USAPA Official RulesOfficial Tournament Rulebook of the International Federation of Pickleball (pdf file)The USAPA has adopted the rules of the International Federation of Pickleball (IFP). The IFP published the first rulebook in 2010. The 2010 version of the rules was adapted with permission from the rulebook of the USAPA that was first published in March 1984 and included revisions through March 28, 2010. The latest revision date is April 1, 2011.Differences between the 4/1/09 edition of the USAPA Rule Book and the first printed edition 5/1/08 Addendum to the published edition of the USAPA Rulebook of April 1, 2009 This addendum includes all revisions of the IFP rules through April 1, 2011. Changes dated January 15, 2012 List of USAPA/IFP Approved Tournament BallsAs the organizations that set the uniform standards for pickleball, the USAPA and the IFP expect all players to follow the official rules for pickleball play.Paddle Material Specifications (pdf file) of the International Federation of Pickleball (IFP) List of Commercial Paddles Not Meeting USAPA and IFP Specifications. * Updated October 23, 2011: Performance One Paddles (Pop) Model Q1, Pickleball Now paddles. Pdf files require free Adobe Reader software. 
New 2011 Rulebooks The January 15, 2012 edition of the rulebook is available.Click here to buy. Rule Changes January 15, 2012The following comment was added under paragraph 9.B to clarify what is meant by the "act of volleying the ball." There is no change in the meaning of the rule.IFP Comment: The act of volleying the ball includes the swing, the follow-through, and the momentum from the action. If the paddle touches the non-volley zone during the swing, it is a fault regardless of whether the touch occurred before or after contacting the ball. The following rule was added. 12. M. One Paddle. A player shall not use or carry more than one paddle during a rally. New Rule February 21, 2011The following paragraph regarding portable net systems that have a horizontal bar that spans the distance between the net posts has been added to the official rules. Examples of such systems are shown in the first three photos on this page including the USAPA Portable Net System.12.J.5. When net systems have a horizontal bar that may include a center base: If the ball hits the horizontal bar or the center base before going over the net, it is a fault. If the ball goes over the net and then hits the horizontal bar, the ball is still in play. If the ball goes over the net and then hits center base or the ball gets caught between the net and the horizontal bar before touching the court, it is a let and must be replayed. |
