SECTION 2 – COURTThe area inside the outer dimensions of the baselines and sidelines. More AND EQUIPMENT

2.A.     CourtThe area inside the outer dimensions of the baselines and sidelines. More Specifications. The dimensions and measurements for the standard pickleball court are:

2.A.1.    The courtThe area inside the outer dimensions of the baselines and sidelines. More shall be a rectangle 20 feet (6.10 m) wideA loud word(s) spoken by a player or line judge(s) to indicate to the referee and/or players that a live ball has not touched in the required court space. The preferred word to indicate a line call is “OUT”. Distinctive hand signals can be used in conjunction with a line call. Words such as “wide”, “long”, “no”, “deep” are also... More and 44 feet (13.41 m) longA loud word(s) spoken by a player or line judge(s) to indicate to the referee and/or players that a live ball has not touched in the required court space. The preferred word to indicate a line call is “OUT”. Distinctive hand signals can be used in conjunction with a line call. Words such as “wide”, “long”, “no”, “deep” are also... More for both singles and doubles matches. See Figure 2-1.

2.A.2. CourtThe area inside the outer dimensions of the baselines and sidelines. More measurements shall be made to the outside of the lines. All lines should be 2 inches (5.08 cm) wideA loud word(s) spoken by a player or line judge(s) to indicate to the referee and/or players that a live ball has not touched in the required court space. The preferred word to indicate a line call is “OUT”. Distinctive hand signals can be used in conjunction with a line call. Words such as “wide”, “long”, “no”, “deep” are also... More and the same color, clearly contrasting with the color of the playing surfaceThe court and the area surrounding the court designated for playing.   [quads id=10] More.

2.A.3.   A minimum playing surfaceThe court and the area surrounding the court designated for playing.   [quads id=10] More area measuring 30 feet (9.14 m) wideA loud word(s) spoken by a player or line judge(s) to indicate to the referee and/or players that a live ball has not touched in the required court space. The preferred word to indicate a line call is “OUT”. Distinctive hand signals can be used in conjunction with a line call. Words such as “wide”, “long”, “no”, “deep” are also... More and 60 feet (18.29 m) longA loud word(s) spoken by a player or line judge(s) to indicate to the referee and/or players that a live ball has not touched in the required court space. The preferred word to indicate a line call is “OUT”. Distinctive hand signals can be used in conjunction with a line call. Words such as “wide”, “long”, “no”, “deep” are also... More is recommended. A 10-foot (3.05-m) surrounding margin with a larger size of 40 feet (12.19 m) by 64 feet (19.51 m) is preferred.

2.A.4. (Wheelchair) The recommended playing surfaceThe court and the area surrounding the court designated for playing.   [quads id=10] More area for Wheelchair play is 44 feet (13.41 m) wideA loud word(s) spoken by a player or line judge(s) to indicate to the referee and/or players that a live ball has not touched in the required court space. The preferred word to indicate a line call is “OUT”. Distinctive hand signals can be used in conjunction with a line call. Words such as “wide”, “long”, “no”, “deep” are also... More and 74 feet (22.55 m) longA loud word(s) spoken by a player or line judge(s) to indicate to the referee and/or players that a live ball has not touched in the required court space. The preferred word to indicate a line call is “OUT”. Distinctive hand signals can be used in conjunction with a line call. Words such as “wide”, “long”, “no”, “deep” are also... More. The size for Wheelchair play in a stadium courtThe area inside the outer dimensions of the baselines and sidelines. More is 50 feet (15.24 m) wideA loud word(s) spoken by a player or line judge(s) to indicate to the referee and/or players that a live ball has not touched in the required court space. The preferred word to indicate a line call is “OUT”. Distinctive hand signals can be used in conjunction with a line call. Words such as “wide”, “long”, “no”, “deep” are also... More by 80 feet (24.38 m) longA loud word(s) spoken by a player or line judge(s) to indicate to the referee and/or players that a live ball has not touched in the required court space. The preferred word to indicate a line call is “OUT”. Distinctive hand signals can be used in conjunction with a line call. Words such as “wide”, “long”, “no”, “deep” are also... More.

2.B.     Lines and Areas. The lines and areas of the standard pickleball courtThe area inside the outer dimensions of the baselines and sidelines. More are explained below. Also, see Figure 2-1.

2.B.1.    Baselines. The lines parallel to the net at each end of the courtThe area inside the outer dimensions of the baselines and sidelines. More.

