Padel Rules

FOREWORD

The International Padel Federation (IPF / FIP) is the governing body of the game of padel. Included among its obligations is to determine the Rules of Padel.

The IPF Rules and Regulations Committee continually monitors the game and, when it considers it necessary, recommends changes at the General Meeting, which is the ultimate authority for any changes to the Rules, in accordance with the Bye-Laws.

Note: Except when stipulated otherwise, all references to "player" in these Rules relate to both male and female players.

THE COURT

Dimensions

The court is a rectangle 10 metres wide by 20 metres long (interior measurements), with a 0.5% tolerance. This rectangle is divided in half by a net. On either side of and parallel to the net, at a distance of 6.95 m, are the service lines. The area between the net and the service lines is divided in half by the central service line, which extends 20 cm beyond the service line.

When referring to surface and line layout, the two halves of the court must be absolutely symmetrical. All lines must be 5 cm wide (preferably white or black for contrast with the floor). Minimum free height must be 6 metres throughout the court with no obstructing elements; for new facilities, 8 metres is suggested.

Net

1. The net must be 10 metres long and 0.88 m high at the centre, rising to 0.92 m at the ends (maximum tolerance 0.005 m).
2. The net is suspended by a metal cable with a maximum diameter of 0.01 m; the ends are attached to two lateral posts with a maximum height of 1.05 m, or to part of the court structure that allows correct suspension and tension.
3. The tension mechanism must be designed so that it cannot loosen unexpectedly or constitute a risk to players.
4. The outer side of the net posts should coincide with the lateral limits of the court. Posts may be circular or square but must have rounded edges.
5. The net must be capped with a white strip measuring between 5.0 and 6.3 cm once in place, with the tension cable beneath it. This surface may be used for advertising; an additional strip up to 9.00 cm wide may also be added.
6. The net must be fully extended so that it fills the space between the two net posts and the court surface — there may be no spaces between the extremes of the net and the posts. However, it should not be tense.
7. The net mesh must be made of synthetic fibre and woven sufficiently narrowly so that the ball cannot pass through it.

Case 1: Can there be a space between the metallic fence and the net post?

Decision: NO. That court is not built according to the regulation.

Enclosures

The court must be completely enclosed. The ends measured from the inside must be 10 metres long and the inside length of the sides 20 metres long. All areas with joins must be constructed using materials that allow a uniform bounce of the ball.

Ends

A total height of 4 metres: the first 3 m of which is wall (any transparent or solid material — glass, bricks, etc. — complying with the wall requirements under Sides), and the last 1 metre is metallic fence.

Sides

Regulation allows four variations on the lateral / side enclosures:

• Variant 1: Stepped wall areas at both ends — first step 3 m high × 2 m long, second step 2 m high × 2 m long. Metallic fencing completes the enclosure up to 3 m in the centre 6 m and up to 4 m at both ends.
• Variant 2: Same stepped walls as Variant 1. Metallic fencing completes the enclosure up to 4 m along the length. Dimensions are from the inside of the court.
• Variant 1 Crystal: Wall area at both end zones, 3 m high × 4 m long, without step. Metal mesh completes the enclosure up to 4 m in height at the extreme 2 m.
• Variant 2 Crystal: Wall area at both end zones, 3 m high × 4 m long, without step. Metal mesh up to 4 m in height completes the balance of the enclosure.

The metallic fencing is always placed in line with the inner side of the wall. Walls may be transparent or opaque but must have a uniform, hard, completely smooth surface that allows bodily contact or sliding balls. Opaque walls should be one uniform colour (preferably green, blue or terracotta), clearly different from the floor.

Glass courts must comply with tempered / plate glass standards (EU: EN 12150-1; other countries should consult their own standards). Metallic fence mesh: rhomboids or squares with diagonal hole measurement no smaller than 5 cm and no larger than 7.08 cm; recommended wire thickness 1.6–3 mm (maximum 4 mm).

Case 2: If the metallic fence is raised above the stipulated limits to keep balls in court, a white metal strip should be placed at 3 m or 4 m correspondingly. If the ball hits that white strip it is considered out.

Ground surface

1. The surface may be porous concrete or cement, synthetic material or artificial grass, provided it allows a regular bounce and avoids water accumulation.
2. Preferred colours are green, blue or terracotta (or like tones), one uniform colour for the whole floor, clearly different from the walls.
3. Black floor colour may be accepted only for indoor facilities.
4. Surface level differences inside the court must be less than 3 mm measured with a 3 m rule (1/1000).
5. For surfaces without drainage, the maximum transverse evacuation slope must be 1% from the centre towards the outer edges. A 0% slope is also accepted on non-draining surfaces.
6. Synthetic and artificial grass surfaces must meet applicable sports-surface standards (EU: UNE 41958 IN), including impact absorption, friction and vertical bounce requirements.

