SUGGESTED USA PICKLEBALL RULE CHANGES FOR 2024

Rule Change Process | Submit A Rule Change

Rule Submission TitleNew addition to section 13.F. Appeals.
Existing Rule #13.F. Appeals.
Proposed Rule Change

13.F.3. Only rally-ending line calls may be appealed. Any player may appeal a rally-ending line call to the referee before the next serve occurs

Original Rule Text

N/A

Reasoning Behind Suggested Change

In SECTION 1 – THE GAME, under The Players section (page 2 of 2023 Rulebook) it says, "Players should not question or comment on an opponent’s
call, although any player may appeal a rally-ending line call to the referee before the next serve occurs. [bold & italics added]"  However, there is no rule that actually says this.

Scenarios In Which the Rules Applies

Referees are commonly taught that a player cannot have "two bites of the apple" with regard to a player playing a ball and then wanting to subsequently appeal if the ball they played was "out" on an other than rally-ending shot. However, there is no rule that specifically states this. It is inferred by rule 6.D.7. All “out” calls must be made prior to the ball being hit by the opponent or before the ball becomes dead. It could be further clarified by this new rule.

Rule Book Year2024
Rule Change ID1201
Date CreatedMay 14, 2023
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