Pickleball Magazine 3-6 | Page 23

Q A & with the RULES GURU By Christine Barksdale USAPA Managing Director of Athletic Competition We’d Like to Hear From You! Submit your questions to [email protected]. Q: Dear Guru, Q: Dear Guru, In a refereed match, our opponents served at 5-1-1 and we won the point. Our opponents were getting ready to serve at 5-1-2, but before the referee called the score, the server noticed the ball had a crack and insisted the previous rally be replayed. None of the players or referee had noticed any issues with the ball during the previous rally and, hence, the referee did not allow a replay. Was this correct? I played a match against someone who had a shirt the same color of the ball and I felt it was a distraction and should not have been allowed. I was told a yellow shirt was no longer allowed. Is this true? A: Yes. The ball has to have a crack and it HAS to have affected play according to 11.E. Broken or Cracked Ball. Play continues until the end of the rally. Players may appeal to the referee to determine if a broken or cracked ball impacted the rally. If, in the judgment of the referee, a broken or cracked ball impacted the outcome of the rally, the referee will call for a replay with a replacement ball. In non-officiated sanctioned play, if the players do not agree, the rally stands as played. broken cracked A: No, there is no rule that restricts the color of clothing. However, Rules 2.G.1 and 2.G.2 do state that garments that are inappropriate or not in good taste are not acceptable. You could ask the tournament director about your concern as Rule 2.G.4 states, “The tournament director has the authority to enforce apparel changes.” But, as it currently stands, colorful clothing is allowed. Q: Dear Guru, In a recent match, my partner was the receiver. I needed to talk to her, so I raised my paddle before the score was called. The referee disregarded my signal, called the score and the opposing team served. My partner was caught off-guard and we lost the point. I objected, saying I had raised my paddle to signify we were not ready. The referee disallowed my protest. Is that correct? A: Yes, the referee was correct. Rule 4.C.1 states, “The SERVER and RECEIVER must use one of the following signals to indicate that he or she is not ready to serve or receive the serve, respectively: 1) raising the paddle above his or her head, 2) raising the non-paddle hand above his or her head, or 3) completely turning his or her back to the server. These signals are not valid if used by the server’s or receiver’s partner.” NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2018 | MAGAZINE 21