2.B.2.    Sidelines. The lines perpendicular to the net on each longA loud word(s) spoken by a player or line judge(s) to indicate to the referee and/or players that a live ball has not touched in the required court space. The preferred word to indicate a line call is “OUT”. Distinctive hand signals can be used in conjunction with a line call. Words such as “wide”, “long”, “no”, “deep” are also... More side of the courtThe area inside the outer dimensions of the baselines and sidelines. More.

2.B.3.    Non-Volley Zone (NVZ)The 7-foot-by-20-foot area adjacent to the net and specific to each team’s end of the court relating to NVZ faults. All lines bounding the NVZ are part of the NVZ. The NVZ is two-dimensional and does not rise above the playing surface. (See Figure 2-1 and Section 2.B.3.) More. The area of courtThe area inside the outer dimensions of the baselines and sidelines. More bounded by three lines and the net: the parallel line 7 feet (2.13 m) from the net (non-volley- zone line) and the two sidelines, which are perpendicular to the net. All NVZThe 7-foot-by-20-foot area adjacent to the net and specific to each team’s end of the court relating to NVZ faults. All lines bounding the NVZ are part of the NVZ. The NVZ is two-dimensional and does not rise above the playing surface. (See Figure 2-1 and Section 2.B.3.) More lines are inside the NVZThe 7-foot-by-20-foot area adjacent to the net and specific to each team’s end of the court relating to NVZ faults. All lines bounding the NVZ are part of the NVZ. The NVZ is two-dimensional and does not rise above the playing surface. (See Figure 2-1 and Section 2.B.3.) More.

2.B.4.    Service CourtThe area on either side of the centerline, including the centerline, sideline, and baseline, excluding the NVZ. More. The area on either side of the centerline, including the centerline, sideline, and baseline, excluding the NVZThe 7-foot-by-20-foot area adjacent to the net and specific to each team’s end of the court relating to NVZ faults. All lines bounding the NVZ are part of the NVZ. The NVZ is two-dimensional and does not rise above the playing surface. (See Figure 2-1 and Section 2.B.3.) More.

2.B.5.    Centerline. The line down the center of the courtThe area inside the outer dimensions of the baselines and sidelines. More extending from the NVZThe 7-foot-by-20-foot area adjacent to the net and specific to each team’s end of the court relating to NVZ faults. All lines bounding the NVZ are part of the NVZ. The NVZ is two-dimensional and does not rise above the playing surface. (See Figure 2-1 and Section 2.B.3.) More to the baseline separating the oddThe service area on the left side of the court, when facing the net. The starting server in doubles or the singles server should be positioned on the left/odd side of the court when their score is odd. More and even courts.

2.B.6.    Right/Even CourtThe service area on the right side of the court, when facing the net. The starting server in doubles or the singles server should be positioned on the right/even court when their score is even. More. The service area on the right side of the courtThe area inside the outer dimensions of the baselines and sidelines. More when facing the net.

2.B.7.   Left/Odd CourtThe service area on the left side of the court, when facing the net. The starting server in doubles or the singles server should be positioned on the left/odd side of the court when their score is odd. More. The service area on the leftThe service area on the left side of the court, when facing the net. The starting server in doubles or the singles server should be positioned on the left/odd side of the court when their score is odd. More side of the courtThe area inside the outer dimensions of the baselines and sidelines. More when facing the net.

2.C.     Net Specifications.

2.C.1.    Material. The net may be made of any mesh fabric material that will not allow a ball to pass through it.

2.C.2.    Posts. Net postsAny object on or near the court, including hanging over the court, that can interfere with play. Permanent objects include the ceiling, walls, fencing, lighting fixtures, net posts, net post legs, the stands and seats for spectators, the referee, line judges, spectators when in their recognized positions, and all other objects around and above the court. More should be 22 feet from the inside of one post to the inside of the other post. The maximum diameter of the net post should be 3 inches.

2.C.3.    Size. The net length should be at least 21 feet 9 inches (6.63 m) extending from one post to the other. The net height should be at least 30 inches (0.76 m) from top to bottom.

2.C.4.    Edge. The top of the net should be edged with a 2-inch (5.08-cm) white binding over a cord or cable running through the binding. This binding must rest upon the cord or cable.

2.C.5.   Center Strap and Height. A center strap is recommended for permanent net and must be placed at the center of the net to enable easy adjustment to the 34-inch (86.36-cm) requirement at center. The top shall be 36 inches (91.44 cm) high at the sidelines.

