RULES
GURU
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Q
Q . At a recent tournament , my partner and I were speaking to each other about changing our strategy after losing a rally and the referee called the score before we were done talking . We weren ’ t even in position behind the baseline . Doesn ’ t a ref need to wait until we are ready before the score gets called ?
A The referee probably made the judgment that you “ should ” have been ready . Rule 4 . D . says , “ The score shall be called after the server and receiver are ( or should be ) in position .” Referees are instructed to be generous in allowing time for players to be ready , as long as they maintain a continuous pace ( Rule 10 . C .), but a ref is also obliged by that same rule to “ call the score when play should be resumed .”
Q . I know we can ’ t propel a ball up during a drop serve , but are we still permitted to toss a ball up during a volley serve ?
A If USA Pickleball rules are deemed to apply , that is correct , but an unsanctioned tournament ( pro or amateur ) might use different rules . Players are often surprised to learn that you can toss the ball as high as you like in completing a volley serve when using the official USA Pickleball rules , as long as the service motion still complies with the requirements of Rule 4 . A . 7 .
One reason to limit the height of the toss is to limit the time available from the moment the ball is released until the ball is struck , which may limit the forward body movement of the server , thereby limiting the speed of the serve . Newer players often need extra time to coordinate their service motion , so it is not likely that this restriction will be adopted as a general pickleball rule . by BOB UNETICH
USA PICKLEBALL CERTIFIED REFEREE
’ d Like to Hear From You ! Send your questions to rules @ pickleballmagazine . com .
Q . I know that the 2024 rules permit a ball to be replaced if it is degraded , but is there a limit to how degraded a ball must be for a ref to permit its replacement ?
A This is a matter for the players to decide . If a team wishes a ball to be replaced and the opponents wish to continue to use that ball , no change can occur . Keep in mind that there is no replay of the last rally when a degraded ball is replaced , as explained in Rule 11 . E .
Q . My partner and I were at the nonvolley zone line when our opponents popped a ball up . We both decided to try to return it . The ball was more to my side and closer to me , so I got to the ball first . My feet were solidly planted behind the NVZ line when I drove the ball deep toward our opponents and they were unable to return it . However , my partner stumbled toward me and accidentally bumped into me after I hit the ball , pushing me forward into the non-volley zone .
I know my feet were planted and my momentum from hitting the ball certainly did not carry me forward . If my partner had not run into me , I definitely would not have touched the zone . My partner and his paddle never touched the ball .
I believe the closest rule is 9 . C . but I would like to know if it applies in this case .
A It would not be a fault if the referee determined that the act of volleying , as described in Rules 9 . B . and 9 . C ., ended before you got bumped . It ’ s the referee ’ s judgment to make , and the ref must consider all aspects of the act of volleying , including completion of the swing and any subsequent momentum . •
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