| Rule Submission Title | One Paddle Clarification |
|---|---|
| USAP Board Vote | Disapproved |
| USAP Board Vote Reason | The proposed change does not improve or clarify the current rule. It is far too subtle to reasonably expect players or referees to interpret it as permitting a player to retrieve and return their partner’s dropped paddle. The existing rule, which states that a player "shall not use more than one paddle," already effectively prohibits switching paddles during a rally. |
| Existing Rule # | 11.N. |
| Proposed Rule Change | 11.N. One Paddle. After the start of the call of the score a player shall not change paddles during the rally. A player shall not carry more than one paddle when striking the ball. A violation of either rule is a fault. |
| Original Rule Text | 11.N. One Paddle. A player shall not use or carry more than one paddle during a rally. A violation of this rule is a fault. |
| Reasoning Behind Suggested Change | This revision does not fault a player for picking up a partner's dropped paddle, as long as other rule conditions are met. It does not allow a player to change paddles or replace a broken paddle during a rally, unless language is added to have such an action approved by an official.
|
| Scenarios In Which the Rules Applies | A player strikes a ball and drops his paddle. His partner picks it up and hands it back. Although the partner temporarily carries two paddles, he has not faulted for doing so.
Same scenario except the partner strikes the ball while still holding his partner's paddle. This is a fault.
A player serves then changes to a different paddle to continue the rally. He has faulted for changing paddles during a rally.
|
| Rule Book Year | 2026 |
| Rule Change ID | 2210 |
| Date Created | May 10, 2025 |
| View Comments | View Comments |
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