USA Pickleball Rule Changes

21.F.3 Change of Starting Server (Doubles). Teams may change the starting server between games and should must notify the referee before the start of the next game. If the referee is not notified before the score is called to start the game, the team must continue the new game with the same starting server that was designated for the previous game.

(OR NEW WORDING: 21.F.3 Change of Starting Server (Doubles). A team may change its designated starting server between games by notifying the referee before the start of the next game. If notification is not provided before the score is called to start the new game, the starting server designation from the previous game will remain in effect for the new game.)

24.A Change of Starting Server (Doubles). Teams may change the starting server between games. They should must notify the opponent before the score is called to start of the next game. (Modifies Rule 21.F.3)

(OR NEW WORDING: 24.A Change of Starting Server (Doubles). A team may change its designated starting server between games by notifying the opponent before the start of the next game. If notification is not provided before the score is called to start the new game, the starting server designation from the previous game will remain in effect for the new game. (Modifies Rule 21.F.3))

21.F.3 Change of Starting Server. Teams may change the starting server between games and should notify the referee before the start of the next game.

24.A Change of Starting Server (Doubles). Teams may change the starting server between games. They should notify the opponent before the start of the next game. (Modifies Rule 21.F.3)

A consistent and simplified procedure for managing starting server changes needs to be established to:

• Ensure accurate scorekeeping and player positioning.
• Facilitate smooth match flow by avoiding interruptions to change starting server designations after a game starts.
• Prevent disputes about service order and/or player positions.
• Avoid attempts to claim a different starting server after play has started, thereby creating confusion and potentially affecting the outcome of the game.
• Establish a fair and appropriate consequence to players for failure to report a starting server change.

If passed, this rule change will require a corresponding update in the Officiating Handbook and rescission of Casebook Case 3-24.

Scenario 1: Between Games 1 and 2, Team Gold decides to change the starting server from Player A to Player B. Player B puts on the band, but neither player notifies the referee. The referee is also remiss in their duties and does not realize the band has been changed until after the first rally has been completed. Since Game 2 started without the referee being notified of a starting server change, Team Gold must play the entirety of Game 2 with Player A remaining as the starting server. The referee will direct Player B to return the band to Player A before starting the second rally.

Scenario 2: Between Games 1 and 2, Team Gold decides to change the starting server from Player A to Player B. Player B puts on the band, but neither player notifies the referee. The referee is diligent about their duties and, before starting Game 2, notices the band has been changed. The referee confirms with Team Gold who the starting server will be for Game 2. The referee makes the appropriate annotations on their scoresheet for Team Gold and notifies the opponents of the change before starting Game 2.