Professional Documents
Culture Documents
OFFICIATING
1.1 Types of Games
1.2 Description
1.3 Objective All Regulations such as: Uniform,
1.4 Points and Outs Seeding, etc. are covered in the IRF
1.5 Match, Game, Tiebreaker Competition Format as a separate
2 — COURTS AND
document.
3 — PLAY REGULATIONS
of the game that is played by three
players is called cutthroat.
3.1 Serve
3.2 Start Rule 1.2 Description
3.3 Manner Racquetball is a competitive game in
3.4 Readiness which a strung racquet is used to serve
3.5 Delays and return the ball.
3.6 Drive Service Zones
3.7 Defective Serves Rule 1.3 Objective
3.8 Dead-Ball Serves e objective is to win each rally by
3.9 Fault Serves serving or returning the ball so the
3.10 Out Serves opponent is unable to keep the ball in
3.11 Return of Serve play. A rally is over when a player (or
3.12 Changes of Serve team in doubles) is unable to hit the
3.13 Rallies ball before it touches the floor twice, is
3.14 Dead-Ball Hinders unable to return the ball in such a
3.15 Avoidable Hinders manner that it touches the front wall
3.16 Timeouts before it touches the floor, or when a
3.17 Technical Fouls and Warnings hinder is called.
Rule 1.4 Points And Outs
Points are scored only by the serving
side when it either serves an
irretrievable serve (an ace) or wins a
rally. Losing the serve is called a sideout
in singles. In doubles, when the first
server loses the serve, it is called a
handout, and when the second server
loses the serve, it is a sideout.
2 — COURTS AND
EQUIPMENT
Rule 2.1 Court Specifications
e specifications for the standard
four-wall racquetball court are:
3 — PLAY REGULATIONS
disqualified from the match.
(b) e drive serve line is not part of (b) Broken Ball. If the ball is
the 17-foot zone. Dropping the ball on determined to have broken on the
the line or standing on the line while serve, a new ball shall be substituted
serving to the same side is an infraction. and the serve shall be replayed (without
canceling any prior fault serve).
Rule 3.7 Defective Serves
Defective serves are of three types (c) Screen serve. In the Open division
resulting in penalties, as follows: only (using one-serve modifications), a
(a) Dead-Ball Serve. A dead-ball serve screen ball serve is replayed.
results in no penalty and the server is
given another serve (without canceling Rule 3.9 Fault Serves
a prior fault serve). e following serves are faults. In one-
serve play, infractions result in an out
(b) Fault Serve. In the Open division, [see exceptions in Rule 5.3]. In other
players will be permitted only one divisions, any two in succession result
serve. In the Open division, a fault in an out:
serve is a handout, out, or sideout. In (a) Foot Faults. A foot fault results
age and other skill divisions, players are when:
permitted two serves. Two (2) fault 1. e server does not begin the
serves result in a handout, out, or service motion with both feet in the
sideout. service zone.
2. e server steps completely over
(c) Out Serve. An out serve results in the service line (no part of the foot
an out (either a sideout or a handout). on or inside the service zone) before
the served ball crosses the short line.
Rule 3.8 Dead-Ball Serves
Dead-ball serves do not cancel any (b) Short Service. A short serve is any
served ball that first hits the front wall up good court position, near center
and, on the rebound, hits the floor on court, to obtain that view.) [See Rule
or in front of the short line either with 5.3 for one serve variation]
or without touching a side wall.
(i) Serving Before the Receiver is
(c) ree-Wall Serve. A three-wall serve Ready. A serve is made while the
is any served ball that first hits the front receiver is not ready as described in
wall and, on the rebound, strikes both Rule 3.5(b). [See Rule 5.3 for one-
side walls before touching the floor. serve variation.]
(d) Ceiling Serve. A ceiling serve is any Rule 3.10 Out Serves
served ball that first hits the front wall Any of the following results in an out:
and then touches the ceiling (with or (a) Failure to Serve. Failure of server to
without touching a side wall). put the ball into play, according to 3.5.
(e) Long Serve. A long serve is a served (b) Missed Serve Attempt. Any attempt
ball that first hits the front wall and to strike the ball that results in a total
rebounds to the back wall before miss or in the ball touching any part of
touching the floor (with or without the server’s body.
touching a side wall).
