A New year, a new rule book

Rule changes for 2023

With a proposed effective date of January 1, 2023, here are a few of the more notable pickleball rule changes:

1.  Elimination of the One-Handed Pre-Spin Serve

Simply stated, with the release of the ball being required to be visible to the receiver and referee (if applicable), the server is no longer permitted to impart manipulation or spin on the release of the ball immediately prior to the serve.

If the referee (in a match with a referee) or receiver (in a match without a referee) determines that manipulation or spin has been imparted (or the release of the ball is not visible) the referee or receiver shall immediately call for a re-serve/replay.

2.  Replay for a Violation of the Service Motion or Ball Release Rules

Prior to 2023, a violation of the service motion or ball release rules (for instance, making contact with the pickleball above your waist) would result in a fault and loss of your serve. Starting in 2023, any such violation may now result in a replay. If the referee is not certain whether a serving violation occurred, then the referee may call a replay. The referee may also call an immediate fault if the referee is certain that a serving violation occurred.

3. Wrong Score Called?

In 2022, the pickleball rules were changed to prevent a player from stopping play after the serve due to a wrong score being called. Now, starting in 2023, the pickleball rules will be changed back to the previous rule regarding wrong scores, which is that, if the server or referee calls the wrong score, then any player may stop play at any time before the return of serve to correct the score. However, if any player stops play after the return of serve (or if any player stops play and the score was actually correct), then that player would have committed a fault. So, if the wrong score is called, correct it fast, or wait until the end of the rally. 

4. Beware of Your Clothing Color

The rules of pickleball now provide two rules around the color of your clothing on the pickleball court. First, as a sportsmanship guideline, pickleball players should “avoid wearing clothing that closely matches the ball color.” Further, if there are any close colors in a pickleball tournament, the tournament director may require a player “to change apparel that are inappropriate, including that which approximates the color of the ball.” So, watch those brightly yellow and neon colors on the pickleball court.

5. Equipment Time-Outs Are In

This rule change is more relevant for tournament players. In the past, if you had an equipment malfunction, then you needed to use a time-out or time between games to adjust or replace your equipment. Now, a referee can award an equipment time-out to accommodate any necessary equipment adjustment or replacement, so players are not forced to use their precious time-outs. In non-officiated play, players are encouraged to work together to provide a reasonable accommodation in these circumstances, too.

6. Other Revisions to Remove Conflict Between Players and Referees

The Official Rulebook is generally revised in order to preserve the integrity of the sport for years to come and in a manner that is best for the players. The Official Rulebook is also generally revised in an effort to reduce the potential for conflict between referees and players on the pickleball court. For instance, there are a handful of revisions to clarify when line calls are to be made, what happens when a player is hit by the pickleball, what happens when a pickleball is “degraded,” what questions players may ask of a referee (i.e., “Am I good?” is now sufficient when asking about correct server, receiver, and/or position), and more.