| Rule Submission Title | Faults and Replays |
|---|---|
| USAP Board Vote | Disapproved |
| USAP Board Vote Reason | The proposed change fails to provide meaningful clarification. The wording of the two new rules makes only vague reference to related rules, and the use of parenthetical examples of rule references is imprecise and potentially confusing. |
| Existing Rule # | 8.B |
| Proposed Rule Change | 8.B A fault called by a referee or player, or a fault committed by a player, will result in a dead ball (see 11.Q and 11.R). (NEW) 11.Q A player or team cannot enforce a fault on their opponent unless prescribed for in the rules (E.G. line calls on your side of the net). (NEW) 11.R A player or team cannot enforce a replay on their opponent unless prescribed for in the rules (E.G. 4.A.9, 4.B.10, 4.K, 8.C, 11.L.5.b). |
| Original Rule Text | 8.B A fault called by a referee or player, or a fault committed by a player, will result in a dead ball. |
| Reasoning Behind Suggested Change | The proposed new rules are similar to rule 13.D.1.d for tournament play, now to be included in rec play. I specifically did not include 13.D.1.c (foot faults) as this could lead to abuse (such as calling a foot fault when you are not able to return a serve) which can be addressed at a tournament by asking that a referee be assigned; but rec players do not have this remedy. |
| Scenarios In Which the Rules Applies | Team A hits the ball short to Team B which returns the ball. Team A catches the ball or does not make a play on it and calls a fault for a double bounce, which Team B disputes believing they got to the ball before it bounced a second time. Both teams are convinced they are right (nobodies cheating). Unless both teams agree to a replay, Team B wins the rally. |
| Rule Book Year | 2026 |
| Rule Change ID | 2111 |
| Date Created | April 14, 2025 |
| View Comments | View Comments |
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