push harder, stay focused and stay hydrated whenever and wherever they compete. 

“We are excited to support these talented athletes on the DUPR Collegiate Tour not only with an effective recovery beverage, but also to join DUPR’s efforts in creating more opportunities for collegiate players to compete and win scholarship and prize money,” said Tyler Deters, CEO of No Apologies Nutrition, the parent company of Pick’d Performance Plus. 

Since holding its first event in 2022, DUPR’s college program has solidified its position as the premier tour in the world, establishing a circuit over 250 collegiate pickleball programs and 1,300 athletes to compete and earn prize money. In 2024, the DUPR Collegiate Tour will run 27 regional and national events, with opportunities for collegiate players to compete at the same events as the professionals through its partnership with the United Pickleball Association.

To sign up for events and learn more, please visit www.dupr.com/collegiate.

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About DUPR 

DUPR (Dynamic Universal Pickleball Rating) presented by Delaware Life, 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 UPA, PPA, MLP, Pickleball.com, LifeTime, The Picklr, National Team Pickleball League, National Pickleball League, Pickleball England and Asian Pickleball Association, among others. Players and operators can visit www.dupr.com to sign up and learn more. 

About Pick’d Performance Plus 

This revolutionary formula swiftly combats muscle cramps, boosts energy, sharpens focus, and provides lasting hydration. Utilizing lactic and acetic acids, it targets cramps at their source, while essential electrolytes, nootropics, and energy-boosting components enhance muscle function and clarity. Ideal for athletes at any level, Pick’d Performance Plus is your all-in-one solution for unapologetic performance. Powered by pickles and perfected by athletes.

About No Apologies Nutrition

No Apologies Nutrition is a leading provider of performance-focused hydration solutions, dedicated to supporting athletes and active individuals. With a commitment to quality and innovation, No Apologies Nutrition delivers products designed to enhance hydration, improve performance, and support overall health.

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Partnerships Further DUPR’s Position as the Preferred Ratings Partner for Major International Pickleball Tours, Leagues and Governing Bodies

DUPR (Dynamic Universal Pickleball Rating) presented by Delaware Life, today announced it has been named the official and exclusive ratings partner for Pickleball Peru, the country’s governing body for pickleball, and the Pickleball World Cup, the premier professional tournament for the top players of every country. 

Founded by professional players Hercilio Cabieses and Miranda Cabieses, the 2024 Pickleball World Cup will host 450 athletes from 25 delegations in Lima, Peru, on October 26th and 27th to compete for glory in pickleball’s biggest global event. The Pickleball World Cup will leverage DUPR to evaluate and seed players within the competition. 

Additionally, Pickleball Peru, the governing body for pickleball in the country, will adopt DUPR as its official rating for the III Official Pickleball Tournament - International. All sanctioned events run by Pickleball Peru will require participants to have a free DUPR account. Results from all Pickleball Peru matches will be shared to DUPR to count towards player ratings. 

“DUPR’s system is accurate and reliable, and used by thousands of clubs, leagues and tournaments to provide competitive, level-based play for the millions of pickleball players worldwide,” said Hercilio Cabieses, founder of Pickleball World Cup and President of Pickleball Peru. “Our mission is to grow the game of pickleball nationally and internationally,  and DUPR provides a universal language to connect every pickleball player under one rating system. We are confident that DUPR will support our players in having even better pickleball experiences and our organizers in creating more engaging, level-based opportunities for players to compete.”

The partnerships with Pickleball Peru and Pickleball World Cup reinforce DUPR’s position as the preferred ratings partner for leagues, tournaments and governing bodies all across the world. DUPR works with over 50 governing bodies, including the Asian Pickleball Association (comprised of 36 countries), European Pickleball Association (TK countries) and Pickleball England, and is the official rating of the world’s most influential  pickleball leagues, events and tournaments including Major League Pickleball, World Pickleball Rankings, the US Open Championships presented by Margaritaville, among others. 

