https://usapickleball.org/docs/USA-Pickleball-Official-Rulebook-2024-v1.pdf
Please click the link to read the USA rule book 2024 for pickleball. As there are a lot of newer players I'd like to just highlight a couple of points (in case u dont want to read the whole thing 🤪)
The server must say the score before serving the ball.
Where the hall is very noisy - like sometimes it can be - please make sure that you know the opposition has heard you say the score before serving. You are wise to get their acknowledgement of this. A good option is to use your fingers to sign the score as a visual. If you are not sure of the score, confirm with your partner first before saying it. (Your partner MAY shout the score for your team BUT if they do, then they should do this for the ENTIRE MATCH so the opposition is clear. I wouodnt really recommend this as good practise though)
In recreational play we must also be a bit mindful that some players are newer and may forget to say the score, or even forget to check everyone is ready and in the right place! Therefore if someone serves and doesnt say the score or you didnt hear it, do not return and play the ball...ask them to replay it and say the score first. Let's get into good practises from the start.
To clarify further what was published about saying the score prior to serving, this message has been sent to me by one of the top USA pickleball referees. So if you if dont hear any score called out the ball is not 'live' and the rally does not count. Catch it, send it back and say 'That was a practise serve'.
15 love!
That’s right isn’t it?