(c) Touched Serve. Any served ball that
(f ) Bouncing Ball Outside Service on the rebound from the front wall
Zone. Bouncing the ball outside the touches the server or server’s racquet
service zone as a part of the service before touching the floor, or any ball
motion is a fault serve. intentionally stopped or caught by the
server or server’s partner.
(g) Illegal Drive Serve. A drive serve in
which the player fails to observe the 17- (d) Fake or Balk Serve. Such a serve is
foot drive service zone outlined in Rule defined as a non-continuous movement
3.6. of the racquet towards the ball as the
server drops the ball for the purpose of
(h) Screen Serve. A served ball that first deceiving the receiver(s).
hits the front wall and on the rebound
passes so closely to the server, or server’s (e) Illegal Hit. An illegal hit includes
partner in doubles, that it prevents the contacting the ball twice, carrying the
receiver from having a clear view of the ball, or hitting the ball with the handle
ball. (e receiver is obligated to take of the racquet or part of the body or
uniform. 2. On-the-fly return attempt: e
receiver may not strike the ball until
(f ) Non-Front Wall Serve. Any served the ball breaks the plane of the
ball that does not strike the front wall receiving line. However, the receiver’s
first. follow-through may carry the
receiver or the racquet past the
(g) Crotch Serve. Any served ball that receiving line.
hits the crotch of the front wall and 3. Neither the receiver nor the
floor, front wall and side wall, or front racquet may break the plane of the
wall and ceiling is an out serve (because short line, except if the ball is struck
it did not hit the front wall first). A aer rebounding off the back wall.
serve into the crotch of the back wall 4. Any violation by the receiver
and floor is a good serve and in play. A results in a point for the server.
served ball that hits the crotch of the
side wall and floor beyond the short (b) Legal Return. Aer a legal serve, a
line is in play. player receiving the serve must strike
the ball on the fly or aer the first
(h) Out-of-Court Serve. An out-of- bounce and before the ball touches the
court serve is any served ball that first floor the second time; and return the
hits the front wall and, before striking ball to the front wall, either directly or
the floor, either goes out of the court, aer touching one or both side walls,
hits the back wall above the out-of- the back wall below the out of-court
court line, or hits a surface above the line, the ceiling, or any combination of
normal playing area of the court that those surfaces. A returned ball must
has been declared as out-of-play for a touch the front wall before touching
valid reason [See Rule 2.1(a)]. the floor.
(i) Safety Zone Violation. e server’s (c) Failure to Return. Failure to return a
or server doubles partner may enter the serve results in a point for the server.
safety zone at any time aer serving
(striking) the ball. (d) Other Provisions. Except as noted
in this rule (3.11), the return of serve is
Rule 3.11 Return Of Serve subject to all provisions of Rules 3.13
(a) Receiving Position through 3.15.
1. e receiver may not enter the
safety zone until the ball bounces or Rule 3.12 Changes Of Serve
crosses the receiving line. (a) Outs. A server is entitled to
continue serving until one of the or strike the ball only once or else the
following occurs: rally is lost. e ball may not be carried.
1. Out Serve. See Rule 3.10. (A carried ball is one that rests on the
2. Two Consecutive Fault Serves. See racquet long enough that the effect is
Rule 3.9. [See Rule 5.3 for one- serve more of a sling or a throw than a hit.)
variation]
3. Failure to Return Ball. Player or (c) Failure to Return. Any of the
team fails to keep the ball in play as following constitutes a failure to make a
required by Rule 3.11(b). legal return during a rally:
4. Avoidable Hinder. Player or team 1. e ball bounces on the floor more
commits an avoidable hinder which than once before being hit.
results in an out. See Rule 3.15. 2. e ball does not reach the front
wall on the fly.
(b) Sideout. Retiring the server in 3. e ball is hit such that it goes into
singles is called a sideout. the gallery or wall opening or else hits
a surface above the normal playing
(c) Effect of Sideout. When the server area of the court that has been
(or serving team) receives a sideout, the declared as out-of-play [See Rule
server becomes the receiver and the 2.1(b)8].
receiver becomes the server. 4. A ball that obviously does not have
the velocity or direction to hit the
Rule 3.13 Rallies front wall strikes another player.
