Paddle Tennis Rules

Page 3:   Rules 21 - 30


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Rule 21:   Interference

    If a player is hindered in making a stroke by anything not within his control, except a permanent court fixture or except as noted under Rule 17, the point shall be replayed.

Rule 22:   Game

    Sequential scoring of points won is:
         1st point - 15
     2nd point - 30
     3rd point - 40
     4th point - Game

Rule 23:   Set

    (1) A set may consist of one in which the first player or team to win 6 games wins the set, providing he has at least a 2-game margin over opponent, until the score reaches 6 games to 6 games, at which point the tie-breaker procedure is invoked (Rule 37), or
    (2) A set may consist of one in which the first player to win 8 games wins the set, providing he has at least a 2-game margin over opponent, until the score reaches 8 games to 8 games, at which point the tie-breaker procedure is invoked (Rule 37), or
    (3) A set may consist of one in which the first player to win 6 games wins the set, providing he has at least a 2-game margin over opponent. If this is not the case, then play continues until a 2 game margin is established, except that a tie-breaker will be played if games reach 12 all, or
    (4) A set may consist of one in which the first player to win 8 games wins the set, providing he has at least a 2-game margin over opponent. If this is not the case, then play continues until a 2 game margin is established, except that a tie-breaker will be played if games reach 12 all.
    (5) The discretion of the Tournament Referee or Tournament Director controls as to what type of the above sets may be played.

Rule 24:   Changing Sides

    Players shall change sides at the end of each "odd" game (one, three, five, etc.) except during the tie-breaker play and at the end of each set, unless total number of games of such set be even, in which case they "stay for one" and change after the first game of the next set.

Rule 25:   Maximum Sets

    In tournament play a match shall consist of one 8-game pro set, or best two out of three standard six game sets at the option of the tournament director. (Rule 23)

Rule 26:   Score

    The Server's score is always called first.

Rule 27:   Decisions

    Decisions of the Umpire are final for each match and/or tournament. If a Referee is appointed, Umpire's decisions may be appealed to him for final decision on a question of law only, not of fact. If not, they may be appealed to the Tournament Director. The Referee or Tournament Director may at his discretion postpone a match on account of darkness, weather, or ground conditions. In the event of postponement, the score and court positions shall hold upon resumption of play unless the Referee and players unanimously agree otherwise.

Rule 28:   Play Shall Be Continuous

    Play shall be continuous from beginning of match to the end, except:
    (1)Players may towel down a maximum of 60 seconds while changing courts (baseline to baseline).
    (2)Players may have 10 minutes rest between second and third sets.
    (3)Players have 15 seconds between points.
    (4)Suspension of play should not be for the purposes of receiving instructions or to enable a player to recover his wind or strength.
    (5)The Umpire has the prerogative of disqualifying a player he feels is guilty of delay, interference, or suspension, after giving the player due warning.
    (6)A player unable to play because of physical unfitness or fatigue must be defaulted; in the case of an accidental injury, the umpire may allow a suspension of play. The duration of the suspension will be at the discretion of the Tournament Director.
    (7)The Umpire, after giving due warning, should default a player whom he determines is deliberately stalling for time.

Rule 29:   Order of Service (Doubles)

    The order of service shall be determined at the beginning of each set. In doubles if one player serves the first game, his partner will serve the third, alternating on the "odd" games. The player on the opposing team will serve the second game, his partner the fourth, alternating on "even" games.

Rule 30:   Order of Receiving (Doubles)

    The order of receiving shall be determined at the beginning of each set.

    The Receiving team shall determine which player will receive in which court, and they shall continue this formation every time they are receivers throughout the set. The opposing pair shall do likewise. Partners must receive service alternately throughout the game.

    The Server's partner may stand anywhere, on his side of the net, he desires providing he does not violate the Restraint Rule, where the Restraint Rules is authorized. (Rule 35)
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