Q
A
&
with the
RULES GURU
By Christine Barksdale
USAPA Managing Director of Athletic Competition
We’d Like to Hear From You!
Submit your questions to
[email protected].
Q: Dear Guru, Q: Dear Guru,
In a refereed match, our
opponents served at 5-1-1
and we won the point. Our
opponents were getting ready
to serve at 5-1-2, but before
the referee called the score,
the server noticed the ball
had a crack and insisted the
previous rally be replayed.
None of the players or referee
had noticed any issues with
the ball during the previous
rally and, hence, the referee
did not allow a replay. Was
this correct? I played a match against someone who had a shirt the
same color of the ball and I felt it was a distraction and
should not have been allowed. I was told a
yellow shirt was no longer allowed. Is
this true?
A: Yes. The ball has to have
a crack and it HAS to have
affected play according to
11.E. Broken or Cracked Ball.
Play continues until the end of
the rally. Players may appeal
to the referee to determine
if a broken or cracked ball
impacted the rally. If, in the
judgment of the referee,
a broken or cracked ball
impacted the outcome of the
rally, the referee will call for
a replay with a replacement
ball. In non-officiated
sanctioned play, if the players
do not agree, the rally stands
as played.
broken
cracked
A: No, there is no rule that
restricts the color of clothing.
However, Rules 2.G.1 and 2.G.2
do state that garments that are
inappropriate or not in good taste
are not acceptable. You could ask
the tournament director about
your concern as Rule 2.G.4
states, “The tournament director
has the authority to enforce apparel
changes.” But, as it currently stands, colorful
clothing is allowed.
Q: Dear Guru,
In a recent match, my partner was the receiver. I needed to talk
to her, so I raised my paddle before the score was called. The
referee disregarded my signal, called the score and the opposing
team served. My partner was caught off-guard and we lost the
point. I objected, saying I had raised my paddle to signify we were
not ready. The referee disallowed my protest. Is that
correct?
A: Yes, the referee was correct. Rule 4.C.1
states, “The SERVER and RECEIVER must use
one of the following signals to indicate that he
or she is not ready to serve or receive the serve,
respectively: 1) raising the paddle above his or
her head, 2) raising the non-paddle hand above his or
her head, or 3) completely turning his or her back
to the server. These signals are not valid if used by
the server’s or receiver’s partner.”
NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2018 |
MAGAZINE
21