All of the play that occurs aer the 5. A ball struck by one player on a
successful return of serve is called the team hits that player or that player’s
rally. Play shall be conducted according partner.
to the following rules: 6. Committing an avoidable hinder
(a) Legal Hits. Only the head of the [See Rule 3.15].
racquet may be used at any time to 7. Switching hands during a rally.
return the ball. e racquet may be held 8. Failure to use a racquet wrist safety
in one or both hands. Switching hands cord.
to hit a ball, touching the ball with any 9. Touching the ball with the body or
part of the body or uniform, or uniform.
removing the wrist safety cord during a 10. Carrying or slinging the ball with
rally results in loss of the rally. the racquet.
(e) Pushing. Deliberately pushes or (b) Injury. No time out shall be charged
shoves opponent during a rally. to a player who is injured during play.
An injured player shall not be allowed
(f ) Intentional Distractions. Deliberate more than a cumulative total of fieen
shouting, stamping of feet, waving of (15) minutes of rest. If the injured
racquet, or any other manner of player is not able to resume play aer a
disrupting one’s opponent. cumulative rest of fieen (15) minutes,
the match shall be awarded to the
(g) View Obstruction. A player moves opponent(s). On any additional injury
across an opponent’s line of vision just to the same player, the tournament
before the opponent strikes the ball. director or referee, aer considering any
available medical opinion, shall
(h) Wetting the Ball. e players, determine whether the injured player
particularly the server, should ensure will be allowed to continue.
that the ball is dry prior to the serve. 1. Should any external bleeding
Any wet ball that is not corrected prior occur, the referee must halt play as
to the serve shall result in an avoidable soon as the rally is over, charge an
hinder against the server. injury timeout to the person who is
bleeding, and not allow the match to
continue until the bleeding has team against whom the technical was
stopped. assessed does not resume play
2. Muscle cramps and pulls, fatigue, immediately, the referee is empowered
and other ailments that are not to forfeit the match in favor of the
caused by direct contact (such as opponent. Some examples of actions
with the ball, racquet, wall, or floor) that may result in technicals are:
will not be considered an injury. 1. Profanity.
2. Excessive arguing.
(c) Equipment Timeouts. A time out 3. reat of any nature to opponent
may be called by the referee at the or referee.
request of a player and aer 4. Excessive or hard striking of the
substantiation by the referee, because of ball between rallies.
faulty equipment or uniform. Two (2) 5. Slamming of the racquet against
minutes are to be allowed for any walls or floor, slamming the door, or
uniform adjustment needed and thirty any action which might result in
(30) seconds for any equipment damage to the court and/or injury to
adjustment. other players.
6. Delay of game. Examples include
(d) Between Games. A two (2) minute (i) taking too much time to dry the
rest period is allowed between the first court, (ii) excessive questioning of
and second game and a five (5) minute the referee about the rules, (iii)
rest period between the second and exceeding the time allotted for
third game. timeouts or between games, (iv)
calling a timeout aer the service
(e) Postponed Games. Any games motion begins, (v) calling a timeout
postponed by the referee shall be or asking for an appeal when none
resumed with the same score as when are remaining will result in a
postponed. technical warning. If this occurs
again in the same game it will result
Rule 3.17 Technical Fouls And Warnings in a technical foul. If there is a delay
(a) e referee is empowered to deduct no warning shall be given. (vi) A
one point from a player’s or team’s score technical foul will be assessed if the
when, in the referee’s sole judgment, warm-up period is violated. e
the player is being overly and allowed warm-up time in singles is 5
deliberately abusive. e actual minutes maximum for both players
invoking of this penalty is called a at the same time. In doubles each
“referee’s technical.” If the player or team will be allowed 4 minutes
maximum for the warm-up. (d) Effect of Technical or Warning. If a
7. Intentional front line foot faults to referee issues a technical foul, one point
negate a bad lob serve. shall be removed from the offender’s
8. Anything considered score. No point will be deducted if a
unsportsmanlike behavior. referee issues a technical warning. In
9. Failure to wear proper eyewear, as either case, a technical foul or warning
specified in Rule 2.5 (b). should be accompanied by a brief
10. Using an illegal racquet as explanation. Issuing a technical foul or
specified in Rule 2.4(e). warning has no effect on who will be
serving when play resumes. If a
(b) Coaching. Where coaches are technical foul occurs when the offender
involved, coaches or team has no points or between games, the
representatives are bound by the same result will be that the offender’s score
rules as far as technicals are concerned becomes minus one (-1).
