Ask a Referee - General 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.
GENERAL FAQs
What happens if a pickleball hits a player’s body before it hits the ground?
It is a fault, and the opposing team wins the rally.
How many pickleball points are required to win a game in a recreational match?
In pickleball, what is the rule if a player starts serving from the wrong side of the court?
The referee or opponents should correct the server, and the rally will.
What is the rule for pickleball players who need to leave the court due to a medical emergency?
Players are allowed to leave the court for a medical timeout, which lasts up to 15 minutes.
What happens if a pickleball player touches the ball twice in one stroke?
If it’s a continuous motion, it is not considered a fault, but if it is clearly two separate strikes, it is a fault.
What is the pickleball rule for serving if the ball is tossed and dropped without being struck?
The server is allowed to retoss and serve again without penalty if they drop the ball without striking it.
How many pickleball players are needed for a mixed doubles match?
A mixed doubles match requires four players, with one male and one female on each team.
What happens if a pickleball player hits the ball and it lands on the baseline?
The ball is considered in, as the baseline is part of the court.
Can a pickleball player hit the ball around the post as long as it lands in the court?
Yes, a player can hit the ball around the net post as long as it lands in the opponent’s court.
Can a pickleball player use a double-handed backhand shot?
Yes, players can use a double-handed backhand shot in pickleball.
What is the rule in pickleball if a ball hits a permanent fixture (e.g., a ceiling) during a rally?
If the ball hits a permanent fixture before landing in the opponent’s court, it is a fault, and the rally is over.
How long is the interval between pickleball games in a match?
The interval between games is two minutes.
Can a pickleball player use their body to shield the ball from their opponent during a rally?
No, deliberately obstructing the opponent’s view of the ball with the body is considered unsportsmanlike conduct.
What happens if a pickleball player swings and misses the ball entirely?
The ball remains in play, and the rally continues until a fault occurs or the ball bounces twice.
What happens if a pickleball player’s hat falls off during a rally and lands on the court?
Play continues unless the hat interferes with the rally or causes a distraction, in which case the referee may call a replay.
In pickleball, can a player switch their grip in the middle of a rally?
Yes, players are allowed to switch their grip at any time during a rally.
Can a pickleball player take more than two bounces before returning the ball in wheelchair play?
Yes, in wheelchair play, the ball is allowed to bounce twice before it must be returned.
What is the official color requirement for a pickleball used in play?
There is no specific color requirement for a pickleball, but it must be one uniform color unless otherwise approved for identification.
What happens if the pickleball strikes a permanent object before bouncing on the opponent’s side?
The ball is dead, and the opposing team wins the rally.
In pickleball, can a player hit the ball outside the sideline but still land it in bounds?
Yes, players can hit the ball from outside the sideline as long as the ball lands in bounds.
How many points are required to win a pickleball game in a tournament?
Typically, 11 points are required to win, with a 2-point margin necessary.
In pickleball, what is the recommended margin around the court for player movement?
A 10-foot margin around the court is recommended for player movement.
In pickleball, can players switch sides after each point in a doubles match?
No, players switch sides only after a designated point in specific games, such as in a third game of a best-of-three match when the score reaches 6.
What happens if the pickleball bounces and lands outside the court lines?
The ball is considered out, and the opposing team wins the rally.
How many players are required for a pickleball doubles match?
A doubles match requires four players, two on each team.
What is the standard pickleball court size for wheelchair play?
The standard court size for wheelchair play is 44 feet long and 74 feet wide.
What happens if a pickleball bounces twice on one side of the court before being returned?
It is a fault, and the opposing team wins the rally.
What is the protocol if the pickleball is suspected of being cracked during play?
The rally is completed, and the ball is inspected afterward to determine if it should be replaced.
What must be done if blood is present on the pickleball court?
Play must stop until the bleeding is controlled and the blood on the court is cleaned.
What should pickleball players do if they believe the ball is degraded or soft during a rally?
Players must continue play until the rally ends and then inspect the ball before the next serve.
Can a pickleball player catch the ball in the air if they think it will land out?
No, catching or stopping the ball in play before it hits the ground is a fault.
How many points are needed to win a standard pickleball game?
The first team to reach 11 points and lead by at least 2 points wins the game.
What should a pickleball player do if they are unsure whether the ball is in or out?
The player must give the benefit of the doubt to the opponent and call the ball “in.”
What happens if both pickleball players on a doubles team call the ball differently?
If one player calls the ball “in” and the other calls it “out,” the call is ruled “in” due to doubt.
Is coaching allowed during a pickleball match?
No, coaching during a match is not allowed.
What is the protocol for switching ends in a pickleball game to 11 points?
Teams will switch ends in game three of a best-of-three match when the first team reaches a score of 6.
How much time is allowed for switching ends during a pickleball game?
Players have one minute to switch ends during a game.
Can pickleball players wear clothing that closely matches the color of the pickleball?
No, players are encouraged to avoid wearing clothing that closely matches the ball color.
What is the responsibility of a pickleball player when calling lines in non-officiated matches?
Players are responsible for calling the lines on their side of the court.
Can a pickleball player call a hinder if a ball rolls onto the court after they’ve hit the ball “out”?
No, they gave up the ability to call the hinder by choosing to hit the ball.
What is the time allowed between pickleball matches?
The standard time between matches is 10 minutes.
What happens if a pickleball player misses the ball entirely when attempting to strike it?
The ball remains in play until it bounces twice or a fault occurs.
How many pickleball games does a player need to win in a best of three match?
A player or team must win two out of three games.
What is the standard time between pickleball games?
The standard time between games is two minutes.
What happens if the pickleball contacts a permanent object before bouncing on the opponent’s court?
It is a dead ball, and the player who hit the ball wins the rally.
What action must be taken if a pickleball player is bleeding on the court?
Play must stop until the bleeding is controlled and the court is cleaned.
What happens if a pickleball is suspected of being broken or cracked during play?
Play continues until the rally is completed, after which the ball may be inspected.
Can pickleball players wear shoes that damage the playing surface?
No, shoes must have soles that do not mark or damage the court.
How many circular holes must a pickleball have?
A pickleball must have between 26 and 40 circular holes.
How wide should the lines on a pickleball court be?
All lines should be 2 inches wide.
What is the minimum recommended playing surface area for a standard pickleball court?
The minimum playing surface area is 30 feet wide by 60 feet long.