DUPR (Dynamic Universal Pickleball Rating) ratings can be polarizing for clubs and their members, with some seeing them as a tool and others as a judgment. However, these industry standard ratings don’t need to be divisive! The Fort in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, is working to reframe DUPR ratings within their club as a tool to create the best programming possible for all members, rather than a label.
Many club owners agree that DUPR ratings can cause division within a club. Some higher-ranked members take great pride in their rating, which can create a feeling of “less than” for members working on their skills or simply more interested in playing for fun. However, when framed in the right way, knowing the DUPR ranges in your club can be a great way to develop new programming, events, and help players maximize their time on the courts.
“When we announced we wanted all members to be rated, many were upset thinking the ratings were to be used in a shaming way of sorts,” Brad Tuckman, co-founder of The Fort, says.” Once we explained it was to help create better programming for all players, the resistance slowed.”
DUPR ratings are more than a number. Requiring members and visitors to earn and disclose their DUPR ratings allows club owners to see who is in the building and when. With that information, owners can create more relevant programming, balanced matches, targeted clinics and ensure that tournament offerings match member levels. For example, if a majority of Thursday am players are 3.5s, a club can create a 3.5 open play bracket or offer a clinic to provide the required skills to reach 4.0.
Removing the stigma of DUPR ratings will take some time and education, though. A good start is to put the focus on personal growth instead of comparison. If a player is a 3.0 and wants to grow to a 4.0, provide a path that shows members how that can happen. It’s also important to normalize DUPR fluctuations as a result of progress and learning. A dip after a hard game isn’t forever! When possible, ask members to share their stories of using their DUPR rating as a tool to find opportunities for growth in their game. Lastly, it’s also important to bring staff members on board and encourage them to talk about DUPR ratings positively as a tool, instead of a label.
So, how can a club implement these new ways to look at DUPR ratings in a friendly way? One simple approach is to host low-pressure “Rating Nights” for members. Include music, drink specials or food if applicable. When onboarding new members, include the club’s DUPR philosophy with the reasoning behind it. While making it a club requirement could be off-putting, making new members aware of the club philosophy and providing opportunities for members to work on their DUPR rating will encourage more participation.
DUPR ratings can support highly competitive players as well as welcome those new to the sport when utilized as a tool for growth instead of a static rating. Making DUPR a basis for programming and skill building can create a stronger member base and stronger players in an easily organized fashion. Give it a try!
