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.”
