I’m back. One last time. First I’d like to thank everyone who took the the time to read this column and who gave me feedback (even when I didn’t want to hear it…lol). Hopefully it has been as much fun for you to figure out the scenarios as it has been for me to create them (or steal them from someone else).
When I became a referee pickleball was a different game. Played mostly by seniors with a few aspiring to make their way into competitive tournaments, striving to be 4.5 or 5.0 player, before DUPR ratings. Now it is dominated by actual athletes, with full time trainers and chefs, ex tennis players, and TEENAGERS (yes, that’s you, Ashley Leigh Waters).
I became a referee to give back, provide clarity for matches, remove tension from matches by decreasing arguments between teams, assure fairness, meet people and have fun. I was able to do all that, and more, but recently the “fun” part of the process has dissipated so after this newsletter I will no longer be officiating. The good news is that others have taken up the mantle and Solivita will be left in very competent hands.
Having said all that, let’s take a looks at the new rules that may actually effect your game beginning in 2024.
This first change actually occurred in August of this year. USA pickleball decided that the rules regarding correct server and receiver as well as correct position for server and receiver were too onerous. It is now the responsibility of the referee to inform the teams (without being asked) if they are in the wrong positions or the wrong server. If an error occurs and is recognized during the rally, the rally stops, you reposition and replay the rally. There is NO FAULT or penalty for this. If the error is discovered after the rally has been completed, the rally results stands (point or change serve) and you correct before the next serve.
The rule concerning playing a cracked ball has had some clarification. Any ball suspected of being cracked, broken, or SOFT must be played till completion of the rally (no change). If cracked or broken it must be decided by BOTH teams if it effected the outcome of the rally. If BOTH teams agree that it did, the rally is replayed. If only ONE team feels the damage impacted the results the rally stands. If BOTH teams agree the ball would now be removed from play and replaced. For a SOFT or DEGRADED ball, both teams must agree to replace it. The rally stands. In an officiated match the referee will determine all these factors.
Lastly, they have redefined the terms “Live ball” and “Ball in play”. Why do you care? Because certain things can only occur when a ball is live, others until it is “in play”.
3.A.19. Live Ball – The timeframe from when the referee or server (or server’s partner per rule 4.D.1) starts to call the score.
3.A.X. Ball In Play – The timeframe during which a rally is played, from the hit of the ball to make the serve until the ball becomes dead.
Examples are that it is a fault to serve before completely calling the score after the ball becomes “live”. If you serve before the score has begun to be called, there is no fault and you re-serve.
You may call a time out until the ball is “in play” or served which is after the ball is “live”.
And that’s it. All the other changes effect officiated matches, tournaments, involve rewording of rules for clarification.
Happy pickling all. see you out there.
“Doc” Bob