2.C.6.   If the net drapes onto the courtThe area inside the outer dimensions of the baselines and sidelines. More and such a configuration is not corrected by the tournament staff prior to the start of play, and if the refereeAny object on or near the court, including hanging over the court, that can interfere with play. Permanent objects include the ceiling, walls, fencing, lighting fixtures, net posts, net post legs, the stands and seats for spectators, the referee, line judges, spectators when in their recognized positions, and all other objects around and above the court. More deems a ball is affected by the draping net, it shall result in a replayAny rally that is restarted for any reason without the awarding of a point or a change of server. More.

Figure 2-2

The ball pictured on the leftThe service area on the left side of the court, when facing the net. The starting server in doubles or the singles server should be positioned on the left/odd side of the court when their score is odd. More in Figure 2-2 is customarily used for indoor play, and the ball pictured on the right is customarily used for outdoor play. Colors may vary. However, all approved balls are acceptable for indoor or outdoor play. The complete list of approved balls is on the USAPA and IFP websites.

2.D.     Ball Specifications.

2.D.1. Design. The ball shall have a minimum of 26 to a maximum of 40 circular holes, with spacing of the holes and overall design of the ball conforming to flight characteristics. The ball must have a manufacturer’s or supplier’s name or logo printed or embossed on the surface.

2.D.2. Approval. The Tournament Director will choose the tournament ball. The ball selected for play in any USA PICKLEBALL- or IFP-sanctioned tournament must be named on the official list of approved balls posted on the USA PICKLEBALL and IFP websites: USA Pickleball.org and ipickleball.org.

2.D.3.   Construction. The ball shall be made of a durable material molded with a smooth surface and free of texturing. The ball will be one uniform color, except for identification markings. The ball may have a slight
ridge at the seam, as longA loud word(s) spoken by a player or line judge(s) to indicate to the referee and/or players that a live ball has not touched in the required court space. The preferred word to indicate a line call is “OUT”. Distinctive hand signals can be used in conjunction with a line call. Words such as “wide”, “long”, “no”, “deep” are also... More as it does not significantly impact the ball’s flight characteristics. (See Figure 2-2.)

2.E.      Paddle Specifications.

2.E.1.    Material. The paddle may be made of any material deemed safe and not prohibited by these rules. The paddle shall be made of rigid, non-compressible material meeting the criteria located on the USAPA and IFP websites.

2.E.2.    Surface. The paddle’s hitting surface shall not contain delamination, holes, cracks or indentations that break the paddle skin or surface.

2.E.2.a. Reflection. The paddle’s hitting surface shall not be adversely reflective, such that it has the potential to negatively affect the vision of opposing player(s).

2.E.3.    Size. The combined length and width, including any edge guard and butt cap, shall not exceed 24 inches (60.96 cm). The paddle length cannot exceed 17 inches (43.18 cm). There is noA loud word(s) spoken by a player or line judge(s) to indicate to the referee and/or players that a live ball has not touched in the required court space. The preferred word to indicate a line call is “OUT”. Distinctive hand signals can be used in conjunction with a line call. Words such as “wide”, “long”, “no”, “deep” are also... More restriction on paddle thickness.

2.E.4.    Weight. There is noA loud word(s) spoken by a player or line judge(s) to indicate to the referee and/or players that a live ball has not touched in the required court space. The preferred word to indicate a line call is “OUT”. Distinctive hand signals can be used in conjunction with a line call. Words such as “wide”, “long”, “no”, “deep” are also... More restriction on paddle weight.

2.E.5. Alterations. Altered paddles must meet all specifications.

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

2.E.5.b. Decals and tape can extend noA loud word(s) spoken by a player or line judge(s) to indicate to the referee and/or players that a live ball has not touched in the required court space. The preferred word to indicate a line call is “OUT”. Distinctive hand signals can be used in conjunction with a line call. Words such as “wide”, “long”, “no”, “deep” are also... More farther than 1.0 inch (2.54 cm) above the top of the grip nor more than 0.5 inch (1.27cm) inside the outer edge of a paddle or, ifan edge guard is in place, 0.5 inch inside the edge guard.

