USA Pickleball Rule Changes

5.C.1.c Fault – Incorrect Receiver. When the correct server and correct receiver are in their correct positions when the score is called, it is a fault against a player who returns the serve but is not the correct receiver, even if the rally is completed before the fault is called. The fault must be called before the score call starts for the next serve.

8.I Requesting Opponent’s Opinion. A player may defer to the opponent any line call that the player is responsible for making by asking the opponent’s opinion up until the next serve is hit score call starts for the next serve. When the opponent makes a clear “in” or “out” decision, the opponent’s decision will stand. When the opponent does not make a definitive call, the player’s call will stand or when no call was made by the player, the ball will be considered “in.” After asking the opponent, the player and the player’s partner lose the opportunity to make the line call, except to override the call to favor the opponent.

9.B.3.a Fault Call Timing. A fault should be called as soon as the claimed fault is committed or detected. The fault must be called before the serve is hit to begin the next rally score call starts for the next serve.

19.D.1 Appeal Timing. The appeal must be made before the ball is hit to make the score call starts for the next serve. An appeal of a match-ending shot must be made before the scoresheet is initialed.

5.C.1.c Fault – Incorrect Receiver. When the correct server and correct receiver are in their correct positions when the score is called, it is a fault against a player who returns the serve but is not the correct receiver, even if the rally is completed before the fault is called. The fault must be called before the next serve.

8.I Requesting Opponent’s Opinion. A player may defer to the opponent any line call that the player is responsible for making by asking the opponent’s opinion up until the next serve is hit. When the opponent makes a clear “in” or “out” decision, the opponent’s decision will stand. When the opponent does not make a definitive call, the player’s call will stand or when no call was made by the player, the ball will be considered “in.” After asking the opponent, the player and the player’s partner lose the opportunity to make
the line call, except to override the call to favor the opponent.

9.B.3.a Fault Call Timing. A fault should be called as soon as the claimed fault is committed or detected. The fault must be called before the serve is hit to begin the next rally.

19.D.1 Appeal Timing. The appeal must be made before the ball is hit to make the next serve. An appeal of a match-ending shot must be made before the scoresheet is initialed.

To preclude confusion and scoring errors in addition to preserving fairness and match flow, the result of a rally should be known before proceeding to the next rally . Therefore, all rulings on a rally should be resolved before the ball goes live for the next rally.

• Allowing the score call for the next rally while the previous rally remains unresolved can create confusion and potentially unfair advantages.
• The result of a rally affects the score and the correct server. Calling the score for the next rally without resolving the previous rally result can lead to scoring errors.
• Officials and players are more likely to accurately recall what occurred immediately after a rally. After officials and players prepare to start a new rally, it becomes harder to remember what happened in the previous rally.
• Addressing issues promptly is more efficient for match flow and can avoid a dispute later.
• Players and officials deserve confidence that the previous rally is settled once preparations for the next rally begin. This principle allows the players to focus on the current rally rather than possibly having to revisit the prior rally.

Player A appeals a rally-ending line call made by the opponent.

2026: The appeal is made after the referee calls the score for the next rally. Just before the server makes the serve, the referee stops play and then must recall the rally-ending shot of the previous rally. This can be difficult because the referee has taken several actions in preparation for the next rally, including putting the previous rally out of their mind, committing the new score to memory, and checking player positions and readiness.

2027: The appeal must be made in the dead time between rallies, so that the result of the rally is resolved before the next rally starts.