USA Pickleball ref Maddie Toren will teach you about permanent objects in pickleball: What is a permanent object, how does this change your pickleball game, and what happens if your pickleball game is affected by a permanent object?
A permanent object (definition):
Any object on or near the court including hanging over the pickleball court that can interfere with play.
Permanent objects in pickleball include:
The ceiling walls.
Fencing.
Light fixtures.
Net posts.
Net post legs.
Stands.
Seats for spectators.
The referee.
Line judges.
All other objects around and above the court.
If a ball in play contacts a permanent object after it has bounced on the opponent's court, it will result in a dead ball. The player who hit the ball will win the rally.
If an item a player is wearing or carrying lands on their end of the court, the ball remains in play, even if it hits the item. This is true unless the item lands in the non-volley zone while the player is volleying the ball (or has volleyed the ball, without re-establishing their feet outside the non-volley zone).
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 6 of “10 Things That Most Pickleball Players Don't Know But Should.”
