SUPR CUPR Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1: Is there a SUPR CUPR Committee that guides the tournaments?

Yes. The Committee meets periodically, and current members are Maya Bartolf, Jason Clarke, Eydie Gibson, Curt Johansen, Deanna Kessler, Shelley Perry, Kevin Scheer, and Sophie Stevens.

Q2: How are the proceeds from player registrations disbursed?

The Committee tabulates out-of-pocket costs for the tournaments (e.g., medals, printing, meeting expenses), and 100% of the balance goes to Flyte for the usage of their courts and related facilities.

Q3: Must all players receive a CUPR before they play in SUPR CUPR tournaments?

Yes

Q4: Are individual CUPRs ever shared?

Q5: How does registration work?

Sophie sends out notifications on Thursday to all CUPR’d players on the master list (around 225 people) announcing that registration will open at 8 AM the next day (Friday) and close at 8 AM the following Monday. The next notification will be sent out on January 8, and the registration signup window will be January 9–11, 2026. We typically see all 80 available team openings filled within 24 hours, so the notification helps as a reminder that registration is the next day. Once 80 players have properly registered, a substitute player list is formed. We have always needed subs to cover unexpected injuries and illness.

Q6: What are the tournament team formation procedures?

As the SUPR CUPR has grown so large and player skill levels have improved dramatically, the Committee voted to create 20 mixed-gender teams (40 women and 40 men) spread over 3 divisions of play (Elite, Premier Plus, Premier). A CUPR strength list is created from the registered players, and the three divisions are created for the draft and team formation.

Q7: What does SUPR CUPR stand for?

Sophie & Curt’s Unprofessional Pickleball Rating system. It’s not perfect, and a few people have been vocally disappointed with the system, which we understand is not for everyone. It is subjective, of course, but as our pro, Sophie is invaluable in making CUPR adjustments whenever she sees level-up improvement. The well-known DUPR rating system does not work for the low percentage of players who actually have DUPRs and/or those who “game” the DUPR algorithms. Self-rating is also ineffective, as many players have an unrealistic bias about their own skill level, which distorts the balanced-team approach the tournament strives for.

Q8: Are CUPR ratings ever adjusted?

Yes. After each tournament, Sophie and Curt analyze performance metrics that are graciously tabulated by tech wiz John Chowanec, and adjustments are then made. Additionally, Curt arranges various time slots with players for the primary purpose of updating CUPR skill ratings. Independent of CUPR levels, players occasionally need to move up or down divisions depending on the strength of registrants for each tournament. The enjoyment and fun of this tournament is the primary focus of the SUPR CUPR Committee.

Q9: What is the best way for players to improve their CUPR?

1. Take lessons from either Sophie or Adam. 2. Find a partner and drill, drill, drill. 3. Play as often as you can. 4. Arrange matches with Committee members to show your improved skills.

Q10: Is there a draft to set the teams in each division?

Yes. Teams in the Elite and Premier Plus divisions are set through a draft that includes 6 captains and 6 teams in each division. Those captains receive an estimated strength list at the draft (no CUPRs are ever shown) to assist them with drafting players with whom they may be unfamiliar. Each team has 2 female and 2 male players. There are 8 teams in the Premier division, and those teams are curated by Sophie and Curt to balance skill levels and foster healthy competition among teams.

Q11: How are team captains chosen?

The registration form includes a box that can be checked by anyone who wishes to be considered for a captain position. Checking the box does not guarantee you will become a captain, but it is the primary way the Committee assigns captains for the upcoming tournament and draft. Captain responsibilities go beyond drafting: they must organize team names, colors, costumes (if desired), team practices, and provide strong leadership promoting fair play, adherence to rules, and prioritizing tournament fun and good sportsmanship.

Q12: During match play, when is a ball “in” or “out”?

Unlike professional tournaments that use advanced technology, we use the honor system. A ball is called “out” only if it is completely obvious that the eye sees green out-of-bounds area between the ball and the white sideline or baseline. If a shot is “too close to call,” it must be called “in.” If a shot is traveling so quickly that it is impossible to see it, that ball is “in.” Partners may assist with a line call after the player closest to the shot requests help. Fortunately, thanks to the good sportsmanship of our SUPR CUPR players, generous line-calling (giving the benefit of the doubt on balls too close to call) is reciprocated 99% of the time.

Q13: Do all teams play every other team in the tournament?

In both the Elite and Premier Plus divisions, all teams play every other team once. In the Premier division, each team plays 5 other teams but not all 7. With 20 courts available for the tournament, each team plays 20 matches and each individual team member plays 10 matches.

Q14: How are team medalists determined?

Each division awards 1st (gold), 2nd (silver), and 3rd (bronze) place medals to each member of the medalist teams. Placement is determined by the total number of team matches won—single match scores do not affect medal standings. Historically, thanks to the draft and curating systems, the SUPR CUPR tournaments have resulted in a very large number of different players receiving medals.

Q15: When are the rules for play distributed?

Rules and regulations, including scoring procedures, are sent out with the registration notification. We use rally scoring (each serve results in a point for a team regardless of who is serving), as opposed to conventional “side out” scoring. Rally scoring is necessary to complete matches within a 3–3.5 hour time allotment.

Q16: Are tournament matches played indoors, outdoors, or both?

- If weather is dry: we play simultaneously on 6 indoor courts and 14 outdoor courts. - If weather is wet: we play on 6–7 indoor courts, but not simultaneously. Each division will be assigned its own time slot. We were rained out of the outdoor courts in October, but thanks to Flyte, the tournament proceeded smoothly on schedule from 9 AM to 7:30 PM. The Committee already has its weather contingency plan for the next tournament. If weather cooperates, indoor and outdoor matches will be played from noon–3:30 PM.

Q17: Why should I become part of the SUPR CUPR MLP community?

Surveys confirm that almost all players strongly enjoy the experience, with overall participant satisfaction at 90%. We have a 92% approval rating for positive tournament sportsmanship, which is one of our top priorities. The Committee considers player suggestions and makes adjustments when possible to continually improve.