Each year the USAPA adds and revises their rules for the upcoming. For 2025, there are a number of rule changes, and we’re highlighting what are the most impactful. Our website (https://villagespickleball.vgcc.club/) has a link to the all the USAPA new and changed rules.
Spectator line calls (Rule 6.C.4.)
The importance of this rule change reminds players they should not be asking spectators for their opinion on line calls, but also that they are not allowed to accept any input from spectators.
According to USA Pickleball: “The [rule change] prevents both soliciting or accepting spectator input. (We all know that line calls get volunteered which is not helpful).”
Calling a fault (Rules 13.D.1.c and 7.O.)
13.D.1.c. Players may call non-volley zone and service foot faults on the opponent’s end of the court. If there is any disagreement between teams about the called foot fault, a replay shall occur.
New addition: Add Rule 7.O. Any disagreement between partners on a fault call will be decided to the benefit of their opponents.
Calling a fault on your partner (Rule 13.D.1.a.)
The current rule says that you must call a fault on yourself when you realize you committed it. The new 2025 rule change adds that you must also call a fault on your partner if you see them commit one.
“The fault call must happen before the next serve occurs.”
Serving changes (Rule 4.A.5.)
Currently, “the serve shall be made with only one hand releasing the ball.” The new rule change will also allow you to release the ball with your paddle as well.
If you serve with the drop serve and want to drop the ball from your paddle (instead of your hand), you have to let the ball roll off the face of the paddle using gravity only (no force).
Despite this change, you are still not allowed to impart spin on the ball.
Play Stoppage (Rule 7.1)
A ball in play that is stopped by a player before it becomes dead (e.g., catching or stopping a ball in flight before it makes contact with the playing surface). The fault is on the player who stopped the ball. Exceptions: See Rules 4.B.9.a. and 4.K.
You may stop a ball before it is returned if an incorrect score is called.
