Ask a Referee - Scoring 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.
Scoring FAQs
What is the rule for calling the score during a pickleball singles game?
In singles, the server calls their own score first, followed by the opponent’s score.
What happens if a pickleball serve is made before the referee has finished calling the score?
It is a fault, and the serve must be replayed after the correct score is called.
How many pickleball points must be won consecutively to win a game if the score is tied at 10-10?
A team must win by at least 2 points, so they need to win 2 consecutive points after 10-10.
What happens in pickleball if the referee calls the wrong score and the rally is completed?
The rally stands as played, but the correct score is called for the next point.
What is the rule for calling the score in pickleball when the score reaches double digits?
The server calls the server’s score, the opponent’s score, and the server number (1 or 2) in doubles.
In pickleball, how many seconds does the server have to serve the ball after the score is called?
The server has 10 seconds to serve the ball after the score is called.
Can players ask for clarification on the score during a pickleball match?
Yes, players can ask the referee for the score before the serve is made.
What happens if a pickleball is struck before the server finishes calling the score?
It is a fault, and the opposing team wins 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.
Can the pickleball server serve the ball while the score is being called?
No, the server cannot hit the ball while the score is being called; it is a fault.
How is the score called in doubles pickleball matches?
The score is called as three numbers: serving team’s score, receiving team’s score, and server number (one or two).