Pickleball Rules

Official Rules: The tournament follows the 2024 USA Pickleball rules; it’s 88 pages long, however, we’ve picked the most common ones below. For more information, refer to USA Pickleball’s rulebook.

Serving

The server needs to make eye contact with their opponent to ensure they are ready. Then the server should clearly communicate the game score using ASL numbers (and in doubles, their server number), before serving.
The ball must be served underhand, with the paddle contacting the ball below the waist.
The ball cannot be spun prior to paddle contact.
The served ball cannot touch the non-volley zone line, but can touch any other line in the service box.
The ball can touch the net as long as it lands in the service box.
After the serve, each team must let the ball bounce once on their side before hitting it.

Non-Volley Zone (the kitchen)

You can’t hit the ball in the air while standing in or on the line for the non-volley zone.
If your momentum takes you into this area at any time after a volley, you are at fault.

Scoring

Look at the game scorecard for scoring instructions (e.g. up to 11, win by 2).

Faults

Common faults include hitting the ball out of bounds, hitting or touching the net, or volleying the ball before it bounces once on each side (violating the double bounce rule).
Stepping into the kitchen during a volley or letting the ball bounce twice on your side is also a fault.
The ball cannot be carried by the paddle (whether intentional or not).
A double hit (where the ball bounces twice, subtly on a paddle) is legal if it is part of one continuous motion to hit the ball over the net.
Players may not distract their opponent by making loud noises, stomping feet or waving their arm and/or paddle in a distracting way.

Line Calls

After serving, the ball that lands on any part of the line is considered in.
Players are responsible for making calls on their own side of the court. If player(s) on their own side are unsure, assume the ball is in.
Fans and other players are not allowed to share input or coach from the sideline.
Opponents can be allowed to share input only if asked by the players on the other side.
If refereed, they only make kitchen foot fault calls. If directly asked by players, the referee may mention if the ball was in or out.

Player Positions

The server (and their partner, if doubles) must serve the ball while standing behind the baseline. They are not allowed to step into the court until after the ball is hit.
Player(s) switch sides of the court when the leading team reaches 6 points.
The servers of both sides are required to wear the serve bracelet (while their partners are not to wear the bracelet).
If players are in the incorrect position, they must correct it, and no penalty or fault is given for playing in the incorrect position.

Pauses/Replays

If a ball or an external distraction runs into/near court during game play, player(s) are to raise their hands up immediately and replay the particular point.
Each side is allowed one one-minute timeout per game to rest, discuss strategy, or catch their breath.
One medical timeout per player per game to catch a breath after a serious injury is allowed, and can last up to 15 minutes. If player(s) cannot continue after the timeout, they forfeit the game. Fatigue, cramps and discomfort are not serious injuries. Bleeds must be cleaned up and covered within the time allotted.

Situations that require ending the game

Player does not pick up ball or basket from check-in desk ten minutes after being texted
Player picked up ball and/or basket from check-in desk but never arrived at the court ten minutes after being texted
Player stops playing during a game (e.g. medical reason, walks off, etc.). The game is fed in with the higher point rounded up to 11 and the other score locked in as is (e.g. stop game at 8-2, then game is fed in as 11-2). If game is tied, then the player(s) who are still playing gets 11, and the opponent(s) who are not playing anymore has their score locked in.

Conduct Guidelines

All players must be respectful, play fairly, and be free from discrimination, abuse, and unsportsmanlike conduct. Those who do not adhere will be removed immediately.
Players and fans consent to photographs and videos for media use.