Basic Pickleball Rules

Serving Rules

• Only the serving team can score points.
• The server must stand behind the baseline.
• The serve must be underhand and below your waist.
• The serve must land in the box diagonal to the server. You must stand behind the baseline and within the sidelines when serving.
• The server keeps serving, switching sides each point, until their team loses a point. Then their partner starts serving and switches sides each point until they lose a point. When the serve switches sides, the player on the right side of the court serves first.
• For the first serve of the game, that team only gets one chance to serve (until they lose a point). It's like they are the second server. The other team then gets a chance for both players to serve (until they lose two points). This pattern continues for the rest of the game.
• The server must call out the score before each point. Three numbers are said: Your score, the other team's score, and if you are the first or second server for your team. This helps everyone keep track of the score and who serves next.

Fault Rules

• Hitting the ball outside the court lines.
• The ball must bounce once on each side after the serve (double bounce rule) before you can hit it without bouncing (volley).
• Not getting the ball over the net.
• Hitting the ball without bouncing it in the non-volley zone (the kitchen). It's also a fault if you step into the kitchen after hitting a volley, even if it's just from moving too fast. Standing on the kitchen line is the same as being in the kitchen. (Be aware that the front of your shoe crossing the kitchen line is considered a fault).
• The ball bouncing twice on your side.
• Hitting the ceiling or walls before the ball lands on the court.
• If the ball touches any part of a line, it's considered "in," EXCEPT for a serve that hits the kitchen line. That serve is "out."
• If a player touches the net with their paddle or body, it’s a fault and their team loses the point.
• If the ball hits your hand below your wrist, the ball is still in play.
• Hitting the ball twice in one shot (double hit) is allowed only if it's not on purpose, it's a continuous motion in one direction, and done by only one player.

Commonly Used Terms

• Dink Shot: A soft shot that is intended to arc over the pickleball net and land within the non-volley zone.
• Double Bounce/Rule: A ball that bounces more than once, on one side, before it is returned. Following the serve, each side must make at least one ground-stroke, prior to volleying the ball.
• Drop Shot: A groundstroke shot that falls short of the opponent’s position.
• Fault: Any action that stops play because of a rule violation.
• Lob: A shot that returns the ball as high and deep as possible, forcing the opposing side back to the baseline.
• Non-Volley Zone ("The Kitchen"): The section of court adjacent to the net. A player cannot volley a ball while standing within the non-volley zone. It includes all lines surrounding the zone.
• Overhead Slam/Smash: A hard, overhand shot usually resulting from an opponent’s lob, high return, or high bounce.
• In: When the ball is in bounds. This signal can be gestured by extending your hand flat and parallel to the ground.
• Out: When the ball is out of bounds. This signal can be gestured by raising your index finger pointing up.
• Rally: Continuous play that occurs after the serve and before a fault.

Apparel/Equipment

• Players must wear proper athletic clothes.
• Shoes must have soles that do not mark or damage the court’s playing surface.
• You can bring your own paddle or use the free paddles provided by the venue.
• Balls will be provided.

Advanced Pickleball League Rules

Registration & Teams

• All leagues will have both free agents and the “buddy” system. Teams consist of four players.
• If you sign up as a free agent, you will be added to a team of three other players.
• If you sign up and identify a player you want to play with (“buddy”), both players have to identify themselves to match up. We will then add two more players to total four.
• Waitlist: If the league is full, you may add yourself to our Waitlist. If a player drops out, we contact the first person. Buddy systems will not be honored for waitlisted players.
• Randomization: Teams will be randomized (keeping buddies together) using a random draw, then weighted to average the teams based on self-ratings.
• Each team will have four (4) players and must pick a respectful team name (No emojis allowed due to schedule software).

Substitute Players

• If at least two players are present for a match, there is no need for a substitute.
• If your team has only 0 or 1 teammates available, you must find a substitute player (from the league or community) so that there are at least two players on the court.
• Community subs must sign venue and BARS waivers prior to playing. Please tell the Operations Manager/Director prior to the game.
• Teams that use substitute players will automatically forfeit the game, and the opposing team will get the maximum points.

Player Rotation & Attendance Timing

• All players must play an equal amount of time across both matches in a given week.
• Failure to comply with rotation tracking can result in a forfeit match.
• Players who miss a game, or part of a match, continue to play an equal amount of time as if they were present for both matches. They do not “make up” missed games.
• After 10 minutes: If a team does not have at least two players ready to play, the first game is forfeited.
• After 15 minutes: If the team still does not have two players ready, the entire match is forfeited.
• If a team leaves before completing all games, any unfinished games are forfeited.

Rotation Examples

Example 1: 4 Players Present

Each player plays at least three (3) games across both matches.

Example 2: 3 Players Present

Each player plays at least four (4) games across both matches.

Example 3: 2 Players Present

Each player plays each game in both matches.

Scoring & Making Calls

• Games go to 11 points or 40 minutes, whichever comes first. The first team to reach 11 points wins.
• A match is the best of 3 games. If a team wins the first two, the third game should still be played as final points are factored into standings.
• Scores are posted weekly on League Lobster.
• Determining Serving Team: Rock/Paper/Scissors. The winner picks side or serve for game 1. Game 2 alternates, Game 3 alternates again.
• The player(s) closest to the ball make the call. If teams are unsure, they can agree to replay the point.
• When playing at Gotham Pickleball, the Replay System cannot be used to assess calls.

Hindrance

• A hindrance call refers to intentional actions interfering with an opponent (waving arms, excessive noise, stomping).
• Accidental interference (losing balance, paddle scraping) is not hindrance.
• If a valid hindrance call is made, the point should be replayed. Persistent hindrance can lead to a forfeited match.

Playoffs

• Best of 3 Games to 11, win by 1 point.
• If the match is won in the 2nd game, the 3rd game is not needed (differs from regular season).
• Player Rotations rule will be in effect. Whoever plays the first two games of the semi-finals match can only play once in the first two games of the finals match.
• Time limit remains 40 minutes per match. If time is called, the team with the top score advances.
• There will be refs for the playoffs.

Player Participation & Code of Conduct

Attendance Rules (including Veteran Status)

• Make sure your name is on your team’s score card to show attendance. Let your team know if you will be late or absent.
• If you miss the first two weeks without informing leadership, you will lose your spot without a refund.
• Appropriate excused absences include religious holidays, illness, injury, or family emergencies. (For injuries, showing up to support your team counts for attendance).
• To be considered a "veteran" player for the next season (Advanced League only), you must sign in for at least 6 of the 8 weeks.

Code of Conduct

• Big Apple Recreational Sports is a non-profit, community sports league for LGBTQ+ friendly people. Everyone must behave in a respectful way.
• Sportsmanship means being fair, respecting others, and being nice whether you win or lose.
• Threatening language, mean words, or insults about someone's race, religion, gender, or orientation are strictly prohibited on and off the court.
• Respecting the venue’s property is required (Clean up, no damaging property, follow Gotham Pickleball Rules).
• WhatsApp League Chat: Used for announcements and coordination. Must remain constructive. Grievances should be directed to leadership via email.
• BARS Pickleball Leadership reserves the right to review all incidents and escalate decisions to the Board of Directors.