RULES OF PICKLEBALL


All tournaments in BC sanctioned by Pickleball BC and Pickleball Canada Organization (PCO) will follow the official rules used by PCO, USA Pickleball, and the Global Pickleball Federation.

PICKLEBALLBC and Pickleball Canada recommend that all play, both tournament and recreational, be played according to the official rules of pickleball.

Access Rules: Pickleball Canada - Rules

Officiating Program

The primary objectives of the Pickleball Canada Officiating Program and Pickleball BC are:
  • To provide a development and training environment for individuals wishing to become pickleball game officials.
  • To establish and maintain a high level of officiating. ​
For details on the Pickleball Officiating program in Canada, go to the PCO Officiating Program Overview.
​Rule Changes for 2026

The new rule changes have been announced by USA Pickleball, and are in effect as of January 1, 2026. All of the rule changes are available on the USA Pickleball website.

Once again, there have been no highly significant changes, rather a number of small changes ... making existing rules clearer with wording changes. The major change that has been made is the format of the Rulebook. It is now in a much more easy-to-read format, and it will make it easier for players and officials to find the appropriate location of their query.

Of the changes, I would like to point out two that I think are worth mentioning at this time:

1. Rule 14.A.2 When rally scoring is being used in a sanctioned tournament, the game winning point does not longer have to be scored while the player/team is serving. As all points are scored in rally scoring by winning the rally, it will be the same when the non-serving team is within one point of winning the game. For example: In a game to 15, if your opposition is serving and the score is 13-14, your team could win the game by winning the rally. To me, this makes total sense.

2. Rule 8.F.3 In a lesser known rule, a player must make an 'out' call as soon as possible. The rule has been that an out call must be made before the opposition touches your return or the ball becomes 'dead'. This has not changed. The change is if the ball becomes dead after it has bounced (eg; the ball has landed then hit a permanent object or bounced twice). The "out"call now has to be made immediately. The rule used to be that a player has until the next serve to make an 'out' call. In my opinion ... another good change that makes sense.

I hope the above two rule changes help you out as we get into a new year of pickleball. As I said, there are many more that have been introduced, and are available on the USA Pickleball website. Pickleball Canada will have it posted once it has been translated into French as well.

​If I can help you out in any way with regards to the rules, please contact me at [email protected].
Enjoy Pickleball ...

Rick Folk
Head Referee, Pickleball BC

2026 BC Referee Assessment Program

​An important aspect of the Officiating Program for Pickleball Canada is the assessment of officials to Level One and Level Two status. The assessments are carried out by the provinces and the provincial head referees oversee the process. In BC, we implement a team approach to make the assessments consistent, fair, and comprehensive. When a referee wishes to achieve either a level one or two accreditation, he/she should follow the following steps:
  • Enlist the help of an accredited official to be your mentor or trainer.
  • Be aware of the TRR (Tiered Referee Rating) system and work with your trainer/mentor to understand and implement the requirements.  The candidate should also have a good understanding of the Officiating Best Practices and the Rulebook.
  • When the candidate and the trainer/mentor feels they are ready, ask the Pickleball BC head referee to arrange for an assessment. The Regional Training Coordinator will also be informed.
  • The trainer/mentor must recommend the candidate for assessment.
  • The Head Referee (HR) and Regional Training Coordinator (RTC) will work with the candidate and trainer/mentor to arrange for the assessment. A qualified Assessor will be found to conduct the assessment at an agreed date and at an appropriate event. This process can sometimes take a fair bit of time.
  • The candidate must achieve and document passing grades (90%) on all four on-line tests available on the Pickleball Canada website.  Tests must be taken within 30 days of the assessment.
  • The candidate must also have a valid Visual Acuity Form filled out.
  • The Head Referee will work with the Tournament Director or Referee Coordinator of the event to make sure they are aware of the assessment to take place.
  • If the candidate is successful, the TRR form will be filled out entirely, signed, and submitted to the Head Referee, Regional Training Coordinator, and Pickleball Canada Database manager. Credentials will be issued shortly thereafter.
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​For more information on the Officiating Program in BC, please contact:

Rick Folk
Head Referee, Pickleball BC
[email protected]