When Line Calls Go Bad: What to Do and How to Keep Your Cool

I recently played in an event similar to a house league.

As in any self-officiated sport, questionable line calls were expected.

But every so often, a call is so glaringly incorrect - so obviously in - that you find yourself wondering: What are you and your teammate supposed to do? 

Let's talk about it ...

During one of our games, we were leading 10-4 in a rally-scoring format.

Winning that game would have tied the overall match 1-1. Instead, we lost 14-15, and one obvious miscall added to the momentum, turning slightly.

Midway through the game, my partner hit a shot that landed about four inches inside the sideline.

The player on the left - who was actually the farthest from the ball - called it out.

When we questioned the call, her partner said, “I didn’t see it,” and the point stood.

We were also very disappointed that her teammates on the sidelines, watching the match unfold, did not overturn the call in the spirit of good sportsmanship.

The point itself mattered, of course, but more importantly, the call seemed to shift the momentum - and momentum can influence the flow and feel of an entire match.

One aspect that often gets overlooked is how quickly perception can become distorted in the middle of play.

Fast rallies, awkward angles, fatigue, and even the desire to win can all affect what a player thinks they saw.

And, unlike a tennis ball, a pickleball doesn’t compress on impact, which can make it even harder to judge whether it caught the line or missed it by an inch.

Sometimes people make bad calls because they want the point; other times, they genuinely misjudge it and don’t realize how far off they are.

Understanding that human error is baked into self-officiated sports can help us respond with a little more perspective - without excusing the behaviour.

Recognizing the difference between honest mistakes and patterns of questionable judgment is part of managing both the match and your emotions...

The Burden of Making Your Own Calls

In self-officiated play, sportsmanship isn’t optional - it’s a responsibility.

Every player has felt the internal conflict of calling what they hope they saw versus what actually happened.

And let’s be honest: some players are just notoriously bad at making line calls. Not malicious - just consistently wrong.

But in the end, the integrity of the game rests on the people playing it.

What Good Sportsmanship Looks Like

One simple principle solves most problems: Overturn your own or your partner’s bad line call. It’s okay. It’s the right thing to do.

If you weren’t sure, say so. If your partner made the call but you know it was in, correct it.

You might lose a point, but you’ll gain respect - and you’ll preserve the fairness of the game.

What Happens When You Don’t Make Good Calls

Bad line calls don’t just cost points. They change the energy of the match:

- The wronged team often gets fired up and channels that frustration into elevated play.

- The calling team can tighten up from guilt, awkwardness, or fear of confrontation.

- Trust breaks down. Tension rises. Everything gets a little uglier.

A match played in bad faith becomes a different match altogether.

At the moment, though, the hardest part isn’t the bad call itself - it’s deciding how to respond without escalating the situation.

A simple, calm question like “Are you sure?” can sometimes prompt a reconsideration, especially if the player wasn’t confident.

But when someone doubles down, pushing further rarely helps. Finding that balance between advocating for fairness and not creating conflict is a skill of its own.

Approaching these moments with neutrality - no sarcasm, no frustration - keeps the temperature down and preserves at least some sense of respect on both sides.

Playing Against a Team That Makes Bad Calls

Unfortunately, it happens. So what should you do?

1. Choose your battles.

You don’t have to dispute every call - even when you know it’s wrong. Protect your energy.

2. When needed, stop play and ask for help

At a tournament, ask the director for a referee. If refs aren’t available, ask that someone be sent over to observe. Even the presence of a neutral party can reset behavior.

3. Don’t let their behavior dictate your game.

Bad calls can tempt you into emotional or overly aggressive play. Stay grounded. Stick to your game plan. Take ownership of your composure.

4. In rec play, protect your experience.

If this is happening in your local games:

- Avoid playing with people who consistently make poor calls, or

- Have a private, calm, non-accusatory conversation about line-calling ethics.

Just understand that some players will be defensive - or genuinely unaware that they’re wrong. Many truly believe they’re calling it correctly.

In the End, It’s About Integrity

Self-officiated sports only work when players are honest. A single point rarely decides a match, but the way players behave when they think no one else can confirm the truth?

That can define the experience.

We can’t control other people’s calls. But we can control our own integrity, our own reactions, and our own commitment to fair play.

That’s the game within the game - and it’s one worth winning.

Some Takeaways When Handling Bad Line Calls With Integrity

- Prioritize fairness over winning a single point. Overturn your own bad calls - even when it stings.

- Understand that miscalls happen. Fatigue, angles, and speed affect perception; not every bad call is intentional.

- Stay composed in tense moments. A calm “Are you sure?” is more effective than frustration or sarcasm.

- Protect your energy and choose your battles. You don’t need to dispute everything - just what truly matters.

- Ask for help when needed. A referee, organizer, or even a neutral observer can shift the tone of a match.

- Don’t let someone else’s behavior derail your game plan. Your composure is your responsibility and your advantage.

- In recreational play, protect your experience. Avoid chronic offenders or have a respectful conversation if possible.

Ultimately, integrity is the real measure of the match.

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