“We are honored to support Pickleball Peru and the Pickleball World Cup with a best-in-class rating system to further their efforts in creating the best possible pickleball experiences for players of all levels,” said Tito Machado, DUPR CEO. “Our goal at DUPR is to support everyone in pickleball with access to a simple and reliable rating system. Pickleball is still in its infancy, and the more we can work together to establish a universal language and standard for everyone in the game, the healthier the sport will be for generations to come.” 

DUPR evaluates players based on match results to provide a real-time, reliable assessment of their skill level. The rating system analyzes a player’s match results to provide a real-time assessment of their skill level across 2.000 - 8.000 scale. All players, regardless of their age, gender or location, are rated on the same scale, unifying the pickleball community with a common language through an accurate, global rating system.

Interested delegations of each country can learn more about the Pickleball World Cup on this link and for players interested in the open tournaments can visit this website. All players must have a DUPR account to participate in the event. To sign up for a free DUPR profile and get a pickleball rating, visit DUPR’s website or download the app. 

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About DUPR 

DUPR (Dynamic Universal Pickleball Rating) presented by Delaware Life, 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 UPA, PPA, MLP, Pickleball.com, LifeTime, The Picklr, National Team Pickleball League, National Pickleball League, Pickleball England and Asian Pickleball Association, among others. Players and operators can visit www.dupr.com to sign up and learn more. 

About Pickleball Peru 

Pickleball Peru is the non-profit organization that is leading the promotion and development of the sport in the country since 2021. During these years, they have achieved agreements with government entities such as Special Project Legacy and the Peruvian Institute of Sports, which are in charge of the facilities and development of sports in the country. Currently, pickleball has spread at a regional level, it is played in 8 departments of the country and also has the first para pickleball club which promotes the participation of people with disabilities. In numbers, Pickleball Peru has done more than 300 exhibitions all over the country and in Latin America, thanks to this more than 50,000 people in the country have played the sport for the first time. To get to know about their work, you can visit their social networks as @pickleballperu on instagram and facebook.

About Pickleball World Cup

The Pickleball World Cup 2024 Bicentennial Edition is an international competition that will bring together the best representatives of the discipline. 

Pickleball is one of the fastest growing sports worldwide. As a result, Peru will host an unprecedented mega event, which will bring together the best exponents from more than 25 countries, in search of glory at the Legado de la Videna venue. In addition to that, with their participation, they will support the promotion and development of pickleball, since their registration fee is donated to Cabieses Foundation to keep spreading the love for the sport.

Likewise, this great event will count with the participation of 12 certified referees, guaranteeing the highest quality standards. 

The 2024 Pickleball World Cup also has a digital presence on Instagram. If you wish to see more content on our profile, you can find us as Pickleball World Cup.

This October 26th and 27th, Lima is waiting for you to live an unforgettable experience.

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DUPR Officially Launches Provisional DUPR Rating Tool for Coaches – “DUPR Coach” Enables Coaches to Generate Provisional Ratings for Players & Create New Revenue for Themselves & Their Clubs

Rehoboth Beach, DE – DUPR (Dynamic Universal Pickleball Rating) presented by Delaware Life and My Pickleball Coach have launched “DUPR Coach,” a technology tool that enables coaches to provide every pickleball player with a full skills analysis and produce a Provisional DUPR for non-rated players. A Provisional DUPR can only be created by a certified DUPR Coach and rates 18 skill sets of a player’s game, including shot selection, court positioning, partner chemistry, and technical skills.

DUPR Coach empowers coaches to  generate Provisional DUPRs for the 34 million non-rated pickleball players in the U.S. using a simple technology tool.

Brian Lloyd, Chief Pickleball Officer of Dill Dinkers, remarked: “Since pickleball is primarily played in a doubles format, the enjoyment and growth of the game require parity of skills. If one player is lower (or higher) in skill level, it impacts the quality of the match for all four players. The Provisional DUPR tool is a high-fidelity way for a player to truly have their skills analyzed by certified DUPR Coaches. This allows players to start their individualized development plan while enabling coaches the ability to support them from anywhere. It allows clubs to run more enjoyable or competitive events, like open plays or round robins, and caters to those new to the sport with the knowledge to register for the ‘right’ event. As a coach, I simply open an app on my phone and produce a Provisional DUPR in a few minutes.”

