Paddle Inspection when changing paddle

Under 2.F.1

If a player changes their paddle at anytime during a match after the pre-match paddle inspection, that player must present the paddle to the referee for inspection. If there is a paddle violation when it is presented to the referee, there is no penalty and the player must use a different paddle. If the player fails to present the paddle to the referee for inspection the Team will be assessed a TF for unsportsmanlike conduct. If the paddle is also in violation a Match Forfeit will be declared.

This is a new rule.

Players are or should be aware that they are responsible for making sure their paddle is in full compliance. The paddles are inspected at the Pre-match briefing. The players are fully aware that they can only play with fully compliant paddles and that the referee is required to inspect them. The referee has several duties to perform between rallies, during time-outs and between games. The referee cannot always watch all players to make sure they do not change to an uninspected paddle. It is the player’s responsibility to make sure their paddle is compliant. Since the player is responsible for their paddle and the player is aware the referee needs to inspect the paddle, it is unsportsmanlike to change paddles attempting to intentionally or unintentionally avoid a required paddle inspection.

A player calls a time-out and goes outside of the court with their paddle. The player then switches their paddle to an illegal (hot) paddle that is similar in color and design.  The player changes to the same paddle brand and color that has illegal modifications or has delaminated. The player has done this to obtain an unfair advantage.