10 Pickleball Rule Changes to Learn for 2022
This year, there was a lot of excitement about the pickleball rule changes for 2022. A few controversial rules were added to the Official Rulebook last year that we were hoping to rectify. Pickleball players, like no other, were involved this year in the process of "bending" the rules and taking advantage of these loopholes as much as possible.
What is the rulebook revision process?
The process begins with you, provided you are a member of USA Pickleball. The USA Pickleball Rules Submission Coordinator is encouraging members to submit changes by email until June 10, which is called the "public input opportunity."
The IFP Rules Committee, the USA Pickleball Rules Committee, and the United States Pickleball Board of Directors must also approve the proposal following public comments. Final approval of proposed changes is given to USA Pickleball's Board of Directors through a “yay” or “nay” vote.
How many pickleball rule changes were up for consideration in 2022?
71 suggestions were submitted by the public to the USA Pickleball Rules Committee, which consolidated them. In all, 33 of those items were recommended for USAP Rules Committee consideration and approval. The USAP Board approved 19 of those. The remaining 18 items were not approved by the USAP Board.
What are the pickleball rule changes for 2022?
There will be a number of notable changes in the new year with a start date of January 1, 2022:
1. The drop serve is no longer “provisional”
In 2021, the provisional rule on drop serve was adopted. Drop serve is now a full rule after a year of probation. This serve is no longer considered a "provisional" serve. From 2022 onward, this option will be permanent. By adding drop serve to the menu of available service options, we are giving new players an immediate chance to succeed if they are experiencing problems using the traditional method.
2. Rally scoring rejected
In 2022, only the serving team can score points. The "traditionalists" will surely be pleased at this rejection of rally scoring.
3. Official scoring nomenclature to start remains 0-0-2
No approval was given to 0-0-Start. Beginners should be able to figure it out no problem - all other players have been fine so far!
4. Reinstating the let serve rejected
The serve is still live and should be played if it hits the net and lands on the correct service court, beyond the non-volley zone. Some casual groups may continue reinstating the let serves if they want, though.
5. Chainsaw (spin) serve outlawed
Changes in pickleball rules in 2022 are mostly related to the most popular topic on courts in 2021 - the serve. Changes to pickleball rules for 2022 begin with banning chainsaw serves. A player may only toss a pickleball for the serve with their non-paddle hand except when they cannot use their non-paddle hand, at which point they may use the paddle to flick up the pickleball and serve.
You may not toss or impart spin on the pickleball with the paddle or paddle hand. Pickleball players may, however, impart spin on the ball using their non-paddle hand (as long as it is only that hand). One-handed spin serves are going to be big in 2022, so watch out.
6. Visibility is 100% necessary
When you serve, you must be able to see the pickleball on the toss and drop to the receiving player as well as to the referee (if there is one). Replay will be required in this case.
7. Keep playing on the wrong score call
A player can't stop the game after the serve because the wrong score was called. A score correction needs to be done before the next serve and play should continue until the end of the rally. When a player interrupts play after the serve due to an incorrect score being called, then whoever interrupted the rally has committed a fault. During a pickleball rally, if anyone mentions the score on the court, then those comments should be overlooked.
8. All good with extra balls
There are some players who like carrying extra pickleballs on court, whether they are in their pockets or in their hands. If the balls are not visible to opponents during play, players are permitted to carry additional balls during 2022 pickleball matches.
However, if you are one of those pickleball players who always keeps extras on the court, watch out! A fault is declared against you if you drop an additional ball during a rally.
9. Tunes are not allowed on court
During competitive events, headphones and earbuds are specifically prohibited under the 2022 pickleball rule changes. However, hearing aids prescribed by a physician are allowed. A competitive pickleball match in 2022 will not involve listening to any music. If you're playing recreationally, you may still be able to use headphones.
10. Removing player x ref conflict
In order to safeguard the integrity of the sport for years to come, the Official Rulebook is updated frequently. Referees and players on the pickleball court are also generally revised in the Official Rulebook in an effort to minimize the risk of conflict. There have been several revisions that specify when fouls can be called, when referees can issue verbal warnings, and what questions players can ask of referees.
Takeaways
The changes listed above are just a few of those slated for 2022. Official rules and changes will be posted soon. How do you feel about these changes? Share your thoughts below.
