Nervous? Good. That means you care. Here's exactly what to expect at your first ERA stop, from getting a rating to shaking hands after medal play.
Every ERA bracket is seeded by DUPR, the universal pickleball rating. Create a free account at dupr.com or in the DUPR app. Played rated matches before? You already have a number. Never played rated? You can log recreational matches in the app to establish one, or simply enter your first ERA event: every match you play with us reports to DUPR within 48 hours, so your first tournament builds your rating.
Enter the skill level that matches your DUPR: a 3.42 plays 3.5, a 3.95 plays 4.0. Between levels or unrated? Enter up, not down. You'll get better matches and nobody grumbles. Most players enter two events per stop (say, Men's Doubles 3.5 + Mixed 3.5). Your first event is $75 and each additional is $25. Doubles requires a partner; if you don't have one, email us and we'll help match you at your level.
Two paddles if you have them, court shoes (not running shoes), a change of shirt, electrolytes, and snacks. Brackets can mean 4–8 games in a day. Check-in opens at 7:00 AM; arrive 45 minutes before your first scheduled slot. Every ERA venue is climate-controlled indoor with food and a pro shop on site.
You'll check in, find your court assignment on the live bracket board, and warm up. Pool play comes first, everyone gets multiple games regardless of results, then top finishers seed into the medal bracket. Matches are best two of three to 11, win by two. Refs handle medal rounds; earlier rounds are self-officiated like rec play, just with a scorekeeper.
This is the part nobody else does: every ERA player gets a tour profile with their record, per-game scores, medals, and season points. You earn points just for signing up, plus placement points scaled by division size. Those points chase a spot in the Texas Invitational, the season finale. Win or lose, you're on the board from day one.
How long does it last? Plan on one full day per event entered. Singles, gender doubles, and mixed play on different days.
Can friends watch? Yes, spectating is free at every stop.
What if I lose every game? You'll have played people at your level, logged rated matches, earned sign-up points, and know exactly what to work on. Most first-timers come back.
Stop announcements, early registration windows, and your ranking after every event.