USA Pickleball Rule Changes

20.X Additional Stop Play Indicator. Any player communication with a member of the on-court officiating team during a rally will be recognized by the lead referee as an indicator to stop play.

(RELATED) 6.E Stop Play Indicators. After the start of the score call, verbal indicators to stop play such as “stop” and “wait” will be recognized.

When a player  addresses the lead referee or other member of the on-court officiating team (e.g., "Ref," "Referee," "Line Judge"), the lead referee should respond to the player's question or comment. If a rally is in progress, the rally should be stopped.

During a rally, a player says "Ref, that ball was out." The (lead) referee should immediately stop play to address the player's comment. If the comment was made before the ball in question becomes dead or is hit by the opponent, that ball would become the rally-ending shot and the comment would be considered an appeal for an "out" call on that shot.