RULE MODIFICATIONS
and any infractions are charged against
the player. No coaches or
representatives are allowed onto the e following sections (4.0 through
courts at any time during a match 11.0) detail additional or modified
unless granted permission by the rules that apply to variations of the
referee. Failure to observe this rule is a singles game described in Sections 1
technical and will be charged against through 3.
4.0 — DOUBLES
the player.
Any coach or player conducting
themselves in a negative manner
e IRF’s rules for singles also apply in
towards the referee or linesperson of a
doubles with the following additions
match shall receive the following
and modifications:
penalties:
First Offense: technical warning
Rule 4.1 Doubles Team
(minimum)
(a) A doubles team shall consist of two
Subsequent Offenses: technical on the
players who meet either the age
coach/person’s player or team.
requirements or player classification
(c) Technical Warning. If a player’s requirements to participate in a
behavior is not so severe as to warrant particular division of play. A team with
a referee’s technical, a technical different skill levels must play in the
warning may be issued without the division of the player with the higher
deduction of a point. level of ability.
When playing in an adult age division,
the team must play in the division of partner enters the safety zone before
the younger player. When playing in a the ball passes the short line, the server
junior age division, the team must play loses service.
in the division of the older player.
(c) Changes of Serve. In doubles, the
(b) A change in playing partners may be side is retired when both partners have
made so long as the first match of the lost service, except that the team that
posted team has not begun. serves first at the beginning of each
For this purpose only, the match will be game loses the serve when the first
considered started once the teams have server is retired.
been called to the court.
e team must notify the tournament Rule 4.3 Fault Serve In Doubles
director of the change prior to the (a) e server’s partner is not in the
beginning of the match. service box with both feet on the floor
and back to the side wall from the time
Rule 4.2 Serve In Doubles the server begins the service motion
(a) Order of Serve. Each team shall until the ball passes the short line.
inform the referee of the order of
service which shall be followed (b) A served ball that hits the doubles
throughout that game. e order of partner while in the doubles box results
serve may be changed between games, in a fault serve. In Open play (one
once the referee has been notified. At serve), this fault may be replayed one
the beginning of each game, when the time only, per service. e second
first server of the first team to serve is instance, on the same serve, will result
out, the team is out. ereaer, both in a handout or a sideout.
players on each team shall serve until
the team receives a handout and a (c) ere will be an automatic screen
sideout. serve in doubles matches when the ball
goes behind the body of the server’s
(b) Partner’s Position. On each serve, partner.
the server’s partner shall stand erect
with back to the side wall and with Rule 4.4 Out Serve In Doubles
both feet on the floor within the service (a) Out-of-Order Serve. In doubles,
box from the moment the server begins when either partner serves out of order,
the service motion until the server the points scored by that server will be
strikes the ball. Violations are called subtracted and an out serve will be
foot faults. However, if the server’s called; if the second server serves out of
order, the out serve will be applied to hinder even though it naturally would
the first server and the second server be the partner’s ball and even though
will resume serving. If the player the partner may have attempted to play
designated as the first server serves out the ball or may have already missed it. It
of order, a sideout will be called. e is not a hinder when players hinder
referee should call “no serve” as soon as their own partner.
(b) Ball Hits Partner. A served ball that Rule 5.2 Screen Serve
hits the doubles partner while outside If a serve is called a screen, the server
the doubles box results in a loss of will be allowed one more opportunity
serve. to hit a legal serve. Two consecutive
screen serves result in an out.
Rule 4.5 Return In Doubles
(a) e rally is lost if one player hits Rule 5.3 Warnings
that same player’s partner with an Warnings shall be issued for the
attempted return. infractions shown below. Subsequent
infractions will result in a sideout or
(b) If one player swings at the ball and loss of rally (point to the server). For
misses it, both partners may make infraction of Rule 3.5(a) – Delay of
further attempts to return the ball until Game ... taking more than 10 seconds
it touches the floor the second time. to serve or be ready to receive serve ...
