Frequently Asked Questions
If you cant find the answer to your questions please submit your questions to info@aersports.pro
Frequently Asked Questions
If you cant find the answer to your questions please submit your questions to info@aersports.pro
What is AER Pickleball?
AER Pickleball is a competitive development platform based in Jasper, Alabama, focused on creating real pathways for players to progress from local competition to national and global stages. AER hosts sanctioned tournaments, supports emerging and elite competitors, and connects players to higher-level opportunities through structured competition, ranking systems, and strategic exposure. Through its events and initiatives, AER also works to strengthen the regional pickleball community and expand access to the sport.
What is AER Pickleball?
AER Pickleball is a competitive development platform based in Jasper, Alabama, focused on creating real pathways for players to progress from local competition to national and global stages. AER hosts sanctioned tournaments, supports emerging and elite competitors, and connects players to higher-level opportunities through structured competition, ranking systems, and strategic exposure. Through its events and initiatives, AER also works to strengthen the regional pickleball community and expand access to the sport.
What is the Global Pickleball Alliance (GPA) and why does it matter?
What is the Global Pickleball Alliance (GPA) and why does it matter? The Global Pickleball Alliance (GPA) is a framework that connects several major pickleball tours and international events, allowing results from those competitions to contribute to recognized global rankings. GPA-aligned events operate across North America and internationally, forming part of the broader professional and high-performance competitive landscape. While AER is not affiliated with or a member of the GPA, AER players do compete in GPA-aligned events through tours such as the APP and select international competitions. When AER players participate in those events, their results can count toward official global rankings rather than only local rating systems. Understanding how this structure works allows AER to guide advanced players toward competitions where strong performances can carry broader competitive significance as they progress.
What is the Global Pickleball Alliance (GPA) and why does it matter?
What is the Global Pickleball Alliance (GPA) and why does it matter? The Global Pickleball Alliance (GPA) is a framework that connects several major pickleball tours and international events, allowing results from those competitions to contribute to recognized global rankings. GPA-aligned events operate across North America and internationally, forming part of the broader professional and high-performance competitive landscape. While AER is not affiliated with or a member of the GPA, AER players do compete in GPA-aligned events through tours such as the APP and select international competitions. When AER players participate in those events, their results can count toward official global rankings rather than only local rating systems. Understanding how this structure works allows AER to guide advanced players toward competitions where strong performances can carry broader competitive significance as they progress.
What does it mean that AER tournaments are USA Pickleball sanctioned?
USA Pickleball sanctioning means AER tournaments are conducted under the official USA Pickleball rulebook and adhere to approved standards for event operations, fairness, and player safety. Sanctioned events follow nationally recognized rules, formats, and officiating guidelines, providing players with a consistent and credible competitive environment. Depending on the event format and current USA Pickleball policies, results from sanctioned tournaments may be reported to systems such as DUPR and may be eligible for USA Pickleball Tiered Points, which can contribute toward a player’s pathway to Nationals. Sanctioning also signals that an event meets national standards, giving players confidence that competition is legitimate, organized, and professionally run.
What does it mean that AER tournaments are USA Pickleball sanctioned?
USA Pickleball sanctioning means AER tournaments are conducted under the official USA Pickleball rulebook and adhere to approved standards for event operations, fairness, and player safety. Sanctioned events follow nationally recognized rules, formats, and officiating guidelines, providing players with a consistent and credible competitive environment. Depending on the event format and current USA Pickleball policies, results from sanctioned tournaments may be reported to systems such as DUPR and may be eligible for USA Pickleball Tiered Points, which can contribute toward a player’s pathway to Nationals. Sanctioning also signals that an event meets national standards, giving players confidence that competition is legitimate, organized, and professionally run.
Who can play in AER tournaments?
AER tournaments are designed for competitive amateur players and typically offer divisions from 3.0 through 5.0 and above, depending on the event. At this time, AER does not offer 2.0 or 2.5 divisions. This decision allows events to maintain consistent match quality, competitive balance, and a tournament environment aligned with sanctioned standards. Players who are new to pickleball, unrated, or still developing foundational skills are absolutely welcome within the AER ecosystem. AER supports these players through development clinics, structured training opportunities, and private instruction, with the goal of preparing them to compete confidently in AER tournaments as they progress. The focus is on helping players become AER tournament-ready, rather than placing them prematurely into competitive brackets. All available divisions, formats, and eligibility requirements for each tournament are clearly listed on the event registration page.
Who can play in AER tournaments?
