LIST OF SUGGESTED PICKLEBALL RULE CHANGES FOR PREVIOUS YEARS
Rule Submission Title | Serving Sequence in Pickleball |
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USAP Board Voting Status | Failed |
USAP Rules Committee Voting Status | Failed. There are already expectations the server has to wait for the receiver to be ready and call the score so that they can hear. Also, that players will accommodate hearing impaired players. It is not appropriate to require this for all play. |
Existing Rule # | Serving Section 4A and 4C |
Proposed Rule Change | 1. Hold the ball overhead before serving.
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Original Rule Text | SECTION 4 – THE SERVE, SERVICE SEQUENCE, AND SCORING RULES and 4.C |
Reasoning Behind Suggested Change | ADDENDUM 1. Hold the ball up overhead (to visually indicate that the serve is coming) 2. Call out the score a) LOUDLY, b) using GOOD DICTION (which means to enunciate), and c) DELIBERATELY (meaning slowly, as opposed to quickly or abruptly) There is still a third issue when someone calls out the score. It is imperative that there be a slight PAUSE between the time the score is announced and the time that a person actually makes contact with the ball. Why? Because it is important that everyone (not just the receiver) has the TIME to hear the score, the TIME to comprehend what was said, the TIME to process that information, the TIME to utilize the score to formulate a final strategy, and also allow the TIME it takes to ensure that everyone heard the score, has the opportunity to challenge the score, and ask any relevant questions. In other words, it takes TIME to process this information and ready one’s self for the serve. Not much time. Just a short, yet sufficient pause (exactly like one does in a normal conversation). And of course, it is preferable and more appropriate to do these things before the ball is put into play, as opposed to after. A slight pause also eliminates the common problem of calling out the score while serving simultaneously. 3. Call out the score TWICE. This naturally provides the pause which is critical and necessary before serving the ball. It doesn’t take long, but is time well spent. Just as in baseball, this serves (pun intended) to introduce a “quick pitch” rule into the game of pickleball. Calling out the score twice will eliminate quick pitches, thereby rendering discipline or consequences (balks) a mute point. There won’t be any. If this all sounds too complicated then let’s just simplify things. 1. Hold the ball overhead before serving. The inclusion of these three simple rules will standardize the process of serving and promote the smooth transition and enjoyment of the game of pickleball. |
Scenarios In Which the Rules Applies | Stated above |
Rule Book Year | 2023 |
Rule Change ID | 320 |
Date Created | April 19, 2022 |
View Comments | View Comments |