Rule Submission Title4.D. Calling the Score
USAP Board VoteDisapproved
USAP Board Vote ReasonIt would be problematic to enforce this.
Existing Rule #4.D.1
Proposed Rule Change

4.D.1. In non-officiated play, the server normally calls the score, but the server’s partner may call the score if the server is unable to call the score. The person calling the score shall not change during the game unless there is a voice impairment. The score must be called loud enough for the receiver to clearly hear it.

Original Rule Text

4.D.1. In non-officiated play, the server normally calls the score, but the server’s partner may call the score if the server is unable to call the score. The person calling the score shall not change during the game unless there is a voice impairment.

Reasoning Behind Suggested Change

In non-officiated play, servers are often not calling the score or not ensuring that the receiver can hear the score.

In competition play without a referee, this is extremely distracting.

Scenarios In Which the Rules Applies

In competition play without a referee, servers are taking advantage of not being required to call the score loudly enough for the receiver to clearly hear it.

Rule Book Year2026
Rule Change ID2185
Date CreatedMay 4, 2025
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