USA Pickleball ref Maddie Toren will teach you what happens when the ball is broken during a rally. What are the rules when a ball is broken or cracked during non-officiated and officiated pickleball matches, what constitutes a broken or cracked ball, and what are your rights when you suspect a ball is broken or cracked?
USA Pickleball rules for a broken or cracked pickleball ball (Rule 11.E.):
- If any player suspects the ball is or becomes cracked after the serve, play must continue until the end of the rally.
Officiated pickleball matches
- Players may appeal to the referee, before the next serve occurs, to determine if the ball is degraded, soft, broken, or cracked.
- If the referee determines that a broken or cracked ball impacted the outcome of a rally, they will call for a replay with a replacement ball.
Non-officiated pickleball matches
- If both teams agree that the ball is degraded or soft, the ball will be replaced, but there is no replay of the prior rally.
- If both teams agree the ball is broken or cracked, a will replay occur.
- If the players can not agree on if a ball impacted the outcome of the prior rally or not, a replay will occur.
If you would like to learn more details about these rules refer to the official rulebook at USAPickleball.org.
Maddie Toren is a pro pickleball official and the first-ever teen-certified referee. This is Episode 4 of “10 Things That Most Pickleball Players Don't Know But Should.”