Both partners on a side are entitled to one warning issued per match. For
return the ball. infraction of Rule 3.5(b) – Serving
when the receiver is signaling “not
(c) Both players on a side are entitled to ready” ... one warning will be issued per
a fair and unobstructed chance at the each first service.
ball and either one is entitled to a
Rule 5.4 Consecutive Faults the front wall (i) below the 3-foot line
In doubles, a screen serve followed by and (ii) either on or above the 1-foot
hitting the non-serving partner results line must be returned before it bounces
in an out. a third time. However, if the ball hits
6.0 — MULTI-BOUNCE
below the 1-foot line, it must be
returned before it bounces twice. If the
In general, the IRF’s standard rules ball hits on or above the 3-foot line, the
governing racquetball play will be ball must be returned as described in
followed except for the modifications the basic return rule.
that follow.
Rule 6.4 Games And Matches
Rule 6.1 Basic Return Rule All games are played to 11 points and
In general, the ball remains in play as the first side to win two games wins the
long as it is bouncing. However, the match.
7.0 — WHEELCHAIR
player may swing only once at the ball
and the ball is considered dead at the
point it stops bouncing and begins to Rule 7.1 Adjustments
roll. Also, anytime the ball rebounds off e participant may wear an appliance
the back wall, it must be struck before that is medically prescribed, providing
it crosses the short line on the way to it does not jeopardize the safety of
the front wall, except as explained in others and the player does not use it to
Rule 6.2. any unfair advantage. e participant
may secure any portion of his/her body
Rule 6.2 Blast Rule to the wheelchair.
If the ball caroms from the front wall to
the back wall on the fly, the player may Rule 7.2 Equipment
hit the ball from any place on the In order to protect playing surfaces, the
court—including past the short line— wheelchair must be equipped with a
so long as the ball is still bouncing. functional roller bar or similar
protection under the foot platform.
Rule 6.3 Front Wall Lines ere should be no sharp edges
Two parallel lines (tape may be used) anywhere on the outside parts of the
should be placed across the front wall chair that could cause injury or damage
such that the bottom edge of one line is to the court and the chair must be
3 feet above the floor and the bottom equipped with non-marking tires. e
edge of the other line is 1 foot above racquet, including bumper guard and
the floor . At all times, any ball that hits all solid parts of the handle, may not
exceed 22 inches in length. returnable by the referee, will result in
an avoidable hinder.
Rule 7.3 Two-Bounce Rule
Two bounces of the ball on the floor are Rule 7.7 Maintenance Delay
permitted but not mandatory during all Each player will be allowed up to two
rallies and serves. (2) five-minute maintenance delays per
match for any malfunction and repair
Rule 7.4 Wheel Faults of a wheelchair, prosthesis, or assistance
All four wheels of the wheelchair are device. ese delays are irrespective of
considered equal to both feet of the other game timeouts or injury
able-bodied player and subsequent calls timeouts.
are made accordingly. e proper call is
“Wheel Fault.” Rule 7.8 Coaching
Only one coach per player may enter
Rule 7.5 Avoidable Hinder/Chair the court during a timeout to “upright”
Control their player aer a rally or between
Any player who intentionally alters the games and only then with the
direction or speed of the wheelchair permission of the referee. Failure to
with their lower extremities will be abide by this rule will result in a
assessed an avoidable hinder. technical foul assessed against the
player of the offending coach.
A — OFFICIATING
Rule 7.6 Diving
Players may “dive” from their
wheelchair to make a shot: however, A.1 Tournament Management
every separate attempt at a shot must be All recognized IRF tournaments shall
initiated from an upright sitting be managed by a tournament director,
position in the wheelchair. e players who shall designate the officials.
buttock must be in contact with the
chair when the ball is hit. Aer the ball A.2 Officials
has been hit, the player may then come e official shall be a referee designated
clear from the chair. Any infraction of by the tournament director or the floor
the above will result in the loss of the manager or one agreed to by both
rally. participants (teams in doubles).
