11/1/2021

Good afternoon - I hope everyone had a fantastic weekend and was able to get out and enjoy some pickleball!

The rule changes and/or modifications for 2022 have been voted on and were just announced.  There have been 71 changes/modifications proposed and voted on.  Don't worry, I'm not going to go through all of them, but I did feel like I should pass along those that you may encounter as you play.  

- The "Drop Serve", which was provisional for 2021, is no longer provisional - you may allow the ball to bounce before you make contact with it when serving, just like this year.  And as always, the "volley serve" (no bounce) is fine as long as: 1) contact is made below your waist, 2) the paddle is traveling in an upward motion, and 3) the highest part of the paddle is not above your wrist at contact. It is my understanding that these three rules (in italics) do not apply to the drop serve where you allow the ball to bounce prior to making contact on the serve...they only apply to the volley serve (no bounce).  Already in effect.

- Having to play a serve that touches the net and then lands in remains for 2022.  As was the case this year, you must play any serve that clips the net and lands in. Already in effect.

- The "Chainsaw" serve (you can YouTube it if you're not sure what it is) has been banned.  You cannot use your paddle and hand, or your two hands together, to help you create spin on the ball before serving it.  "The server shall use only their non-paddle hand to release the ball to perform the serve."  In addition to this, the ball must be visible to your opponents as you serve. This will go into effect on January 1st, 2022. 

- The proposal for rally scoring in which a team/person receives a point on every single point played (not just when serving) did not pass.  Therefore how you keep score will continue as it's always been.  Already in effect.

- If you carry an additional ball during play it cannot be carried in a manner in which the ball is visible to your opponent(s) (ie: your hand).  Also, if a ball you're holding falls out during a point a fault is called on you/your team.  This will go into effect on January 1st, 2022. 

- You may not wear earbuds or headphones while you play.  This is one of those situations I've never seen around here, but it must be happening somewhere.  This will go into effect on January 1st, 2022. 

- The official score at the start of a game of doubles is "Zero-Zero-Two" (not Zero-Zero-Start).  Already in effect.

Again, I've gone through the 71 proposed changes and I believe the ones listed above are the main ones that may apply to you all.  Many of the other ones were proposals that weren't passed by the governing committee.

If I find others that seem relevant as I make my way through the changes again I'll be sure to let you know.

I hope everyone has a fantastic week!