Timing for Fault Calls and Appeals (Except Damaged Balls)

4.B.10. If the correct server and correct receiver are in their correct positions when the score is called, it is a fault on a player who serves or receives incorrectly, even if the rally is completed before the fault is called. The fault must be called before a time-out is taken or the score is called to start the next rally, whichever occurs first.the next serve.
6.C.7.b. If a player/team does not return the ball, they must make an “out" call, appeal the call to the referee, or defer to their opponents to make the line call before a time-out is taken or the score is called to start the next rally, whichever occurs firstup until the next serve occurs.
6.C.8. In doubles play, if one player calls the ball “out” and the partner calls it “in,” then disagreement exists and the team’s call will be “in.” Any player may appeal the team’s call to the referee or defer a line call to their opponent before a time-out is taken or the score is called to start the next rally, whichever occurs firstup until the next serve occurs. If the referee or opponent did not see the ball, the ball is considered in.
8.E. Other than non-volley zone violations, a fault may only be committed when the ball is live. The penalty for a fault (other than non-volley zone faults) is normally enforced the moment it is identified (e.g., distractions, double bounces, etc.) but may also be enforced any time before a time-out is taken or the score is called to start the next rally, whichever occurs firstbefore the next serve occurs.
13.D.1.a. In the spirit of good sportsmanship, players are expected to call any type of fault on themselves or their partner as soon as the fault is committed or detected. The fault call must happen before the score is called to start the next rallybefore the next serve occurs.
13.D.2.b. In the spirit of good sportsmanship, players are expected to call faults on themselves as soon as the fault is committed or detected. The fault call must happen before the score is called to start the next rallybefore the next serve occurs.
13.F.3. Only rally-ending line calls may be appealed. Any player may appeal a rally-ending line call to the referee before a time-out is taken or the score is called to start the next rally, whichever occurs firstbefore the next serve occurs. A match-ending line call appeal must be requested before the scoresheet is initialed.

4.B.10. If the correct server and correct receiver are in their correct positions when the score is called, it is a fault on a player who serves or receives incorrectly, even if the rally is completed before the fault is called. The fault must be called before the next serve.
6.C.7.b. If a player/team does not return the ball, they may make an “out" call, appeal the call to the referee, or defer to their opponents to make the line call up until the next serve occurs.
6.C.8. In doubles play, if one player calls the ball “out” and the partner calls it “in,” then doubt exists and the team’s call will be “in.” Any player may appeal the team’s call to the referee or defer a line call to their opponent up until the next serve occurs. If the referee or opponent did not see the ball, the ball is considered in.
8.E. Other than non-volley zone violations, a fault may only be committed when the ball is live. The penalty for a fault (other than non-volley zone faults) is normally enforced the moment it is identified (e.g., distractions, double bounces, etc.) but may also be enforced any time before the next serve occurs.
13.D.1.a. In the spirit of good sportsmanship, players are expected to call any type of fault on themselves or their partner as soon as the fault is committed or detected. The fault call must happen before the next serve occurs.
13.D.2.b. In the spirit of good sportsmanship, players are expected to call faults on themselves as soon as the fault is committed or detected. The fault call must happen before the next serve occurs.
13.F.3. Only rally-ending line calls may be appealed. Any player may appeal a rally-ending line call to the referee before the next serve occurs. A match ending line call appeal must be requested before the scoresheet is initialed.

The current cited rules allow fault calls and appeals to be delayed as late as the next serve. With the exception of damaged ball appeals, this timing is problematic, particularly if the score has been called for the next rally and the server is about to make the serve. Having to address a call or appeal relating to a previous rally at that time significantly disrupts the flow of the game as it necessitates the referee and the players to abandon the current rally. For efficient game flow, all actions and decisions related to each rally should be completed before starting the next rally. As such, all fault calls and appeals (except damaged balls) should be made before the score is called to start the next rally.

Additionally, rule 13.C.2.a states that spectators should not be consulted on any call. There is currently no prohibition against a player taking a time-out before making a fault call or appeal. To ensure that spectators do not influence calls against opponents and appeals, players should be required to make all calls and appeals before taking a time-out.

It generally takes 10 to 15 seconds after a rally ends before the start of the score call for the next rally. This is sufficient time for a fault call or appeal to be made. Modifying the timing for fault calls and appeals will prevent interruptions during rallies to address the outcomes of previous rallies. This adjustment will enhance the efficiency of game flow and reduce the chances of spectators affecting decisions relating to calls and appeals.

Scenario 1: Team A hits a shot that Team B calls “out.” After the referee calls the score for the next rally, Team A appeals the “out” call from the previous rally to the referee. The referee stops the rally in progress to address the line call appeal. This disrupts the flow of the game and requires the referee to recall the rally-ending shot for the previous rally, which can prove challenging depending on what else is transpiring in the game.

Scenario 2: Team A hits a shot that Team B decides not to call “out,” which was appropriate since Team B did not see a space between the line and the ball when it landed. Team B then takes a time-out. During the time-out, Team B’s supporters claim the rally-ending shot that Team A hit was “out.” Based on their supporters’ claims, Team B appeals the “in” ruling to the referee after the time-out. By allowing a time-out to be taken before an appeal had to be made, the spectators impacted the match, contrary to the intent of rule 13.C.2.a.