have been . Under the new rule , a change restricts replays to only those scenarios where the referee and players mistakenly allow the incorrect player to serve or receive .
7 . After a player crosses the plane of the net , following the path of a ball strike , they must return promptly to their own side of the net to comply with the revised Rule 11 . I .
8 . Paddles that can significantly alter play are not permitted , according to a recommended change under Appendix : Guiding Principles . This codifies the need to control the ball speed a paddle is capable of producing , and I welcome the addition although it is likely to be hotly debated .
9 . A Round Robin tie break method that is selected , according to Rule 12 . C . 4 , must remain the same to resolve additional ties after the first tie-break method has been applied .
10 . The Mini Singles NVZ is clarified to be 10 feet wide instead of 20 feet wide under Rule 3 . A . 22 .
11 . Rule 4 . L was shortened to make it agree with Rule 4 . A . 4 concerning service foot faults .
12 . Under a revision to 13 . D . 1 . c and d , a player in a non-officiated match can call any type of NVZ fault on an opponent , not only foot faults as previously stated in the rule . Another small change to 13 . D . 1 makes it clear that a disagreement between teams calls for a replay , and a disagreement between partners will be decided to the benefit of the opponents .
13 . Rule 13 . D . 1 . d , regarding faults called in nonofficiated play , also was changed to make it clear that a player can mention a specific fault — except for NVZ faults and service foot faults , which can be called immediately — to opponents only after a rally ends .
14 . Line call appeals to a referee , covered by Rule 13 . F . 3 , must be filed before the scoresheet is initialed , establishing a time limit for appeals .
15 . The definition of a “ live ball ” in Rule 3 . A . 20 is altered slightly to say that this “ period of time ” ends “ when the ball becomes dead .” It was decided to define this time period since that is the only time all faults can be committed .
Not approved was a recommendation to require mandatory eye protection , but it was recommended that the board adopt a general policy on eye protection . Regulating eye protection is difficult and more complex than might at first be suspected , but we can expect more consideration of the risk to a player ’ s eyesight .
Also not approved was a proposed change to calling a replay instead of calling a fault if a player strikes the ball while the score is being called .
There are a few other minor wording changes . The reality is that the changes above will have the most impact on tournament play , but all players should use a consistent set of rules for the game of pickleball . USA Pickleball has once again tried to make the rules fair and reasonable . •
NOVEMBER / DECEMBER 2024 | MAGAZINE 19