Players diving from their wheelchairs, Officials may also include, at the
where either they or their wheelchair discretion of the tournament director, a
impede their opponent’s shot or scorekeeper and two linespeople.
movement to a ball which is deemed
A.3 Referee Removal scorekeeper. Review appeal
A referee may be removed upon the procedures and instruct them of their
agreement of both participants (teams duties, rules and local regulations.
in doubles) or at the discretion of the 4. Go onto the court to make
tournament director. In the event that introductions; brief the players on
the referee’s removal is requested by one court hinders (both designated and
player (team) and not agreed to by the undesignated); identify any out-of-
other, the tournament director or that play areas [See Rule 2.1]; discuss
director’s designated assistant(s) may local regulations and rule
accept or reject the request. modifications for this tournament;
and explain oen misinterpreted
A.4 Rules Briefing rules.
Before all tournaments, all officials and 5. Inspect players’ equipment;
players shall be briefed on rules as well identify the line judges; verify
as local court hinders, regulations, and selection of a primary and alternate
modifications the tournament director ball.
wishes to impose. e briefing should 6. Toss coin and offer the winner the
be reduced to writing. e current IRF choice of serving or receiving.
rules will apply and be made available.
Any modifications the tournament (b) Referee’s decisions. During the
director wishes to impose must be match, the referee shall make all
stated on the entry form and be decisions with regard to the rules.
available to all players at registration. Where line judges are used, the referee
shall announce all final judgments. If
A.5 Referees both players in singles and three out of
(a) Pre-Match Duties. Before each four in a doubles match disagree with a
match begins, it shall be the duty of the call made by the referee, the referee is
referee to: overruled, with the exception of
1. Check on adequacy of preparation technical fouls and forfeitures.
of court with respect to cleanliness,
lighting, and temperature. (c) Protests. Any decision of the referee
2. Check on availability and will, on protest, be accorded due
suitability of materials to include process as set forth in the constitution
balls, towels, scorecards, pencils, and of the IRF. For the purposes of
timepiece necessary for the match. rendering a prompt decision regarding
3. Check the readiness and protests filed during the course of an
qualifications of the line judges and ongoing tournament, the stages of due
process will be: first to the tournament be allowed to make a maximum of five
desk, then to the tournament director, “not accepted” appeals per 15-point
and finally to the tournament rules game, and three “not accepted” appeals
committee. In those instances when in the 11-point tiebreaker. If one
time permits, the protest may be linesperson has no opinion and the
elevated to a higher level as called for in other disagrees with the referee’s call,
the IRF Constitution. the appeal will not count against the
five-appeal limit. If the referee’s call
A.6 Line Judges stands, one appeal is charged.
In any IRF sanctioned tournament,
linespeople may be designated in order to (b) Loss of Appeal. e referee shall
decide appealed rulings. Two linespeople recognize an appeal only if it is made
will be designated by the tournament before the appealing player leaves the
director and shall, at the referee’s signal, court, or if the players do not leave the
either agree or disagree with the referee court, only before the next serve begins.
ruling. e signal to show agreement with A player or team will forfeit the right of
the referee’s call is “thumbs up.” e signal appeal if such appeal is made directly to
to show disagreement is “thumbs down.” the line judges or follows an excessive
e signal for no opinion is an “open palm demonstration or complaint.
down.” Both linespeople must disagree Obstructed View. If the referee’s view is
with the referee in order to reverse the obstructed, he/she can issue a “no-call”
ruling. If both linespeople disagree with on the play. If one line judge is also
the referee’s call, it shall be overruled, and unable to make a call (agreeing with the
the call reversed. If either linesperson referee’s “no call”), the final decision
agrees with the referee, the call shall stand. may be determined by the call of the
In the event that one linesperson disagrees, remaining line judge.
and the other signals that they did not see
the call in question, the rally shall be A.8 Outcome of Appeals
replayed. If both linespeople indicate they Everything except technical fouls and
did not see the appealed call in question, forfeitures can be appealed. e following
the referee’s call will stand. outcomes cover several of the most
common types of appeal, but not all
A.7 Appeals possible appeals can be addressed.