Brian continues, “The pickleball industry has a very rare opportunity to transform millions of non-rated players into active, engaged members. For coaches, DUPR Coach is the most important tool a coach can have; their phone is now a member engagement device.”

David Kempster, Director of Racquets at The Peninsula Golf and Country Club, a Troon Club, emphasized the importance of why Provisional DUPRs are needed for the growth of the game: "When you provide a non-rated player who’s relatively new to the game with a Provisional DUPR and grow their skills to a 3.5 DUPR, it creates a long-term member. DUPR Coach enables me to rapidly assess a player’s skills—like nothing I’ve ever seen. I now run the DUPR Assessment sessions monthly so players can see where they are and how good they can be.”

Gavin Leon, Director of Racquets at Baltimore Country Club (BCC), a private club with over 5,000 members, highlights the importance of the Provisional DUPR: “For pickleball's growth to be sustainable and non-rated members to better engage and enjoy the sport, there must be a standard for matching players’ skill levels. Similar to the GHIN Handicap in golf, DUPR provides players with an objective way to measure their skill level so they can have the most fun playing competitively. As a DUPR Coach, I can now rapidly generate Provisional DUPRs and develop skills for hundreds of newcomers. At The Baltimore Country Club, coaches now have a new program to welcome non-rated DUPR players. Already, we have seen this approach improve membership growth and retention.”

Jeff Rausch, Director of Pickleball at the Austin Pickle Ranch, expressed his enthusiasm for the impact of Provisional DUPRs for both players and facilities: “Before DUPR Coach, our assessments helped players understand their skill level, but they lacked the formal recognition needed to take action. Now, with Provisional DUPRs, coaches at the Austin Pickle Ranch will be able to accurately assess players and provide them with a globally recognized rating to kick-start their DUPR journey. This not only helps our members better understand their abilities but enables all players to join skill-based play at their appropriate level. The introduction of Provisional DUPRs is a crucial step in ensuring the sport’s long-term success by creating fair, fun, and competitive play at our facility and beyond.”

The DUPR Coach provides coaches with a new revenue stream through DUPR Skills Assessment Events, which are designed for coaches and clubs to elevate their pickleball offerings and boost revenue. These events come with a robust revenue model. Attendees receive a Provisional DUPR, helping them understand their current skill level and set goals for improvement, and they receive long-term personalized coaching that keeps them engaged while they improve.

Tito Machado, CEO of DUPR stated: “Coaches are the lifeblood of pickleball, and the DUPR Coach tool is meant to empower coaches in their efforts to bring more players into the game and create even more engaging pickleball opportunities for all levels. Pickleball is still on a remarkable global growth trajectory and supporting coaches with the ability to assign players Provisional DUPRs will make their entry into pickleball even more enjoyable and ultimately keep them on the court for years to come. We are excited to partner with My Pickleball Coach to merge our tools, technology and expertise to support the growth of the game at all levels."

Coaches interested in becoming a DUPR Coach and providing Provisional DUPR Ratings Services can find more information HERE.

About DUPR

DUPR (Dynamic Universal Pickleball Rating) presented by Delaware Life, 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 UPA, PPA, MLP, Pickleball.com, Life Time, The Picklr, National Team Pickleball League, National Pickleball League, Pickleball England and Asian Pickleball Association, among others. Players and operators can visit www.dupr.com to sign up and learn more. 

About DUPR Coach

DUPR Coach enables coaches to launch DUPR Provisional ratings for the 34 million non-rated pickleball players, powered by My Pickleball Coach.

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‍Super Regionals

The five DUPR (Dynamic Universal Pickleball Rating) presented by Delaware Life Collegiate Super Regionals of the 2024 season are listed below! Each of these tournaments provide four bids to the Collegiate National Championship, along with scholarship money for the top teams. In addition, the semifinals and finals of each of all five Super Regionals will be livestreamed by Performance Productions, guaranteeing consistent quality, commentary, and graphics. 

