Pickleball is a new sport and so, the rules are still adapting and changing to ensure that they are fair for everyone playing. The rules for pickleball change every year.
This can make it difficult to know what the rules are and when the new rules come into effect. You don’t want to be playing with old rules and lose points or get disqualified.
In this article, we explain everything about the new pickleball rules from what they are, what moves have been cut, and when they take effect. You will be up to date with the latest rules in pickleball and be able to play at your best!
How Are The Rules For Pickleball Decided?
To everyone’s credit, the rule-changing procedure has improved over time and is now incredibly open. The USA Pickleball membership, which is welcome to propose any suggested changes, starts the procedure.
The suggested modifications are then posted for public feedback on the USA Pickleball website after being filed. The USA Pickleball Rules Committee examines the suggested revisions after the window for public comment has closed.
The proposed rule amendments are now either accepted to continue the process, rejected, or reworded. The USA Pickleball Board of Directors will take over after the USA Pickleball Rules Committee has completed its work.
The USA Pickleball Board of Directors has the final say in the matter and can vote in favor or against any changes that are put up.
Any changes, no matter how small, must go through the process and be passed in the voting at the USA Pickleball Board of Directors. If not, it is not an official rule.
When Do The New Rules Come Into Effect?
Any rule changes that are processed throughout the year come into effect on the 1st of January of the new year. For example, any changes requested in 2022 will come into effect on January 1st, 2023.
This is a pressing time for the USA Pickleball Rules Committee and the USA Pickleball Board of Directors to ensure that the rules are fair and just to anyone involved in the playing of pickleball.
If anyone has any concerns or wants to include a rule of their own, this can be done by contacting the USA Pickleball Committees. These potential rules will have to be processed and voted on by the USA Pickleball Board of Directors.
How Are Rules Submitted?
One of the best things about pickleball is that any changes to the rules start with suggestions from other players.
Members of USA Pickleball can submit suggested rule modifications on the organization’s website to start creating new pickleball regulations.
New Rules of Pickleball
With the rules of pickleball changing every year, it is important to remain up to date on what they are and what changes have been made.
1. The Axing Of The One-Handed Pre Spin Serve
In other words, the server is no longer allowed to manipulate or add spin to the release of the ball just before the service because it must be visible to the receiver and referee (if appropriate).
A re-serve or replay must be requested right away if the referee (in a match with a referee) or receiver (in a match without a referee) finds that manipulation or spin has been imparted (or the release of the ball is not apparent).
2. Miscellaneous Changes
There was also a clarification on the potential safety and distraction effects when a player’s apparel closely resembles the color of the ball and a change regarding equipment time-outs. Ho-hum.
Some very modest editing modifications, such as the removal of unclear and unnecessary language, were approved. Nothing significantly affects amateur recreational play on a daily basis.
3. Rally Scoring Option For Singles & Doubles
The suggestion for rally scoring, which would have awarded a point for each rally independent of who had served, was rejected. But, a task team will be established in 2023 to look into the specifics of how to carry out such a choice.
Next year, when rules are proposed and discussed, expect this to be a hot topic! The opposition to this scoring option is still very much alive.
4. Player Is Hit With The Pickleball
With a simple editorial modification, the Rulebook (7.H and 7.I) now more clearly specifies that it is, in fact, the “player who was hit by a ball” and not the person who hit the ball who is at blame.
5. No Wearing Of Clothes That Match The Ball Color
Another rule that has recently been introduced is that players are prohibited from wearing clothing that is the same color as the pickleball.
Wearing colors that are the same as pickleball can make it extremely difficult for players to see the ball and may result in injury. This is a common rule in sports such as tennis and table tennis.
6. Wrong Score Called
Before serving in pickleball, players must state the score. Prior to 2023, players were required to wait until the completion of the rally before requesting a correction if the server had announced the incorrect score.
Players can quit playing right away and ask for a score correction starting in 2023 if they think the server made a mistake.
But be cautious! If you pause the game to request a score adjustment and it turns out that the server was right all along, you will be penalized.
Final Thoughts
As you can see, staying on top of the rules for pickleball can be rather tricky. Luckily the USA Pickleball Rules Committee and USA Pickleball Board of Directors are extremely transparent when it comes to the changes in the rules.
The changes to the pickleball rules are made public on the 1st of January of the year. So, any proposed changes are considered and approved or rejected by the committee to then be published at the beginning of the year.
Above is everything you need to know about the current rules of pickleball and how you can find more information on the rules and policies of pickleball in the USA.
Pickleball has been played for decades, and it is a great way to let off some steam, engage in friendly competition, and improve your fitness levels.
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