In any match using line judges, all calls are erefore, the referee’s discretion and
appealable with the exception of technicals common sense should govern the
and game/match forfeitures outcomes of those appeals that are not
. (a) Limit on Appeals. Each player will covered herein:
(a) Skip Ball. If the referee makes a call considered an ace, a point will be
of “skip ball” and the call is reversed, awarded. Also, if the referee makes no
the referee then must decide if the shot call on a serve— thereby indicating that
in question could have been returned the serve was good—but the “no call” is
had play continued. If, in the opinion reversed, it results in an immediate loss
of the referee, the shot could have been of serve.
returned, the rally shall be replayed.
However, if the shot was not (d) Double Bounce Pickup. If the
retrievable, the side that hit the shot in referee makes a call of two bounces, and
question is declared the winner of the the call is reversed, the rally is replayed,
rally. If the referee makes no call on a except if the player against whom the
shot (thereby indicating that the shot call was made hit a shot that could not
did not skip), an appeal may be made have been retrieved, then that player
that the shot skipped. If the “no call” is wins the rally. (Before awarding a rally
reversed, the side that hit the shot in in this situation, the referee must be
question loses the rally. certain that the shot would not have
been retrieved even if play had not been
(b) Fault Serve. If the referee makes a halted.) If an appeal is made because
call of fault serve and the call is the referee makes no call, thereby
reversed, the serve is replayed, unless if indicating that the get was not two
the referee considered the serve to be bounces, and the “no call” is reversed,
not retrievable, in which case a point is the player who made the two-bounce
awarded to the server. If an appeal is pickup is declared the loser of the rally.
made because the referee makes no call
on a serve—thereby indicating that the (e) Receiving Line
serve was good—and the “no call” is Violation/Encroachment. If the referee
reversed, it will result in second serve if makes a call of encroachment, but the
the infraction occurred on the first call is overturned, the serve shall be
serve or loss of serve if the infraction replayed unless the return was deemed
occurred on the second serve, or irretrievable in which case a sideout (or
utilizing one-serve rules. possibly a handout in doubles) should
be called. When an appeal is made
(c) Out Serve. If the referee calls an because the referee made no call, and
“out serve” and the call is reversed, the the appeal is successful, the server is
serve will be replayed, unless the serve awarded a point.
was obviously a fault also, in which case
the call becomes fault serve. However, (f ) Court Hinder. If the referee makes a
if the call is reversed and the serve was call of court hinder during a rally or
return of serve, the rally is replayed. If (b) e proposed rule changes will be
the referee makes no call and a player submitted to the IRF Rules Committee
feels that a court hinder occurred, that for review and evaluation. e
player may appeal. If the appeal is committee will then submit its
successful, the rally will be replayed. A recommendation to the IRF Executive
court hinder on a second serve results Board by June 1st of the year in which
in only that serve being replayed. the World Championships are held.
(c) e Executive Board will present its
(g) Other Rulings. e referee may rule
recommendation and the
on all matters not covered in the IRF
recommendations of the Rules
Official Rules. However, the referee’s
Committee to the participating
ruling is subject to protest as described
countries during the World Congress
in A.5(c).
meeting at the World Championships.
A.9 Rule Interpretations (d) e participating countries at the
If a player feels the referee has World Congress will then vote on the
interpreted the rules incorrectly, the proposed rule changes.
player may require the referee or
tournament director to cite the (e) Rule changes which receive the
applicable rule in the rulebook. Having majority of yes votes will go into effect
discovered a misapplication or on September 1st of the year in which
misinterpretation, the official must they are passed.
correct the error by replaying the rally,
awarding the point, calling sideout, or
taking other corrective measures.
B — PROCEDURES
B.1 Rule Change Procedures
(a) Any participating country may
propose a rule change to the
International Racquetball Federation
Rules Committee. e rule changes
must be submitted in writing to the
IRF Office, Colorado Springs,
Colorado, before January 15th of the
year in which the World
Championships are held.
COPYRIGHT NOTICE
The 2014 IRF
Official Rules of Racquetball are
copyrighted. All rights reserved. ese
rules may not be reproduced,
electronically scanned or downloaded,
either in whole or in part, without
written permission of the publisher.