Access

Access is placed on both lateral sides or just one side and must be symmetric with the centre. There may be one or two openings per side, with or without a door (see Rule 16 for out-of-court play).

• One lateral access per side: opening minimum 1.05 × 2.00 m and maximum 2.00 × 2.20 m.
• Two lateral accesses per side: openings minimum 0.72 × 2.00 m and maximum 1.00 × 2.20 m.

Public installations must comply with access standards for disabled people. If doors exist, handles must be on the outside and not protrude on the inside.

Safety area & out-of-court play

For out-of-court play each side of the court must have 2 access points. There may not be any obstacles outside the court within an area of no less than 2 m wide and 4 m long on either side and a minimum of 3 m high.

Access must be protected on its three sides (lateral and upper), as well as the net post, with cushioning material (e.g. spongy rubber, rubber, neoprene) at least 2 cm thick, firmly fixed so as not to interfere with play.

Illumination

Artificial light must be uniform and must not hinder vision for players, umpires or the audience. Light poles must be outside the court. If poles fall within the safety area, out-of-court play is not allowed. Lights must have a minimum altitude from the ground to the lower part of the projectors of 6 metres (8 metres suggested for new facilities with lights inside the court projection).

Minimum illumination levels (EU EN 12193; other countries consult local standards):

• Outdoor — National & international: 500 lux (uniformity 0.7); local / training / recreational: 200 lux (0.5).
• Indoor — National & international: 750 lux (0.7); local / training / recreational: 300 lux (0.5).
• For television / film, vertical illumination of at least 1000 lux is typically required.

Orientation

Recommendation for outdoor facilities: the longitudinal axis of the court is N–S, admitting a variation between N–NE and N–NW.

THE BALL

Balls used for official competitions are those approved by the FIP for the game of padel.

1. The ball should be a rubber sphere with a uniform exterior surface in either white or yellow. Diameter between 6.35 and 6.77 cm; weight between 56.0 and 59.4 g.
2. Bounce between 135 and 145 cm when dropped onto a hard surface from a height of 2.54 m.
3. Internal pressure between 4.6 kg and 5.2 kg per 2.54 square cm.
4. Above 500 m altitude, another approved type may be used with bounce more than 121.92 cm and less than 135 cm, otherwise identical.

THE PADEL RACKET

1. The game is played with a racket manufactured in accordance with these regulations.
2. The racket is made up of two parts: head and handle.
3. Handle: maximum length 20 cm; maximum width (of throat, not counting free space) 50 mm; maximum thickness 50 mm.
4. Head: variable length. Head plus handle may not exceed 45.5 cm; maximum width 26 cm; maximum thickness 38 mm.
5. Total length of the padel racket may not exceed 45.5 cm.
6. When measuring thickness, a tolerance of 2.5% is allowed.
7. The hitting surface is perforated by cylindrical holes between 9 and 13 mm in the centre area. Around the edge in a zone of no more than 4 cm, holes may be larger or differently shaped provided this does not affect the essence of the game.
8. Both sides must be flat but may be smooth or rough.
9. No objects or devices may be adhered except those specifically used to limit deterioration, vibration or to distribute weight — reasonable in size and position. No reflecting surfaces or sound elements that disturb play.
10. A non-elastic cord of maximum length 35 cm fixed into the handle must be put around the wrist. Its use is obligatory.
11. The racket may not have any visible or audible device that could communicate, warn or give instructions to the player during a game.

Case 1: A player accidentally breaks their racket during a game — can play continue?

Decision: YES, unless the safety wrist cord has broken or the racket has become dangerous.

Case 2: May a player use more than one racket during a game?

Decision: YES, but not during a point.

Case 3: Can a battery that affects playing characteristics be incorporated into the racket?

Decision: NO. Batteries, solar cells and similar power sources are prohibited.

RULE 1. SCORE IN A GAME

Score — Option 1 (standard)

1. On the first point won "15" is called, on the second "30", the third "40" and the fourth "game". If each pair has won three points, "deuce" is called. The following point won is "advantage"; if the same pair wins the next point they win the game. If the point is lost the score returns to deuce, and so on until one pair wins two consecutive points.
2. The first pair to win 6 games, always with a minimum advantage of 2, wins the set. At 5–5, players play until one leads by two (e.g. 7–5). At 6–6 a tie-break applies.
3. The match is the best of three sets. Two out of three sets need to be won.
4. If previously established, the third set may be played without a tie-break so that at 6–6 the pair who gain a difference of two games wins.

