USA Pickleball Rule Changes

21.C.9 Match Retirement. A match retirement is imposed when a player is not able to continue play after the 15-minute medical time-out period expires. A player may use their available standard time-outs to allow more time before the match must be retired (Rule 21.A.4). In doubles, if the retiring player's partner decides to continue, the match will resume following all applicable rules. The retiring player must leave the playing surface.

21.C.9 Match Retirement. A match retirement is imposed when a player is not able to continue play after the 15-minute medical time-out period expires. A player may use their available standard time-outs to allow more time before the match must be retired (Rule 21.A.4). In doubles, if the retiring player's partner decides to continue, the match will resume following all applicable rules. The retiring player must leave the playing surface.

Doubles is a team event involving two players on each team. The entirety of a doubles match should be played with both players of the team on or at the court to uphold the integrity of the competition. For many years prior to 2025, players have been able to continue playing safely after injury or medical concerns, if only to serve and receive. Except in the case of serious injury or illness, players are expected to make a good-faith effort to complete all matches in the interest of good sportsmanship and fairness of the event. If a partner is not well enough to be on or at the court in compliance with rule 5.B.4, the team and the match should be retired.  A partner should not be allowed to retire solely, thereby creating a singles vs. doubles match-up for a doubles event. A single player against a doubles team is not authorized event category for tournament play.

Player A requests and takes a medical time-out due to body cramps. Player A is treated by medical personnel. After the 15-minute medical time-out expires, Player A is not fully recovered by decides they will continue to play since their team is in contention for a medal. Although Player A is not able to move around the court, they are well enough to remain at the court. They serve and receive; their partner plays out the rest of the rallies.