Section 7: Violations & Penalties
Double Hits
- Definition: A double hit occurs when the same player contacts the ball twice in succession without a teammate touching it in between
- Ruling: The opposing team is awarded the point
- Self-calling: In self-officiated games, players are expected to call their own double hits honestly. If a player is unsure, they should call it on themselves
Carrying
- Definition: A carry occurs when the ball visibly rests in a player's hand or on their body rather than being struck cleanly. The ball must be hit with a single, distinct contact
- Ruling: The opposing team is awarded the point
- Judgment: Carries can be subjective. In tournament play, the referee makes the final determination. In casual play, the hitting player should call obvious carries on themselves
Server Foot Faults
- Definition: A foot fault occurs when the server steps closer than 6 feet (1.8 meters) to the net before contacting the ball on the serve
- Ruling: The serve is a fault. If it is the first fault, the serve is retaken. If it is the second consecutive fault, the receiving team is awarded the point
- Measurement: In casual play, the 6-foot distance is estimated. In tournament play, a line or marker may be placed to define the serving distance
Net Interference
- Touching the net: If a player touches the net or frame during a rally in a way that visibly moves the net or affects the ball's trajectory, the opposing team is awarded the point
- Incidental contact: Brief, incidental contact with the net that does not affect play (e.g., a foot barely brushing a leg of the frame) is generally not penalized in casual play but may be called in tournament settings
- Kicking the net: Intentionally kicking or striking the net frame is a violation and results in a point for the opposing team
Illegal Serves
- Overhand serve: Serving the ball with an overhand motion is illegal. All serves must be underhand
- No toss: Dropping the ball directly onto one's hand without an upward toss of at least 4 inches is a fault
- Deceptive serving: The server may not deliberately fake or abort a serve to gain an advantage. A service motion once started must be completed
Excessive Contact with Opponents
- Incidental contact: Minor, unavoidable contact during play is expected in a 360-degree sport. No penalty is assessed for incidental contact
- Aggressive contact: Pushing, grabbing, tripping, or intentionally running into an opponent is a violation. The opposing team is awarded the point
- Repeated offenses: In tournament play, repeated aggressive contact may result in a match forfeit or disqualification
Unsportsmanlike Conduct
- Examples: Taunting, excessive celebration directed at opponents, throwing equipment, profanity, intentionally delaying play, or refusing to acknowledge legitimate calls
- First offense: Verbal warning from the referee (in tournaments) or from the opposing team (in casual play)
- Second offense: Point awarded to the opposing team
- Third offense: Game forfeit or disqualification from the tournament
Disputed Calls
- Self-officiated games: If teams cannot agree on a call (rim shot, pocket, hinder, carry, double hit), the point is replayed
- Refereed games: The referee's decision is final. Players may request a brief explanation but may not argue or delay the match
- Video review: Some top-level tournaments allow video review for critical points in elimination rounds