Section 4: Players & Officials
Team Composition
- Standard format: 2 players per team (2v2), for a total of 4 players
- Casual variations: 1v1 (singles) and 3v3 formats are popular in recreational settings but are not used in official tournament play
- Mixed teams: Teams may be composed of any combination of players regardless of gender
Starting Positions
- Serving team: The server stands at least 6 feet (1.8 meters) from the net. The server's teammate may stand anywhere
- Receiving team: The designated receiver stands across the net from the server, at any distance. The receiver's teammate may stand anywhere but must not interfere with the serve
- After the serve: Once the ball is in play, all four players may move freely in any direction around the net. There are no fixed positions or zones
Serving Rotation
- Alternating servers: The serving team must alternate which player serves with each new service possession
- Receiving rotation: At the start of each new service possession, the receiving team may choose which player receives the serve
- Tracking rotation: In casual play, players should verbally confirm whose turn it is to serve to avoid confusion
Substitutions
- Casual play: Substitutions may be made freely between points or games by mutual agreement
- Tournament play: Substitution rules vary by tournament. Some events allow one substitute per match; others do not allow substitutions after a match has begun
Tournament Referees
- Role: In competitive tournaments, referees observe play and make calls on disputed points, faults, and rule violations
- Positioning: Referees typically stand several feet from the net with a clear sightline to the net surface and all players
- Authority: The referee's call is final on all disputed points. Players may request clarification but may not argue or delay play
- Self-officiation: In recreational and many tournament pool-play settings, teams self-officiate using an honor system. Disputed points are typically replayed
Player Conduct
- Players are expected to call their own faults honestly (double hits, carries, rim shots)
- If players on opposing teams disagree on a call, the point is replayed
- Excessive arguing, taunting, or unsportsmanlike behavior may result in a point penalty or disqualification in tournament play