Florida Super Regional

September 21st-22nd - The Pickleball Club

Virginia Beach Super Regional

September 28th-29th - MLP Virginia Beach

Nevada Super Regional

October 5th-6th - Green Valley Life Time

Texas Super Regional

October 12th-13th - PALA Pickleball

Arizona Super Regional

October 19th-20th - The Picklr

Campus Regionals

In addition to Super Regionals, we also have Campus Regionals that feed into the Collegiate National Championship! These events are run by schools and facilities using the DUPR Collegiate Pickleball format.

• The Pickleball Club Campus Regional - August 25th
• UW-Eau Claire Campus Regional - September 21st
• Villanova Campus Regional - September 21st
• Purdue Campus Regional - October 12th

Links to contact the tournament director for each of the Campus Regionals are available on our college website, here.

2024 Collegiate National Championship

This fall semester brings us the 3rd annual Collegiate National Championship! With 64 schools and 600+ players expected, it will surpass the 2023 Nationals as the largest collegiate pickleball tournament ever. 

Here is the schedule:

• Friday 11/1 - 16 Groups of 4, 3 Rounds of Group Play
• Saturday 11/2 - 64 Team Single Elimination Bracket Starts, Rounds of 64, 32, 16, and 8
• Sunday 11/3 - Semifinals and Finals

Bids

Here is the breakdown of how the 64 bids to Nationals will be given out:

• 36 bids from Super Regionals (9 Super Regionals with 4 bids each)
• 16 bids from Campus Regionals (16 Campus Regionals with 1 bid each)
• 12 wildcard bids

Any school that has attended at least 1 Super Regional or Campus Regional is eligible for a wildcard bid. The primary factors DUPR will look at to award wildcard bids are the number of events attended, and number of players brought to the event. Secondary factors are the average DUPR of the starting team, and the number of players in the DUPR Digital Club. 

A bid is required to be one of the 64 teams at Nationals. However, schools without a bid can still bring players to compete in the challenger bracket at Nationals. The challenger bracket will run Friday/Saturday/Sunday alongside the main team bracket.

Find out more on Collegiate at dupr.com/collegiate

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August 19, 2024 – The Dink Minor League Pickleball (MiLP) and DUPR (Dynamic Universal Pickleball Rating) presented by Delaware Life, the leading rating software solution in pickleball, are pleased to announce a partnership with the United Pickleball Association of America (UPA-A). This collaboration will enhance player experience and equipment standards across all The Dink Minor League Pickleball events.

Effective immediately, paddles certified by UPA-A will be officially recognized for use in all The Dink MiLP competitions. This endorsement underscores The Dink MiLP and DUPR's commitment to maintaining the highest standards of play while offering players more choices when selecting equipment that meets rigorous quality and performance criteria. 

UPA-A has recently introduced its interim paddle certification program, which ensures that all paddles bearing the UPA-A certification meet stringent specifications for fairness and performance. This certification is now fully recognized alongside the existing USAP (USA Pickleball) certified paddles, which will continue to be approved for all The Dink MiLP events.

"We are thrilled to welcome UPA-A certified paddles into our league," said Tito Machado, CEO of DUPR. "This partnership is an important step in upholding the competitive integrity of our events."

UPA-A's leadership expressed enthusiasm for the collaboration. Jason Aspes, President of UPA-A, stated, "We are honored that The Dink MiLP and DUPR have recognized our certification process. This endorsement reaffirms our dedication to elevating the sport of pickleball and ensuring that all equipment used in competition meets the highest standards for the life of the paddle."

Players participating in The Dink MiLP events are encouraged to check for UPA-A or USAP certification labels when selecting their paddles for upcoming competitions. Both The Dink MiLP and DUPR are committed to providing the best possible experience for players and fans alike, and this new recognition is a testament to that commitment.

