Section 7: Violations & Penalties
Service Faults (Rule 4)
- The serve does not land in the correct diagonal service area.
- The serve contacts the NVZ or NVZ line (a "short" serve).
- The server's foot touches or crosses the baseline or its imaginary extension before the ball is struck.
- On a volley serve, the paddle head is above the wrist at contact or contact is made above the waist.
- The server uses an illegal serving motion (sidearm, overhead, or throwing the ball upward on a drop serve).
- The server fails to call the score before serving, or serves before the receiver is ready.
Non-Volley Zone Violations (Rule 9)
- A player volleys the ball while touching the NVZ or the NVZ line.
- A player's momentum after a volley carries them into the NVZ, including touching any NVZ line.
- A player's paddle, hat, sunglasses, or any other item falls into the NVZ during or after a volley.
- A partner of the volleying player touches the NVZ while in physical contact with the volleying player.
Hindrance Calls (Rule 12)
A hindrance is any action by a player that interferes with the opponent's ability to play the ball. If a referee determines that a hindrance has occurred, the rally is replayed (a "let" is called). Deliberate or repeated hindrances may result in a fault being assessed against the offending player. Common hindrances include distracting noises, hand signals, or visual obstructions.
Technical Fouls and Warnings (Rule 13)
Referees may issue verbal warnings for unsportsmanlike conduct. If the behavior continues, a technical warning is issued. A subsequent offense results in a technical foul, which awards one point to the opponent. Continued misconduct may result in a match forfeiture. Actions warranting technical fouls include profanity directed at officials, throwing equipment in a dangerous manner, deliberate physical contact with an opponent, and excessive delays.
Replay and Dead Ball
A replay (or "let") occurs when a rally is stopped and replayed without any change in score. Situations that result in a replay include a cracked ball discovered during the rally, a ball from another court entering the playing area, a player being physically unable to move due to injury during the rally, or a service let (the ball clips the net and lands in the correct service area — note: in USAP rules, there is no let serve; a ball that clips the net on serve and lands in is a valid serve).