We’re excited to launch Ask A Ref, where Certified Referee Andrea Mayorga will tackle your trickiest pickleball rule questions. With over 6 years of experience, Andrea has officiated major tournaments like USAP Nationals and the BallPark Series, and also trains new referees in Northern California. She loves being in the center of the action – and now she’s here to help you stay on top of the rules!

Q. I was receiver against a team who had one of the servers at the kitchen line while the other served!  Is this legal?? 

– Kathi MacLeod
 

A. 4.B.1 – Server and Receiver: The correct server must serve from the correct service area. The correct receiver must receive the serve. Official Rule Book – USA Pickleball

In this scenario, although not a wise strategy (think double bounce rule), it is perfectly legal for the servers partner to be at the Non-Volley Zone line. Also, the receivers partner may be anywhere on their side of the court (think stacking).

Have a technical pickleball question (or a rules mystery that keeps sparking court debates)? Email skye@playtimescheduler.com and your question might be featured in an upcoming edition of “Ask A Ref”!