Raymond H. Goettsch
Every year pickleball players submit proposed changes to the rules of the game to USA Pickleball, and other players have the opportunity to comment on the proposed changes. The decision as to which proposed rule changes will be adopted is made at the end of the year.
This year has generated many proposed rule changes. Some of the proposed changes are not surprising. Other proposed changes are unexpected, and others even silly.
One of the unexpected proposed rules is when a let serve lands inbound, either player on the receiver side can return the serve. In other words, the player at the net on the receiving side can return the serve, as can the player at the baseline. The reasoning behind this rule is that a net serve is usually short inbound and likely to result in a point for the serving team. The rule is intended to give the returning partners a better opportunity to return the net serve.
A somewhat silly proposed rule addresses “the practice of blowing on the ball during a rally.” Many pickleball players may not be familiar with such a practice. That said, the proposed rule provides that during a rally, players are prohibited from blowing on the ball to influence its movement and that if a player is observed blowing on the ball during a rally, it will result in a fault.
A proposed rule change is to clarify the rule (6.C.6.) that players shall not call a ball “out” unless they can clearly see a space between the line and the ball as it hits the ground. The proposed change replaces “line” to “baseline or sideline.” The reasoning behind the change is that “line” could be applicable to the non-volley zone line.
Another proposed rule change is related to the rule (6.C.5.) that a player or partners may ask the opponents’ call on the player’s end of the court. Under the current rule, if the opponents make a clear “in” or “out” call, the call must be accepted, but if the opponents cannot make a clear “in” or “out” call, the ball is ruled “in” on the receiving team. The proposed change is that if one opponent calls the ball “in” and the other opponent calls the ball “out,” the ball is “out” on the receiving court.
One more proposed rule change relates to the rule (7.H.) that if, after the serve, the ball contacts a player or anything the player is wearing or holding, other than the paddle and the player’s hand(s) in contact below the wrist with the paddle, the contact creates a fault. The proposed change adds that if the player intentionally contacts the ball with the paddle handle or a hand in contact with the paddle, the contact is also a fault.
To explore other proposed rule changes and comments, see rules.usapickleball.org, then click on “View Rulebook Revision Process” tab.