DUPR Verified Pickleball Program: Dynamic Universal Pickleball Rating (DUPR) announced that more than 300 clubs across the United States will join a new “DUPR Verified” program starting in 2026. The system is designed to stop sandbagging—when players compete in lower divisions to win easier matches—by requiring stricter player checks and accurate score reporting. Major tours such as Minor League Pickleball, Top Tier Pickleball League, World of Pickleball, and National Pickleball will also adopt the program.
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How DUPR Verified Works
DUPR compared the new system to a travel program, saying,
“Think of it like TSA pre-check. DUPR Verified means players are pre-screened before they’re allowed to play. For clubs, they’re held to a higher standard in terms of score reporting.”
Players will need an active DUPR+ subscription and a verified phone number. Each phone number can link to only one account. A Fairplay Committee will review events and players to ensure honesty. Match scores must be submitted within 48 hours and in the correct order. Results from Verified events will also count more toward a player’s DUPR rating than standard matches.
Current Sandbagging Problems
Duplicate accounts are the most common way players avoid fair ratings. Some duplicates are accidental, but others are made on purpose to enter lower-level brackets. Local moneyball events and club matches often face this issue. DUPR plans to prevent this by using results from all types of play, including DUPR nights, ladders, weekend moneyball events, and national tournaments.
Who Will Be Affected
The Verified program will first reach major tours and leagues in 2026, including Minor League Pickleball, Top Tier Pickleball League, World of Pickleball, and National Pickleball. Clubs such as The Picklr are already applying to join. Regular DUPR events will continue, but Verified events will likely become the preferred option for players seeking fair competition.
Why It Matters
The program aims to create fairer matches and more accurate ratings. “Players get fairness. Organizers get accountability. And DUPR gets better, more reliable data,” the article explained. DUPR believes the system will build trust, improve competitive balance, and help pickleball grow as a professional sport.
What Comes Next
Some players and clubs may delay joining, but as more players sign up for DUPR+, local organizers will feel pressure to adopt Verified events. DUPR says the goal is to add consistency and guardrails to a fast-growing sport that needs stronger protections against cheating and sandbagging.
News in Brief: DUPR Verified Pickleball Program
DUPR will roll out a Verified program in 2026 to stop sandbagging in pickleball. Players must verify accounts, report scores within 48 hours, and meet strict standards. Over 300 clubs and major tours, including Minor League Pickleball and World of Pickleball, are joining to create fairer and more reliable competition.
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