Industry’s First Education + Revenue Generator Combination exclusively for RSPA Members 

ORLANDO, Fla. (July 3, 2025) - The Racquet Sports Professionals Association (RSPA), formerly the United States Professional Tennis Association (USPTA), today announced a groundbreaking new benefit exclusively for its members: the addition of DUPR Coach to the official RSPA Pickleball Certification program. This marks the first time a racquet sports certification combines advanced education with an immediate income opportunity for coaches.

Launching initially for RSPA Pickleball-certified members only, the program will roll out in phases with an expanded profile soon to further strengthen the reach and impact of DUPR Coach across the racquet sports community.

As part of this launch, current RSPA-certified Pickleball members can upgrade for only $50 – a $200 savings – to add DUPR Coach credentialing to their certification. This special member offer ensures coaches remain at the forefront of the fast-growing pickleball market with tools that set them apart.

Through the new offering, certified RSPA coaches will be credentialed as DUPR Coaches , unlocking exclusive access to DUPR’s Coach-Assigned Rating system and assessment tools. DUPR Coaches can assess players in-person or remotely, either via DUPR Rating Sessions or game film, and instantly generate an official Coach-Assigned DUPR for any non-rated player.

“The addition of DUPR Coach to the RSPA Pickleball Certification is more than a feature; it’s a shift in what it means to be a coach,” said Brian Dillman, CEO of RSPA. “For the first time in our industry, professionals will leave a certification workshop with not just training, but with the immediate ability to improve their bottom line. This is a certification built for the future of coaching.”

‍This means coaches can now offer rating services, host DUPR Assessment Events, and lead skills improvement sessions designed around helping players earn and improve their DUPRs, all while generating new revenue streams.

‍The RSPA Pickleball certification, modeled after their industry-leading successful tennis protocols and co-designed with leading pickleball educators, will include instructional education followed by credentialing on how to become a DUPR Coach. RSPA Pickleball workshops are already available nationwide across all 17 RSPA divisions.

‍“Coaches are the key to growing pickleball at every level,” said DUPR CEO Tito Machado. “By adding DUPR Coach along with the RSPA certification, we’re giving them real tools to lead with education, credibility, and a new way to earn. This partnership is about empowering coaches to build stronger programs and stronger communities.”

‍“RSPA’s adoption of DUPR Coach and its reach to more than 14,000 members signals a powerful commitment to growing the game of pickleball,” said Katie Nimitz, President of My Journey Pickleball. “Now, over 4,000 country and racquet clubs will be equipped to meet the sport’s rapid growth and generate meaningful income for their coaching programs and facilities.”

‍With millions of non-rated players across the U.S., the need for accessible ratings and a strong coaching infrastructure has never been more pressing. The RSPA Pickleball Certification with DUPR Coach answers that call, giving coaches the foundation to teach and the technology to build thriving programs in their communities.

RSPA Pickleball-certified members can upgrade their certification and start their DUPR Coach journey here.

About the RSPA
The Racquet Sports Professionals Association (RSPA), formerly the United States Professional Tennis Association (USPTA), is the leading trade organization for racquet sports professionals. Since 1927, the RSPA has grown to support the diverse needs of the racquet sports industry, including tennis, pickleball, padel, squash, and platform tennis. With more than 14,000 members worldwide and 17 divisions across the country, the RSPA offers career advancement support, certification, and development opportunities, from coaching to club management, executive development to sales and marketing, and beyond. Our mission is to champion the passion of racquet sports by developing professionals who lead with integrity, innovate in coaching, and inspire a diverse and inclusive racquet sports community. Learn more at RSPA.net.