2024's New Pickleball Rule Changes

With 2024 now here, we have some new pickleball rules and changes to familiarise ourselves with!

In this article, I'll be going through them and what they mean, but, before we dive in, I just want to mention that the images and content of this article are all credited to USA Pickleball.

The intent is to simply share and inform our readers of the lateste changes to the 2024 Rulebook as quickly as possible.

Image credit: USA Pickleball

Correcting Server, Receiver, and Player Position Errors (4.B.9): This rule has been amended over time to be less harsh of a violation and in August of this year, USAP made a late amendment (see below). 

Former Rule: Effective 8/14/2023 – Correcting Server, Receiver and Player Position Errors (4.B.9): Faults for incorrect server, incorrect receiver and player position errors are eliminated. The referee will now correct any such player errors before calling the score. Rule 4.B.9 is the primary rule text. Several other rules have been modified or deleted to correlate with this change. All related rule changes are noted in this updated Rulebook.

Draping Net (2.C.6, 11.L.5.b): The former rule required justification for the replay, however, the new rule states that if the draping net (that touches the ground) interferes with the rally it’s immediately a replay.

Former Rule (2.C.6.): If the net drapes onto the court and such a configuration is not corrected by the tournament staff prior to the start of play, and if the referee deems a ball is affected by the draping net, it shall result in a replay.

Catch or Carry Ball on the Paddle (7.L): I was just explaining this rule to someone this week during a lesson. Looks like I’m going to have to follow up with them. The former rule disqualified intentional carrying or catching, but if the balls contacts the paddle twice in one fluid motion that was considered a legal shot.

Former Rule (7.L.):  A player deliberately carrying or catching the ball on the paddle while performing the serve or during a rally.

Conceding a Rally (13.E.4., 13.E.5.): Slight modification here but I like this rule, it leans towards the honesty policy because they can concede if the player doesn’t think they could have gotten to the ball. But that’s one of the best parts of the game; pros and amateurs have demonstrated solid sportsmanship and honesty on the court and I’m sure we’ll see more of that with this rule in place.

Former Rule(s) (13.E.4): Upon appeal, if a referee overrules a line judge’s “out” call as “in”, a replay will occur. (13.E.5): If a player disagrees with a line judge’s “out” call that benefited their team, the player may overrule the “out” call as “in” per rule 6.D.13. A replay will occur.

Medical Timeouts (10.B. 2.c): “c” did not exist in the previous handbooks, so the main difference here is that you can follow up your 15-minute medical timeout with a standard one-minute timeout. I’m not sure if 1 minute will make a massive impact but then again, I’m sure players who experience injury or illness will fully appreciate a bit of extra time during a match.

Paddle Specifications (2.E.2/2.E.5.a/2.E.5.c): There are changes to the wording, I think there’s just less open for interpretation and the rule has become more specific. Here’s the main example of my point (below).

2.E.5.a: carrying forward, states “The only alterations or additions that may be made to a commercially made paddle are edge guard tape, lead tape, changes to the grip size or grip wrap, and name decals and/or other identification markings on the paddle face.”

Former Rule: Player alterations or additions to a commercially produced paddle as certified, may include items such as edge guard tape/replacements, weighted tape, weights for an Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) integrated weight system, changes to the grip size via inserts, grip wraps, OEM interchangeable grips, OEM replacement paddle faces, and name decals and/or other identification markings on the paddle face.

The entire document is just under 80 pages long but just under 15 of them is the appendix. If you’re looking to play in tournaments, instruct, write or inform people on the sport of pickleball it’s highly recommended to familiarize yourself with the new Rulebook and if you’re curious to read over this year’s Rulebook, here you go!

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