LIST OF SUGGESTED PICKLEBALL RULE CHANGES FOR PREVIOUS YEARS

Rule Change Process

Rule Submission TitleConfirming correct score, server/receiver, position
USAP Board Voting StatusFailed
USAP Rules Committee Voting StatusFailed. 1) Not necessary 2) We have heard of only 1 incident where this has been an issue 3) Sportsmanship issues are covered at the section 1, not in the specific rules
Existing Rule #4.B.8.
Proposed Rule Change

Before the serve occurs, any player may ask the referee or the opponents if there is no referee for the score, correct server or receiver, correct player position, and may challenge/confirm the called score. Any player may ask anyone or more of these questions. In matches without referees, the opponent's must follow good sportsmanship and answer the question if asked.

Original Rule Text

Before the serve occurs, any player may ask the referee for the score, correct server or receiver, correct player position, and may challenge/confirm the called score. Any player may ask anyone or more of these questions.

Reasoning Behind Suggested Change

In a sanctioned MMP tournament, in rounds without referees, an opponent refused to verify the score or position when requested. They stated it was not their job. This rule addition would codify their responsibility and prevent them from allowing a fault.

Scenarios In Which the Rules Applies

In an MMP sanctioned tournament, in rounds without referees, after long rallies, the rule would clarify that opponents must respond with the information when requested. This would prevent the team from knowingly allowing/calling a fault for wrong position or wrong server / receiver when asked in advance of the serve.

Rule Book Year2023
Rule Change ID392
Date CreatedMay 21, 2022
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