AER tournaments are designed for competitive amateur players and typically offer divisions from 3.0 through 5.0 and above, depending on the event. At this time, AER does not offer 2.0 or 2.5 divisions. This decision allows events to maintain consistent match quality, competitive balance, and a tournament environment aligned with sanctioned standards. Players who are new to pickleball, unrated, or still developing foundational skills are absolutely welcome within the AER ecosystem. AER supports these players through development clinics, structured training opportunities, and private instruction, with the goal of preparing them to compete confidently in AER tournaments as they progress. The focus is on helping players become AER tournament-ready, rather than placing them prematurely into competitive brackets. All available divisions, formats, and eligibility requirements for each tournament are clearly listed on the event registration page.
Do I have to be advanced to join?
No. AER events are designed for serious recreational players as well as competitive athletes. Players who are new to tournament play typically compete in 3.0 or 3.5 divisions, while those seeking higher-level competition may enter 4.0 divisions and above, depending on the event. AER’s long-term vision is to support amateurs, juniors, and young adults as they progress through structured competition and development opportunities. While AER does not operate professional tours, its events and guidance are intended to help players build experience and positioning that can eventually lead toward higher-level competition, including national and international events offered by organizations such as the APP, PPA, and other global competition structures.
Do I have to be advanced to join?
No. AER events are designed for serious recreational players as well as competitive athletes. Players who are new to tournament play typically compete in 3.0 or 3.5 divisions, while those seeking higher-level competition may enter 4.0 divisions and above, depending on the event. AER’s long-term vision is to support amateurs, juniors, and young adults as they progress through structured competition and development opportunities. While AER does not operate professional tours, its events and guidance are intended to help players build experience and positioning that can eventually lead toward higher-level competition, including national and international events offered by organizations such as the APP, PPA, and other global competition structures.
What is the AER Summer Series?
The AER Summer Series is a multi-week, Saturday-based tournament series held at the Jasper Tennis Courts on the Bevill State College campus in Jasper, Alabama. The series launches on May 23, 2026, and runs through July 18, with events held every Saturday except July 4. The Summer Series is designed to provide consistent, high-quality competitive opportunities for amateur players. Each weekend features a minimum prize pool of $2,000, with opportunities to compete for additional payouts through special rounds on select dates. All series events are DUPR-rated and are structured to follow USA Pickleball sanctioned standards, allowing eligible results to contribute toward USA Pickleball Tiered Points. For players who may not have access to Golden Ticket events, the Summer Series offers an additional competitive pathway to build results, experience, and points that can support progression toward Nationals through sanctioned play. Event formats, divisions, schedules, and prize structures are published on the official event page each season.
What is the AER Summer Series?
The AER Summer Series is a multi-week, Saturday-based tournament series held at the Jasper Tennis Courts on the Bevill State College campus in Jasper, Alabama. The series launches on May 23, 2026, and runs through July 18, with events held every Saturday except July 4. The Summer Series is designed to provide consistent, high-quality competitive opportunities for amateur players. Each weekend features a minimum prize pool of $2,000, with opportunities to compete for additional payouts through special rounds on select dates. All series events are DUPR-rated and are structured to follow USA Pickleball sanctioned standards, allowing eligible results to contribute toward USA Pickleball Tiered Points. For players who may not have access to Golden Ticket events, the Summer Series offers an additional competitive pathway to build results, experience, and points that can support progression toward Nationals through sanctioned play. Event formats, divisions, schedules, and prize structures are published on the official event page each season.
What is AER Cares?
AER Cares is the community outreach initiative of AER, focused on expanding access to pickleball and supporting responsible growth of the sport. Its mission is to help remove barriers for juniors, families, and individuals who may not otherwise have access to clinics, training, or competitive opportunities. Through partnerships, sponsorships, and available funding, AER Cares may provide scholarship opportunities for lessons, clinics, or event participation, and works with schools, nonprofits, and local organizations to introduce pickleball in an inclusive and sustainable way. As AER continues to grow, AER Cares programming and opportunities will expand alongside it.
What is AER Cares?
AER Cares is the community outreach initiative of AER, focused on expanding access to pickleball and supporting responsible growth of the sport. Its mission is to help remove barriers for juniors, families, and individuals who may not otherwise have access to clinics, training, or competitive opportunities. Through partnerships, sponsorships, and available funding, AER Cares may provide scholarship opportunities for lessons, clinics, or event participation, and works with schools, nonprofits, and local organizations to introduce pickleball in an inclusive and sustainable way. As AER continues to grow, AER Cares programming and opportunities will expand alongside it.
What clinics does AER offer?
