RULES
GURU
We
Q
& A Mid-Year Rule Changes !
In August , the USA Pickleball Board of Directors identified the need to revise several playing rules . One change relates to available pro bracket formats and has no impact on amateur play . A more universal change involves player position errors ( including server / receiver errors ) and is something that all of us should understand and apply to both tournament and recreational play when referees are utilized .
I asked USA Pickleball for more insight into the changes and here ’ s what they provided :
The USA Pickleball Board of Directors recently approved several rule change recommendations to take effect for both professional and amateur players immediately .
Due to several factors , including an instant positive impact on quality of play during the remainder of the 2023 amateur tournaments , as well as uniformity between the USA Pickleball Rulebook and the amateur and pro matches , these rule revisions were approved for a mid-year implementation rather than delaying changes until 2024 .
The most prominent change is that the referee will confirm — and correct , if necessary — that all players are in the correct position and the correct server has the ball before calling the score . Previously , when an incorrect player struck the ball , or a player served from an incorrect position , the referee would immediately stop play and identify the fault .
HERE IS A BRIEF Q & A ABOUT THESE RULE CHANGES :
Q : Why are these new rules being implemented ?
A USA Pickleball believes that a player position mistake should not be a primary driver behind a point being awarded . The board concluded that by BOB UNETICH
USA PICKLEBALL CERTIFIED REFEREE
’ d Like to Hear From You ! Send your questions to rules @ thepickleballmag . com .
it is better for the sport and the flow of play for a competitive rally to take place , with the point or server change or side-out being awarded to the individual or team with the winning shot .
Q : How will these rule changes affect the spectator experience of the pro sport ?
A These rules will result in better streaming and television network coverage , which in turn will lead to an enhanced spectator experience . Pickleball is emerging as an increasingly popular spectator sport , but every time a player asks about positioning , it detracts from the momentum of the game and excitement of the televised rallies . Video production networks suggested that such situations be avoided .
Q : How does this affect referees and the way they officiate the game ?
A One of the primary goals of USA Pickleball credentialed referees is for players to leave the court feeling that , win or lose , the match was played fairly and they had a positive experience overall . USA Pickleball believes these rule changes will help accomplish this .
You can find the full list of mid-year rule revisions and more information at usapickleball . org / news / mid-year-revisions-to-the-2023-usa-pickleballrulebook . •
A number of other changes to the rules have been forwarded to the USA Pickleball Board of Directors for approval at year end , and all of the 2024 changes will be reviewed in the Rules section of the December issue .
18 TO SUBSCRIBE , CALL 412.914.8294 OR GO TO PICKLEBALLMAGAZINE . COM