New 2024 Rule Changes Published

New year, new rule changes. The 2024 USA Pickleball rule book is now available, and it brings a few notable changes to the sport's dynamic - from The Dink Newsletter:

"Correcting Server, Receiver and Player Position Errors (4.B.9)
In last year's rule changes, players were told to ask "Am I good?" to clarify their position or server status to avoid incorrect server/returner error faults. Now, faults for incorrect servers, receivers, or wrongful player positions are eliminated.

If a rally in progress is stopped to correctly identify a player/position error, the rally shall be replayed. If a player/position error is identified after the rally has played out, the rally shall stand. The ref is now responsible to correct any player errors before calling the score.

Catch or Carry Ball on the Paddle (7.L)
This change essentially removes the responsibility from a ref to determine if a player intended to carry the ball on a paddle. If a carry occurs, it's an automatic fault. Wait, what's the difference between a carry and a double-hit, you ask? Good question:

• A "carry" means hitting the ball in such a way that it does not bounce away from the paddle but is carried along on the face of the paddle.
• A "double hit" is legally fine if the player hits the ball twice in a continuous, single-direction stroke. If they hit it twice with more intention, it's a fault.

Paddle Specifications (2.E.2/2.E.5.a/2.E.5.c)
Responding to the many paddle controversies over the last year, USAP has added language that condemns “any objects or features that allow a player to impart excessive spin on the ball."

Of course, there’s no immediate guideline as to what counts as “excessive spin.” But there are guidelines regarding prohibited surface & mechanical features that do often impact spin. Those prohibited features include:

• Anti-skid paint or any paint textured with sand, rubber particles, or any material that causes additional spin
• Rubber and synthetic rubber
• Sandpaper characteristics
• Moving parts that can increase head momentum

We cover some more important rule changes you won’t want to miss in our full article."

Pickleball Canada has yet to adopt the new USAP rules, but since they most often certainly do, let's see!

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