2.E.5.c.  Hand-drawn or handwritten markings are allowed on the paddle’s playing surfaceThe court and the area surrounding the court designated for playing.   [quads id=10] More as longA loud word(s) spoken by a player or line judge(s) to indicate to the referee and/or players that a live ball has not touched in the required court space. The preferred word to indicate a line call is “OUT”. Distinctive hand signals can be used in conjunction with a line call. Words such as “wide”, “long”, “no”, “deep” are also... More as they do not impact the surface roughness and are in good taste. NoA loud word(s) spoken by a player or line judge(s) to indicate to the referee and/or players that a live ball has not touched in the required court space. The preferred word to indicate a line call is “OUT”. Distinctive hand signals can be used in conjunction with a line call. Words such as “wide”, “long”, “no”, “deep” are also... More aftermarket graphics are allowed on a commercially made paddle other than “hand-drawn” or “handwritten” pen markings. Any hand-drawn or handwritten depictionsGraphics, insignias, pictures, and writing on apparel must be in good taste. More must be in good taste.

2.E.6.    Prohibited Surface Features and Mechanical Features.

2.E.6.a. Anti-skid paint or any paint textured with sand, rubber particles, or any material that causes additional spin.

2.E.6.b. Rubber and synthetic rubber.

2.E.6.c. Sandpaper characteristics.

2.E.6.d. Moving parts that can increase head momentumMomentum is a property of a body in motion, such as a player executing a volley, that causes the player to continue in motion after contacting the ball. The act of volleying produces momentum that ends when the player regains balance and control of their motion or stops moving toward the non-volley zone. More.

2.E.6.e. Removable parts. NoA loud word(s) spoken by a player or line judge(s) to indicate to the referee and/or players that a live ball has not touched in the required court space. The preferred word to indicate a line call is “OUT”. Distinctive hand signals can be used in conjunction with a line call. Words such as “wide”, “long”, “no”, “deep” are also... More removable parts except for paddle grip adjustmentsNon-mechanical devices that change the size of the grip or stabilize the hand on the grip. More and/or grip wraps and lead tape on the paddle edge.

2.E.7.    Model Designation. The manufacturer must have a clearly marked brand and model name or model number on the paddle. Paddles with different core material, surface material, or other significant differences must have a unique name or number.

2.F.      Equipment Approval and Authorization.

2.F.1.  USA PICKLEBALL/IFP Approved Paddle List – Players are responsible for confirming that the paddle they are using for match play is approved and listed as “Pass” on the USA PICKLEBALL/IFP Approved Paddle List. The lists of approved equipment may be posted on the USA PICKLEBALL and IFP websites: USA Pickleball.org and ipickleball.com.

2.F.1.a. Violation. If at any point during the tournament it is determined that a player is using a paddle that violates any of the paddle specifications or is not listed on the USA PICKLEBALL/IFP Approved Paddle List as Pass, the following penalties apply.

2.F.1.a.1. If the violation is identified prior to the match starting, the player may switch to a paddle listed as Pass on the USA PICKLEBALL/IFP Approved Paddle List without penalty.

2.F.1.a.2. If the violation is identified after the match has started, the player or team forfeits only the match being played.

2.F.1.a.3. If the violation is discovered after the scoresheet is returned to the tournament operations desk, the match results stand.

2.G.     ApparelA paddle listed as Pass on the USAPA/IFP Approved Paddle List without penalty. More.

2.G.1.    Safety and DistractionPhysical actions by a player that are ‘not common to the game’ that, in the judgment of the referee, may interfere with the opponent’s ability or concentration to hit the ball. Examples include, but are not limited to, making loud noises, stomping feet, waving the paddle in a distracting manner or otherwise interfering with the opponent’s concentration or ability to... More. A player may be required to change garments that are inappropriate.

2.G.2.    DepictionsGraphics, insignias, pictures, and writing on apparel must be in good taste. More. Graphics, insignias, pictures, and writing on apparelA paddle listed as Pass on the USAPA/IFP Approved Paddle List without penalty. More must be in good taste.

2.G.3.    FootwearPickleball Footwear ~ Must have soles that do not mark or damage the court’s playing surface. Women's Pickleball Footwear Men's Pickleball Footwear More. Must have soles that do not mark or damage the court’s playing surfaceThe court and the area surrounding the court designated for playing.   [quads id=10] More.

2.G.4.    Violation. The tournament director has the authority to enforce apparelA paddle listed as Pass on the USAPA/IFP Approved Paddle List without penalty. More changes. If the player refuses to comply with the apparelA paddle listed as Pass on the USAPA/IFP Approved Paddle List without penalty. More rules, the tournament director may declare a forfeiture of the match.