Rule Submission TitleRemove "Defer" option in pre-match coin flip.
USAP Board VoteDisapproved
USAP Board Vote ReasonThe defer option can and has been used as a strategic decision and should not be deleted.
Existing Rule #5.A
Proposed Rule Change

5.A.1. Any fair method shall be used to determine which player or team has first choice of end, serve, or receive, or defer (e.g., a 1 or 2 written on the back of the score sheet, flipping a coin). Once a selection has been made, it cannot be changed.

Original Rule Text

5.A.1. Any fair method shall be used to determine which player or team has first choice of end, serve, receive, or defer (e.g., a 1 or 2 written on the back of the score sheet, flipping a coin). Once a selection has been made, it cannot be changed.

Reasoning Behind Suggested Change

To simplify end/serve/receive selection and remove an unnecessary choice. Remove the defer option at start of match. This option is not often used and unnecessarily complicates pre-match coin flip options. Other sport do not have this option.

Scenarios In Which the Rules Applies

At the start of every match to eliminate a rarely used option that other sports do not include.

Rule Book Year2026
Rule Change ID2158
Date CreatedApril 21, 2025
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