Ask a Referee - Faults & Penalties FAQs
Maddie Toren is the youngest certified USA Pickleball referee in history and a leading force behind the scenes of the sport. As Founder & CEO of PKLD Agency, Maddie specializes in managing brand presence and digital strategy for pro pickleball athletes, Major League teams, and top industry brands.
Certified by USA Pickleball and widely recognized for her standout social media work, Maddie blends her passion for officiating with her expertise in digital engagement—helping the biggest names in pickleball connect with fans and grow their influence on and off the court.
Faults & Penalties FAQs
In pickleball, what is the penalty if a player repeatedly commits time-wasting offenses?
The referee can issue warnings and technical fouls for time-wasting, potentially resulting in loss of points or serve.
In pickleball, what is the penalty if a player fails to return a serve after the ball bounces once?
It is a fault, and the server’s team earns a point.
In pickleball, what is the penalty if a player deliberately distracts their opponent during a rally?
It is a fault, and the player who caused the distraction loses the rally.
What is the penalty in pickleball if the server’s ball hits the receiver or their partner before bouncing?
It is a point for the serving team.
What is the penalty for catching or carrying the pickleball on the paddle during a rally?
Catching or carrying the ball on the paddle is a fault, and the opposing team wins the rally.
What is the penalty if a pickleball player’s paddle touches the net during a rally?
It is a fault, and the opposing team wins the rally.
In pickleball, how many faults are allowed during a single rally?
Only one fault is allowed per rally; after a fault, the rally ends.
What is the penalty in pickleball if a player volleys the ball while standing in the non-volley zone?
It is a fault, and the opposing team wins the rally.
What is the penalty for touching the opponent’s court during a pickleball rally?
It is a fault if a player or their equipment touches the opponent’s court during a rally.
What is the penalty if the pickleball receiver or their partner touches the ball before it bounces?
It is a fault, and the serving team earns a point.
What is the penalty for using a pickleball paddle that exceeds size limits during a match?
If discovered during the match, the player must switch paddles, and no penalty is applied.
What is the remedy if a pickleball service fault occurs due to a ball hitting the server’s partner?
It is a fault, and the serving team loses the rally.
Can the pickleball referee call a fault if the score was called incorrectly but the rally is completed?
No, the referee or player can correct the score before the return of serve; after the return, play continues, and the correction is made after the rally.
What is the penalty if a pickleball player is caught using an unapproved paddle during a match?
If caught during the match, the player or team forfeits the match.
Is it a fault in pickleball if a player catches or stops the ball in play before it hits the ground?
Yes, it is a fault if a player stops the ball before it hits the ground.
What is the penalty for violating the pickleball paddle surface specifications?
The player or team forfeits the match being played if the violation is discovered after the match has started.
Is it a fault in pickleball if a player’s momentum causes them to touch the non-volley zone during a volley?
Yes, it is a fault if a player or their equipment touches the non-volley zone during a volley.
How is a fault called in pickleball if a served ball hits the net and lands inside the non-volley zone?
It is considered a fault if the served ball hits the net and lands inside the non-volley zone.
What must happen for a fault to be declared due to non-volley zone violations in pickleball?
The violation must occur when the ball is live, such as touching the NVZ during a volley.