Why Pickleball Isn’t United🤯🧠Pickleball Power Structure: APP, PPA, DUPR, UTR, USAP, UPA Explained
Welcome back to our pickleball series! In today’s edition, we’ll be discussing the governing bodies of pickleball, their differences, and the systems they utilize. The world of pickleball can be a bit confusing, but we’re here to simplify things for you.
Primarily, two tours dominate the United States pickleball scene: the AP and PPA tours. The AP tour uses a rating system known as UTR (Universal Tennis Rating), which is the same company that provides ratings for tennis. Recently, they expanded into the world of pickleball. On the other hand, the PPA tour uses Dynamic Universal Pickleball Rating (DUPER). While UTR has been in the tennis scene for a long time, pickleball is a relatively new venture for them.
Both rating systems essentially function the same, providing player ratings. However, whether they share data or scrape data from each other is still being figured out. If you play in the AP tour, your rating is done by UTR, while if you play on the PPA tour, your rating is determined by DUPER.
Each tour also has its own ranking system. The AP has rankings for singles, doubles, and mixed doubles. Similarly, the PPA has rankings for mixed doubles, singles, and gender doubles, alongside their own rating systems.
Now, let’s discuss the governing bodies. The AP tour has partnered with USA Pickleball, which was formerly known as USAPA. They handle all the rules, regulations, and paddle testing. In contrast, the PPA tour has established its own governing body, the United Pickleball Association (UPA). They’ve decided to create their own set of rules, regulations, and paddle testing systems.
This divergence has led to some interesting dynamics, such as cases where a paddle that passes testing in one tournament fails in another. This is typically due to differing approved paddle lists between the UPA and USA Pickleball.
Another key difference between the two tours is the treatment of their players. The PPA contracts its players, while the AP does not. On the AP tour, players start making money after winning the second round in the main draw, whereas the PPA pays a fixed amount per round.
It’s also worth noting that to play on the AP tour, you have to be a member of USA Pickleball, which requires a yearly membership fee. The PPA tour, on the other hand, does not require a membership.
The existence of these conflicting organizations has led to the sentiment that pickleball is not united, with the AP, UTR, and USA Pickleball competing against the PPA, DUPER, and UPA.
In conclusion, the pickleball scene is a highly competitive and dynamic one, with different organizations vying for dominance. Regardless, the love for the sport remains the same, and we look forward to seeing how these organizations evolve to better serve players and fans alike.
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Stay tuned for our next video where we dive deeper into the fascinating world of pickleball!
Key Points
Essential takeaways from the video
- The two main tours dominating the US pickleball scene are the APP and PPA tours.
- The APP tour uses the Universal Tennis Rating (UTR) system, which is also used in tennis. On the other hand, the PPA tour uses the Dynamic Universal Pickleball Rating (DUPR) system.
- These rating systems essentially perform the same function, rating the players based on performance.
- While the APP has partnered with USA Pickleball for rules, regulations, and paddle testing, the PPA has developed its own governing body called the United Pickleball Association (UPA).
- It’s possible for a paddle to pass testing in one tournament and fail in another because the APP and PPA have different approved lists for paddles.
- The APP and PPA also have different approaches to player contracts and prize money distribution.
- To play on the APP tour, one needs to become a member of USA Pickleball, which requires a yearly membership fee. There is no such requirement for the PPA tour.
- The existence of these separate and competing organizations is why some people say that pickleball is not united.
Detailed Comparison
Understanding the key differences
Understanding Tournament Brackets and Draws
A tournament bracket or draw is essentially the roadmap of the competition. It outlines the teams (or individuals in singles) that will be competing against each other, showing their progression through different rounds until a winner is determined.
Main Draw (Front Draw)
- Starting point for all players
- For undefeated players only
- Path to tournament victory
Back Draw (Consolation)
- Second chance bracket
- For players with one loss
- Chance to win prizes
PPA + DUPR + UPA Format
Professional tournaments with high stakes and no back draws.
- Single elimination format
- Higher pressure matches
- Elite competition level
APP + UTR + USAP Format
More opportunities with back draw system.
- Back draw available
- More matches guaranteed
- Prize opportunities in back draw
Whether you’re playing in the main draw or back draw, every match is an opportunity to improve and showcase your skills. Understanding these tournament structures helps you better prepare for competition.
Common Questions About Pickleball Organizations
- What are the two main tours that dominate in the US?
- The two main tours that dominate in the US are the AP and PPA tours. The AP tour uses the rating system UTR (Universal Tennis Rating), which is the same company as tennis. On the other hand, the PPA tour uses DUPR (Dynamic Universal Pickleball Rating).
- What’s the difference between UTR and DUPR?
- UTR and DUPR are both rating systems for pickleball players. UTR has been doing tennis ratings for a long time before they expanded into pickleball. DUPR, however, is exclusive to pickleball. They basically do the same thing – rate the players. The data usage and sharing between these two systems are still being hashed out.
- Who are the governing bodies of AP and PPA?
- AP has partnered with USA Pickleball for rules, regulations, and paddle testing. On the other hand, PPA has developed its own governing body called UPA (United Pickleball Association). They have separate rules, regulations, and paddle testing procedures.
- Why do some people say that pickleball is not united?
- Pickleball is considered “not united” due to the conflicting organisations and systems. The AP tour, UTR, and USA Pickleball are in competition with the PPA tour, DUPR, and UPA. These two sets of entities have different rules, regulations, and systems, creating a divide in the pickleball scene.
- What is the difference in player contracts between AP and PPA?
- The PPA tour contracts their players, while the AP tour does not. In the AP tour, players start making money after they win the second round in the main draw. In the PPA tour, players get paid per round, regardless of the round they reach.