FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                                                                                                                                                                   October 29, 2018
Contact: DeVonte’ Martin Public Relations Coordinator
800-877-8248 ext. 114 devonte.martin@uspta.org

USPTA PARTNERS WITH IPTPA TO BRING PICKLEBALL CERTIFICATION TO THE ASSOCIATION IPTPA will host pickleball certification courses at USPTA division conventions

LAKE NONA, Fla – The United States Professional Tennis Association (USPTA) has entered into a three-year partnership with the International Pickleball Teaching Professional Association (IPTPA.) Under the terms of the agreement, the USPTA will work collaboratively with the recognized world leader in pickleball teacher certification to certify USPTA professionals in pickleball.

Starting in 2019, the IPTPA will host specialty courses in pickleball across USPTA division conferences, where interested professionals will be able to earn their Level I certification in pickleball.

“We realize that our members have been asked about pickleball and many are being encouraged to start a pickleball program at their facilities. With that in mind, our board of directors has recognized that USPTA members should have education about pickleball,” said USPTA CEO John Embree. “As a result, we are partnering with the association that offers the best curriculum and methodology the sport of pickleball has to offer. However, it is not our intent to get into the pickleball certification business.”

The pickleball certification course will include classroom sessions, on-court teaching sessions, and an on-court playing session. The cost for the five-hour workshop is $240, which includes the pickleball certification testing, access to the specialty course, and a one-year membership with the IPTPA. The courses will be hosted by USPTA divisions such as Florida, Northern California, Southern, Southern California, Texas, etc.

“As highly trained teachers, USPTA professionals are great communicators, can break a skill down to its simplest components, and understand the importance of a great lesson plan and are passionate about teaching,” said IPTPA CEO Seymour Rifkind. “We condensed our workshop into a format that will allow USPTA members to recognize the distinct differences of pickleball while becoming familiar with the IPTPA methodology which has become the world standard in teaching pickleball. IPTPA is thrilled to be partnering with the USPTA.”

About the IPTPA The IPTPA is the world’s leading association of Certified Pickleball Teaching Professionals, viewed and highly respected as an organization of knowledgeable experts and industry innovators. The IPTPA delivers an on-going program of workshops, seminars, and other learning experiences to continually

raise the quality of each of our members. Their intent is to raise the standards of Pickleball excellence on a worldwide basis and to work in conjunction with the USAPA to help grow the sport of Pickleball.

About the USPTA Founded in 1927, the United States Professional Tennis Association is the global leader in tennis-teacher certification and professional development. With more than 12,000 members worldwide, the Association raises the standards of tennis-teaching professionals and coaches and promotes a greater awareness of the sport.