USA Pickleball Rule Changes

5.C.1.c Fault – Incorrect Server or 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 serves but is not the correct server or 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.

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.

The current rule explicitly identifies the incorrect receiver as committing a fault but does not explicitly state that the same principle applies to an incorrect server. This omission can create confusion among players, referees, and tournament officials regarding whether an incorrect server is subject to the same fault determination when the correct server and receiver were properly identified at the time of the score call.

This proposed change does not alter the intent or application of the rule. Instead, it clarifies that both serving and receiving responsibilities are treated consistently when the correct server and receiver are known and properly positioned at the time the score is called.

The clarification would:
• Eliminate ambiguity regarding incorrect-server faults.
• Improve consistency between server and receiver error enforcement.
• Reduce disputes and differing interpretations during matches.
• Assist referees and players in applying the rule uniformly.

Scenario 1 – Incorrect Receiver
The correct server and correct receiver are in their proper positions when the score is called. The wrong receiving player returns the serve. The rally is completed before the error is recognized. Before the next serve, the error is identified. The receiving team commits a fault due to the incorrect receiver.

Scenario 2 – Incorrect Server
The correct server and correct receiver are in their proper positions when the score is called. The wrong player on the serving team serves the ball. The rally is completed before the error is recognized. Before the next serve, the error is identified. The serving team commits a fault due to the incorrect server.

Scenario 3 – Error Discovered Too Late
An incorrect server or incorrect receiver participates in a rally, but the error is not identified until after the subsequent serve has occurred. Because the fault was not called before the next serve, no correction is made under Rule 5.C.1.c.