Rule Submission TitlePaddle possession
USAP Board Voting StatusFailed
USAP Rules Committee Voting StatusFailed. Unnecessary as it is already covered by other rules
Existing Rule #11.H and 11.O
Proposed Rule Change
11.H. Items on the Court. If any item a player is/was wearing or carrying lands on their side of the court, unless the item lands in the non-volley zone as a result of a volley, the ball remains in play even if it hits the item.
11.O.Paddle Possession. A player must have possession of the paddle when it makes contact with the ball. A violation of this rule is a fault. (Exception see 11.H)
Original Rule Text
11.H. Items on the Court. If any item a player is/was wearing or carrying lands on their side of the court, unless the item lands in the non-volley zone as a result of a volley, the ball remains in play even if it hits the item.
11.O.Paddle Possession. A player must have possession of the paddle when it makes contact with the ball. A violation of this rule is a fault. 


Reasoning Behind Suggested Change

This change is needed to make 11.O consistent with 11.H.  Without this change, the two rules seemed in conflict with one another. 

Scenarios In Which the Rules Applies

Player A1 hits a high lob.  Player B1 turns to chase down the ball and in so doing, drops their paddle on the court outside the non-volley zone.  Before player B1 can pick up their paddle, the ball hits the dropped paddle, bounces up and player B2 plays the ball successfully.

Rule Book Year2023
Rule Change ID346
Date CreatedApril 23, 2022
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