| Rule Submission Title | Reinstitute fault for failure to notify of change in starting server |
|---|---|
| USAP Board Voting Status | Not voted upon |
| USAP Rules Committee Voting Status | Fail |
| IFP Voting Status | Average: 8.1 Detail:7,8,10,7,9,7,9 |
| Existing Rule # | 5.A.2 |
| Proposed Rule Change | In doubles, teams may change the starting server between games by notifying the referee. In non-officiated matches, the team should notify the opponents. Failure to give notification will result in a fault when the offending server serves, or the offending receiver returns the serve. After the fault has been applied, the offending team shall notify the referee which player will wear the starting server identification. In a non-officiated match, the opponents shall be notified of the starting server decision. |
| Original Rule Text | In doubles, teams may change the starting server between games and should notify the referee. In non-officiated matches, the team should notify the opponents if there was a starting server change. The starting server for the game is the player wearing the starting server form of identification. There is no fault or penalty for failure to make the notifications. Once a game has started, if the referee notices a starting server has changed, after the rally has completed, the referee will annotate the scoresheet accordingly. |
| Reasoning Behind Suggested Change | As it stands now (i.e. no penalty for failure to notify the opponents/referee) an unannounced change in starting server causes confusion and delay when it is detected. It can be misused as a tactic to cause confusion on the other team. Changing starting server is a conscious act and it is not unreasonable for that team to notify the opponents/referee. I propose going back to the way it was in 2020 where changing starting server without notifying the opponents/referee is a fault upon serve/receive. |
| Scenarios In Which the Rules Applies | Between games of a 2-out-of-3 match a team changes the starting server band without notifying the opponents/referee. |
| Rule Book Year | 2022 |
| Rule Change ID | 138 |
| Date Created | June 25, 2021 |
| View Comments | View Comments |