For more information on the UPA-A Paddle Certification, please visit https://upaa.unitedpickleball.com/paddle-testing/#paddle-list

For more information on The Dink MiLP events, please visit https://officialminorleaguepb.com

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Partnership Will Launch DUPR High School Pickleball Scholarship Fund to Support High School Pickleball Programs 

Delray Beach, FL and TK, TK (August 17, 2024) – In an effort to meet the increasing demand among young people for opportunities to participate in pickleball, DUPR (Dynamic Universal Pickleball Rating) presented by Delaware Life and Pickleball Cares, a nonprofit striving to grow the game, today announced a new partnership to support local high school pickleball programs with scholarships, tools and technology to grow the game in their communities. 

A key part of the initiative is the launch of the DUPR High School Pickleball Scholarship Fund, a new program specifically designed to support high school players who want to get in the game. The fund will be used to support high school pickleball programs that use DUPR through scholarships provided by Pickleball Cares to help break down barriers to participation so that all students have the opportunity to get involved and experience the many positive physical and mental elements of the game. 

“Sports offer so many benefits for kids, from mental and physical health, to forging opportunities and connections that may not have existed before. We are honored to partner with Pickleball Cares to support their incredibly impactful efforts to grow the game and create more opportunities for young players to get involved,” said Tito Machado, CEO of DUPR. 

DUPR provides the sport’s leading tools and technology, including its global rating system which evaluates player skill level, enabling players to find more competitive, level-based matches and competition, set goals to track their progress and offer connectivity to the global pickleball community. Its organizational platform and technology are used by thousands of organizers, from local clubs to colleges, to major and minor leagues - including Major League Pickleball, LifeTime and The Picklr. 

“DUPR’s free and unified rating system makes them the perfect partner to support our mission of developing a love of pickleball for players of all levels. When players are rated on DUPR, they are connected to a global pickleball community, and can not only find more opportunities to play, but can set goals, track their progress and identify competitive pathways in high school, college and even the pros. We are thrilled to partner with their team and continue to grow the game together,” said Geoffrey Nguyen, Executive Director at Pickleball Cares. 

Pickleball Cares is a leading nonprofit organization that strives to change lives through pickleball – from players of all skill levels to the communities that support the game. By creating opportunities to participate, Pickleball Cares is working to improve outcomes for young people across education, health, self-confidence and the overall well-being of all those who are touched by the sport. 

DUPR is committed to supporting organizations of all sizes anywhere in the world that are driving positive growth in the game. To learn more about working with DUPR, please visit dupr.com/clubs.

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.dupr.com to sign up and learn more. 

About Pickleball Cares

Pickleball Cares’ mission is to impact lives through pickleball – from players of all skill levels to the communities that support the game. Sports like pickleball have the potential to transform lives, but access to play isn't equal for everyone. Introducing this game and providing opportunities for youth, particularly those from underserved communities who might not have access to recreational activities to participate can offer life-changing benefits, enhancing their education, health, self-confidence, and overall well-being. Pickleball Cares aspires to promote accessibility and inclusivity in sports, especially for underserved communities.

The first three of the seven Regional Showdowns crowned the first set of Dream Ticket winners!

Northeast Regional

All State Pickleball hosted the first Regional Showdown, The Northeast Regional, of the 2024 season at Bounce in Malvern, Pennsylvania, crowned gold medals in DUPR 14, 16 and 18. All division winners earned the coveted Dream Ticket which guarantees the teams an automatic bid into the National Championship.

Midsouth Regional

The Oklahoma Pickleball Club hosted the second Regional Showdown, the Midsouth Regional, at Pickleball Kingdom in Plano, Texas. With a record-breaking 188 players, this event became the largest Regional Showdown since the series began in 2023. Gold medals were awarded across six divisions. This impressive turnout showcases the remarkable growth of The Dink Minor League Pickleball!

Midwest Regional

The Midwest Regional Showdown took place at the inaugural PickleCon in Kansas City, hosted by InPickle Nation. The event was a resounding success, with seamless match transitions and the excitement of all teams advancing to the bracket playoffs. Gold medal matches were hosted at PickleCon’s championship court for DUPR 14 and 18, a sweet award for making it to the finals. Four teams earned Dream Tickets to the National Championship.

Why Play at a Regional Showdown?

