Every year the rules get evaluated by a committee. Based on the explosion of the sport’s popularity and the need to ensure that everyone has fair access to the game there have been several important rule changes. Here are some of the rule changes to know for 2023.
Rule Change #1 - The Spin Serve
Back in 2021, the chainsaw serve–where the serving player actually spins the ball off of the paddle before striking it–was all the rage. It was also deemed overpowered and caused a lot of complaints. So, in 2022, it was banned.
Except then, players quickly adapted to the rule change and found others ways to spin the ball right before striking it by using their fingers.
For 2023, the rules have been changed again. Here is the wording from USA Pickleball:
“Rule 4.A.5 The Volley Serve. The server shall use only one hand to release the ball to perform the serve. While some natural rotation of the ball is expected during any release of the ball from the hand, the server shall not impart manipulation or spin on the release of the ball immediately prior to the serve. The server’s release of the ball must be visible to the referee and the receiver.”
Reasons were given for this change, but it essentially comes down to creating a fair match for both pros and amateurs alike, and because so few players were able to master the spin serve and it was dominant against those who weren’t used to playing against it, they decided to ban the serve all together.
Rule Change #2 - Clothing as a Distraction
Pickleballs come in all colors, but most commonly they are either light green, orange, or yellow. As a way to gain an advantage, some players chose to wear clothing that matched the color of the ball. This makes it easy for the opposing players to lose sight of the ball on the return.
While this rule change doesn’t have any consequences attached to it, it was passed as a suggestion instead of a hard and fast rule.
The rule states:
“... the TD [tournament director] can choose to request apparel changes due to the clothing matching the ball color. It also suggests to players that they should not intentionally choose clothing that is the same color as the tournament ball.”
Change #3 - More Time to Correct the Score
Before, players only had until the ball was served to have the score corrected. Which isn’t a lot of time in most cases. With this change, players have up until the return of serve to ask for a correct score. The new change states,
“If the wrong score is called, the referee or any player may stop play before the return of serve to correct the score. The rally shall be restarted with the correct score called.”
If the correct score was actually called, then the player (or team) that asked for the clarification will be given a fault instead.
Change #4 - Equipment Time Outs
This rule states,
“If the referee determines that an equipment change or adjustment is necessary for fair and safe continuation of the match, the referee may award an equipment time-out of reasonable duration. In non-officiated matches, players will work out a reasonable accommodation among themselves for equipment malfunctions.”
Before this rule change, players had to use one of their timeouts during a match to replace any equipment, even if it was damaged during regular play.
There are a few more rule changes, but these were some of the major ones.