ER offers a range of group clinics designed to support player development at different skill levels and stages. Clinics vary by event and availability, but generally include beginner, intermediate, advanced, and junior-focused options. Beginner clinics introduce the fundamentals of pickleball, including rules, scoring, court positioning, safe movement, and basic strategy. Intermediate clinics focus on building consistency and confidence through skills such as third-shot options, dinking patterns, shot selection, and decision-making. Advanced and competitive clinics emphasize higher-level concepts, including point construction, transition-zone movement, handling pace and pressure, and coached match play. When appropriate, advanced sessions may incorporate structured feedback or video review. AER also offers junior clinics and camps that provide age-appropriate instruction with an emphasis on skill development, sportsmanship, and building strong fundamentals in a positive and engaging environment. Clinic schedules, formats, and pricing are posted on AER’s website and official social channels.
What clinics does AER offer?
ER offers a range of group clinics designed to support player development at different skill levels and stages. Clinics vary by event and availability, but generally include beginner, intermediate, advanced, and junior-focused options. Beginner clinics introduce the fundamentals of pickleball, including rules, scoring, court positioning, safe movement, and basic strategy. Intermediate clinics focus on building consistency and confidence through skills such as third-shot options, dinking patterns, shot selection, and decision-making. Advanced and competitive clinics emphasize higher-level concepts, including point construction, transition-zone movement, handling pace and pressure, and coached match play. When appropriate, advanced sessions may incorporate structured feedback or video review. AER also offers junior clinics and camps that provide age-appropriate instruction with an emphasis on skill development, sportsmanship, and building strong fundamentals in a positive and engaging environment. Clinic schedules, formats, and pricing are posted on AER’s website and official social channels.
How do private lessons work?
Private lessons are offered as one-on-one or small-group sessions with an AER coach and are designed to address individual goals and areas of improvement. One-on-one lessons focus on technical refinement, footwork, repetition, and targeted skill development based on a player’s current level. Semi-private and small-group lessons emphasize partner drills, structured training, and situational point play, allowing players to work on chemistry, decision-making, and competitive execution. Lesson plans are customized based on each player’s experience, goals, and desired training frequency. Availability, rates, and lesson packages are listed on AER’s website or may be requested directly, depending on coach scheduling and location.
How do private lessons work?
Private lessons are offered as one-on-one or small-group sessions with an AER coach and are designed to address individual goals and areas of improvement. One-on-one lessons focus on technical refinement, footwork, repetition, and targeted skill development based on a player’s current level. Semi-private and small-group lessons emphasize partner drills, structured training, and situational point play, allowing players to work on chemistry, decision-making, and competitive execution. Lesson plans are customized based on each player’s experience, goals, and desired training frequency. Availability, rates, and lesson packages are listed on AER’s website or may be requested directly, depending on coach scheduling and location.
What video analysis and feedback services does AER offer?
AER provides professional video analysis and feedback services delivered through a network of elite, internationally experienced players and coaches. Through AER, players can access high-level review and guidance typically reserved for top competitors, using proven and tested evaluation methods. Players submit match or rally footage and receive clear, actionable feedback focused on technique, movement, shot selection, and decision-making. Analysis is based on patterns consistently seen at the highest levels of the game, ensuring feedback is accurate, practical, and directly applicable to competitive play.
What video analysis and feedback services does AER offer?
AER provides professional video analysis and feedback services delivered through a network of elite, internationally experienced players and coaches. Through AER, players can access high-level review and guidance typically reserved for top competitors, using proven and tested evaluation methods. Players submit match or rally footage and receive clear, actionable feedback focused on technique, movement, shot selection, and decision-making. Analysis is based on patterns consistently seen at the highest levels of the game, ensuring feedback is accurate, practical, and directly applicable to competitive play.
Do AER tournaments and matches count for DUPR?
Yes. All AER tournaments are DUPR-rated. Match results from AER events are submitted for DUPR rating updates as part of standard event operations. Whether an event is USA Pickleball sanctioned or operated through AER’s DUPR club access, score reporting to DUPR is built into how AER tournaments are run. To ensure results are applied correctly, players must have an active DUPR account set up prior to the event. Players are responsible for using the correct name and email associated with their DUPR profile and confirming partner information when required. Results cannot be applied retroactively to accounts that are not properly established at the time of play. Because DUPR reporting is a required component of AER events, players can expect all matches to be recorded and reflected in their DUPR history when account information is accurate.
Do AER tournaments and matches count for DUPR?