What makes these Regional Showdowns unique is the coveted Dream Ticket awarded to all winning teams. A Dream Ticket guarantees a spot at the National Championship, taking place December 13-15 in Fenton, Missouri. It includes a four-match guarantee (8 games to 21 for each player—a guarantee unmatched by any other tour or event!). Additionally, all Regional Showdown participants earn points towards the National Leaderboard.

Upcoming Regional Showdowns

Want to earn your Dream Ticket and guarantee yourself a spot at the 2024 National Championship? Register to compete at one of the upcoming Regional Showdowns.

• Midwest Regional
  • Date: August 10th
  • Venue: PickleCon (Kansas City Convention Center)
  • City, State: Kansas City, Missouri
  • Divisions: 12, 14, 16, 18, 20
• West Coast Regional
  • Date: September 7th
  • Venue: Willow Pass Community Park in Concord
  • City, State: Concord, California
  • Divisions: 12, 14, 16, 18, 20
• Northwest Regional
  • Date: September 7th & 8th 
  • Venue: Caverlero MidHigh School
  • City, State: Lake Stevens, Washington
  • Divisions: 12, 14, 16, 18, 20, 22
• Southwest Regional
  • Date: October 5th & 6th, 2024
  • Venue: TBD (in or near Phoenix) 
  • City, State: TBD, Arizona
  • Divisions: 12, 14, 16, 18, 20, 22
• Southeast Regional
  • Date: November 9th & 10th
  • Venue: Lone Palm Country Club
  • City, State: Lakeland, Florida
  • Divisions: 14, 16, 18, 20

To learn more about The Dink MiLP, visit our website.

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Ben Hildreth has lived in Taiwan for over 10 years and works as an international school PE teacher and account manager for DUPR (Dynamic Universal Pickleball Rating) presented by Delaware Life. An avid traveler, he has visited more than 75 countries. Ben enjoys all sports, with a particular passion for pickleball, running, scuba diving, and fitness. He has a small addiction to K-dramas, counting calories, and beach days. Whether exploring a new country or running a round-robin, Ben embraces life with enthusiasm and a zest for discovery.

How did you get involved with DUPR?

A colleague already involved in pickleball reached out when he heard I was playing internationally and teaching pickleball as a PE teacher. He made a few introductions to people in the industry, and now I work for DUPR. It’s been exciting to see pickleball and DUPR grow throughout Asia.

Can you explain what DUPR is and is it only for elite and competition players?

DUPR (Dynamic Universal Pickleball Rating) is pickleball’s most accurate and widely adopted global rating system. It gives players a rating based on match results and helps them find more opportunities to play. Everyone can use DUPR – whether you’re a recreational player, club warrior, or a pro. It’s free to use and makes pickleball even more fun.

DUPR’s rating system is based on match results, so it provides the most reliable assessment of player level in an easy-to-understand way. All players, regardless of their age, gender, location, or skill, are rated on the same scale between 2.000-8.000. Here’s what the rating looks at: The algorithm considers four factors:

1. Points – If you win 11-3, you go up more than if you win 11-9. Competing against similar-level players will have a greater impact on your rating.
2. Recency – When entering matches, more recent matches will move you more than old matches.
3. Total Match Count – If you’ve played in a lot of matches, your rating will fluctuate less compared to a player with a lower match count.
4. Every Match Matters – Every match counts toward your rating, even if you are playing against someone who is unrated or new to DUPR.

When players have a rating, it makes playing even more fun. Players can find more opportunities to play with others at their level and track their progress, and clubs and tournaments use DUPR to create better competition. It’s a language that unifies the game across age, gender, skill level, and location. If you have a rating on DUPR, you can find fun pickleball play wherever you are.  

When people first signed up for DUPR, we saw some very strange ratings (e.g., a beginner with just one or two games getting a strangely high ranking). Why does that happen? And how long is it before a typical DUPR rating is “accurate?”

