SUGGESTED USA PICKLEBALL RULE CHANGES FOR 2024

Rule Change Process | Submit A Rule Change

Rule Submission Title10.B.2.a. Medical Time Out make rule consistent with Handbook and Case Book
USAP Board VotePassed
USAP Rules Committee VotePassed with modification
USAP Rules Committee Vote ReasonThe intent of the change is good. Editorially, the rule should be structured to state what is not included in the 15-minutes rather than stating what a referee does with the timer. Modify the language to read "10.B.2.a. The time-out must be continuous and shall not exceed 15 minutes. If medical treatment is rendered off-court at another location at the venue, the time to transport the player to and from the off-court location shall be excluded from 15-minute time period.
Existing Rule #10.B.2
Proposed Rule Change (edited)

10.B.2.  If medical personnel, or the Tournament Director if no medical personnel are present, determine that a valid medical condition exists, then that player will be allowed no more than 15 minutes for the medical time-out.
10.B.2.a. The time-out must be continuous and shall not exceed may be up to 15 minutes. If medical treatment is rendered off-court at another location at the venue, the time to transport the player to and from the off-court location shall be excluded from 15-minute time period.
10.B.2.b If the player uses fewer than 15 minutes, the remaining time is lost and no additional medical time will be available to the player during the match.
10.B.2.cb. If the player cannot resume play after the 15-minute medical time-out period, the match will be declared a retirement.

"10.B.2.a. The time-out must be continuous and shall not exceed may be up to 15 minutes. If medical treatment is rendered off-court at another location at the venue, the time to transport the player to and from the off-court location shall be excluded from 15-minute time period.

Proposed Rule Change

10.B.2.  If medical personnel, or the Tournament Director if no medical personnel are present, determine that a valid medical condition exists, then that player will be allowed no more than 15 minutes for the medical time-out.
10.B.2.a. The time-out must be continuous and may be up to 15 minutes unless medical attention needs to be rendered off-court at another location at the venue. Then the timer will be paused during transport to the new location and back to the court.
10.B.2.b
If the player uses fewer than 15 minutes, the remaining time is lost and no additional medical time will be available to the player during the match.
10.B.2.cb. If the player cannot resume play after the 15-minute medical time-out period, the match will be declared a retirement.

Original Rule Text

10.B.2.  If medical personnel, or the Tournament Director if no medical personnel are present, determine that a valid medical condition exists, then that player will be allowed no more than 15 minutes for the medical time-out.
10.B.2.a. The time-out must be continuous and may be up to 15 minutes. If the player uses fewer than 15 minutes, the remaining time is lost and no additional medical time will be available to the player during the match.
10.B.2.b. If the player cannot resume play after the 15-minute medical time-out period, the match will be declared a retirement.

Reasoning Behind Suggested Change

To ensure the Rule Book is consistent with the Handbook and Casebook.

Rule Book Year2024
Rule Change ID1024
Date CreatedApril 10, 2023
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