Yes. All AER tournaments are DUPR-rated. Match results from AER events are submitted for DUPR rating updates as part of standard event operations. Whether an event is USA Pickleball sanctioned or operated through AER’s DUPR club access, score reporting to DUPR is built into how AER tournaments are run. To ensure results are applied correctly, players must have an active DUPR account set up prior to the event. Players are responsible for using the correct name and email associated with their DUPR profile and confirming partner information when required. Results cannot be applied retroactively to accounts that are not properly established at the time of play. Because DUPR reporting is a required component of AER events, players can expect all matches to be recorded and reflected in their DUPR history when account information is accurate.
How does AER choose which players to sponsor or send to higher-level tournaments?
AER evaluates players based on competitive ability, long-term potential, work ethic, professionalism, and alignment with AER’s values. While Jasper, Alabama serves as the starting point for AER operations and events, AER is a nationwide organization that supports and works with players across the United States. Being based in Jasper is not a requirement to be part of AER. Players from anywhere in the country may be considered, and the AER advantage lies in connecting qualified athletes to broader development opportunities beyond local training environments. As players demonstrate the skill level, discipline, and commitment required for higher performance, select athletes may have the opportunity to train with top players and coaches in the sport and access premier training facilities across the country. These advanced training and competitive opportunities are reserved for players who consistently show the dedication, professionalism, and readiness necessary to prepare for national and professional-level competition. Sponsorships and higher-level placements are evaluated individually and are not guaranteed.
How does AER choose which players to sponsor or send to higher-level tournaments?
AER evaluates players based on competitive ability, long-term potential, work ethic, professionalism, and alignment with AER’s values. While Jasper, Alabama serves as the starting point for AER operations and events, AER is a nationwide organization that supports and works with players across the United States. Being based in Jasper is not a requirement to be part of AER. Players from anywhere in the country may be considered, and the AER advantage lies in connecting qualified athletes to broader development opportunities beyond local training environments. As players demonstrate the skill level, discipline, and commitment required for higher performance, select athletes may have the opportunity to train with top players and coaches in the sport and access premier training facilities across the country. These advanced training and competitive opportunities are reserved for players who consistently show the dedication, professionalism, and readiness necessary to prepare for national and professional-level competition. Sponsorships and higher-level placements are evaluated individually and are not guaranteed.
How can a business or brand partner with AER?
Businesses and brands can partner with AER through a variety of sponsorship and branding opportunities, including event sponsorships, court branding and signage, apparel and jersey placement, naming rights for tournaments or programs, and support for AER Cares outreach and scholarship initiatives. AER partnerships are designed to provide meaningful brand visibility while supporting competitive athletes and the growth of pickleball at the local, regional, and national levels. For companies seeking broader exposure, AER also offers opportunities connected to its expanding international footprint, with player participation and event presence in markets such as the United States, Malaysia, Vietnam, Japan, Brazil, and additional regions as AER grows. Interested partners may request a sponsorship deck and discuss customized opportunities by contacting AER through the website, emailing Andrew Ross, AER Brand Ambassador, at andrew@aersports.pro , or reaching the AER Sponsorship Director at sponsor@aersports.pro . Partnerships are tailored to align brand goals with athlete support, event visibility, and community impact.
How can a business or brand partner with AER?
Businesses and brands can partner with AER through a variety of sponsorship and branding opportunities, including event sponsorships, court branding and signage, apparel and jersey placement, naming rights for tournaments or programs, and support for AER Cares outreach and scholarship initiatives. AER partnerships are designed to provide meaningful brand visibility while supporting competitive athletes and the growth of pickleball at the local, regional, and national levels. For companies seeking broader exposure, AER also offers opportunities connected to its expanding international footprint, with player participation and event presence in markets such as the United States, Malaysia, Vietnam, Japan, Brazil, and additional regions as AER grows. Interested partners may request a sponsorship deck and discuss customized opportunities by contacting AER through the website, emailing Andrew Ross, AER Brand Ambassador, at andrew@aersports.pro , or reaching the AER Sponsorship Director at sponsor@aersports.pro . Partnerships are tailored to align brand goals with athlete support, event visibility, and community impact.
How do I get started with AER?
Getting started with AER is straightforward. Players can register for a clinic or private lesson, sign up for an upcoming tournament, or follow AER on social media for event updates and announcements. Businesses and partners may also reach out to explore sponsorship or collaboration opportunities. All registration links, schedules, and contact information are available on the Events and Contact pages of the AER website.
How do I get started with AER?
Getting started with AER is straightforward. Players can register for a clinic or private lesson, sign up for an upcoming tournament, or follow AER on social media for event updates and announcements. Businesses and partners may also reach out to explore sponsorship or collaboration opportunities. All registration links, schedules, and contact information are available on the Events and Contact pages of the AER website.