Just like any system, the more information (i.e. match results) that DUPR has, the better the system is at evaluating a player’s skill level because it has a bigger pool of results to analyze. A player who is just starting may see their rating fluctuate a bit before it levels out to offer a more reliable assessment of their skill level. DUPR recently introduced a Reliability Score, which is a percentage that indicates a player’s progress toward achieving a reliable rating to help players understand their rating.

Players who have more results in DUPR will have higher reliability scores because there are more match results to analyze, offering a more in-depth view of their ability. A player who is just starting will have a lower reliability score because DUPR does not have as many results to analyze. As players play more and share their results with DUPR, their ratings become more and more reliable, and their reliability scores will go up.

A player’s Reliability Score reflects a few things – how many match results are in our system, how recently they’ve played, and the variety of players they’ve played against. A higher Reliability Score means the player is consistently uploading match results to the system, while a lower score indicates that there is some catching up (i.e., more playing!) to be done.

There isn’t necessarily a set time frame that a player can follow to achieve a reliable rating. Instead, DUPR recommends focusing on the following:

• Play with various partners and opponents.
• Play against similarly rated opponents.
• Play club/tournament matches.
• Play against highly reliable players.

These are the key factors in ensuring a player has a reliable rating. .

What are DUPR’s main aims/mission? And how are they playing out in Asia?

DUPR’s mission is to unify pickleball across age, gender, and location with a simple rating system while fostering a sense of fairness and competition for pickleball players across the globe. The players in Asia are fantastic, and the numbers are growing.  Pickleball clubs are sprouting up at an amazing rate. You can find a club to play in almost every country in Asia. Tourists from all over the globe have added pickleball to their travel itinerary as a fun way to meet locals and log some games in different countries (like a digital souvenir!).  Asia also has many high-level players playing in the PPA, MLP, & Major League Pickleball Australia.

Which are the most active DUPR countries around Asia right now?

The Philippines, China, Vietnam, Malaysia and Chinese Taipei have been very active lately.  These countries are uploading scores through tournaments, leagues, team formats, and open play.  

If you meet a player and they say, “Why should I bother signing up for DUPR?” what are the main reasons you give them?

1. DUPR makes sure that games are fair, which leads to more interesting matches and gameplay.
2. You can keep track of your progress and see where you’re doing well and where you need to improve, which is very important for getting better at the game.
3. The ratings help event organizers set the seeds, which makes tournaments more competitive and well-organized.
4. DUPR’s universal method promotes inclusion by not caring about age or gender, making the facility a friendly place for all pickleball fans.
5. It is an international benchmark for assessing pickleball skills as the sport gains global popularity, crucial for international tournaments and monitoring players’ proficiency worldwide.
6. When players are rated on DUPR, they can find fun, competitive opportunities to play wherever they are in the world.

Outside of ratings is there anything DUPR and the DUPR app can be used for?

Yes!  You can use the platform to find players of similar skill levels in your area so that you can play with them!  You can also see where you rank inside the digital club that you have joined this helps fan the flames of friendly competition. You can also DM players directly through the app to stay connected!  The app also can be used for DUPR Feeds, which allow you to:

Follow Friends: Stay in the loop with your pickleball pals! With the new Feeds feature, you can now follow your friends and catch up on their latest pickleball adventures, victories, and more.

Post Text or Images to Feed: Share your pickleball journey with the community! Whether it’s a stunning action shot or a post-game reflection, you can now post text or images directly to your feed for everyone to enjoy.

Highlight Top Matches: Showcase your best plays and give fellow players a front-row seat to your pickleball progress.

Comment on Players’ Matches: Celebrate victories, share tips, or simply cheer on your fellow players. Feeds allows you to engage in lively discussions by commenting on the matches posted by others.

Comment on Players’ Posts: Connect with players through comments on their posts and keep the post-match buzz alive off the court.

Tag Players: With Feeds, you can tag your friends and fellow players in your posts, ensuring they never miss a moment of the action.

Tag Clubs and Events: Stay connected with the broader pickleball community. Tag your favorite clubs and events that you’re registered for in your posts to share the excitement.

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Published from Pickleball News Asia and written by Andrew: Group Publisher at Asia Online Publishing Group & IPTPA Level 1 certified pickleball coach