Score — Option 2 (no-ad / golden point)

1. The score called is that of the server: Love, 15, 30, 40, Game.
2. If both pairs have won three points each, "deuce" is called and a deciding "golden point" is played. The receiving pair chooses whether to receive on the right or left side and cannot change positions to receive that point. The pair that wins the point wins the game.
3. In mixed matches, on the deciding point the player receiving must be the same sex as the server. Receiving players still cannot change positions to receive serve.

Tie-break

1. During the tie-break, points are called "zero", "1", "2", "3", etc.
2. The tie-break is won by the first players to win 7 points with a 2-point advantage (and therefore the game and the set). If necessary it continues until that margin is obtained.
3. The player whose turn it is to serve starts with one serve from the right. The following two points are served by the opposing team respecting the previous order, from the left. Thereafter players serve two consecutive points until the end, always respecting the order of service.
4. A tie-break set is won by 7–6.
5. The following set is started by the player of the pair who did not begin serving in the tie-break.

Case 1: Who begins serving in a tie-break?

Decision: The player who began serving at the beginning of the set (except under circumstances in Rule 6, section 10).

Alternative score methods

a) Four games or mini-set: The pair to win four games wins the set, with a minimum margin of two. If both pairs tie at four games each, a tie-break is played.

b) Match tie-break to 7: When the score is one set all, a tie-break to seven points (margin of 2) decides the winner and replaces the last set.

c) Super tie-break to 10: When the score is one set all, a tie-break to ten points (margin of 2) decides the winner and replaces the last set.

Note 1: When a match tie-break replaces the final set, the original order of service continues, although players may change the order of server and receiver.

Note 2: Balls will not be changed at the start of that tie-break even if a ball change is due.

RULE 2. TIMES

1. The tournament umpire will award a walkover (WO) against players who are not on court ready to play 10 minutes after the official start time, except in cases of force majeure.
2. There will be an obligatory 5-minute warm-up between players.
3. As a rule the match should be continuous from the first service until it finishes. It should never be suspended or delayed to allow a player to recuperate, receive instructions or advice.
4. A maximum of twenty (20) seconds is allowed between points.
5. A maximum of ninety (90) seconds is granted for changing sides. After the first game of each set and during a tie-break, play is continuous and players change ends without a rest period.
6. A maximum rest of one hundred twenty (120) seconds is granted at the end of each set.
7. The aforementioned rest times start from the moment one point finishes until the following point begins with the serve.
8. If clothing, shoes or equipment must be replaced due to unforeseen circumstances, a reasonable additional period may be allowed.
9. An announcement may be made before the match allowing a limited number of restroom breaks or clothing changes.
10. 20 seconds are granted for changes of side in a tie-break.
11. If a match is suspended (rain, light, accident, etc.), on restart players have the right to a warm-up: up to 5 minutes suspension — no warm-up; 5–20 minutes — 3-minute warm-up; over 20 minutes — 5-minute warm-up.
12. The match restarts exactly where it ended: game, score, server, place on court, and order of serve and return.
13. If suspension is due to lack of light, the match should be stopped at an even number of games so both pairs are on the same side when play resumes.
14. For injury or a treatable medical condition, the player is granted one 3-minute treatment break, which may be repeated on the following two changes of side within regulation time. If injury occurs during a change of side, the same process applies.
15. Medical attention is given only once to each player and may not be ceded to their companion.
16. In case of an accident as an indirect result of the game, the umpire may grant treatment time not exceeding 15 minutes.
17. If a player has a bleeding wound they will not be able to continue the match.

Case 1: Does an indirect accident requiring medical attention count as one of the allowed medical times?

Decision: NO.

Case 2: How much rest between first and second service?

Decision: None — the game must be continuous.

Note: When matches are scheduled one after another, the start of the following match is considered to be 5 minutes after the end of the previous one.

RULE 3. POSITION OF THE PLAYERS

1. Each pair of players will be on either side of the net. The server puts the ball in play and the player diagonally in front (receiver) receives the served ball.
2. The receiver may be in any part of their side of the court, as may their partner and the server's partner.

Case 1: Can a player be outside the court during the service?

Decision: NO.

Case 2: Is one of the pair allowed to monopolize the whole game?

Decision: YES, if the player remains in their court. But all players must serve and receive according to the regulations when it is their turn.

RULE 4. CHOICE OF SIDES AND SERVICE

1. Choice of ends, who serves first and who receives is decided by the flip of a coin. The pair who wins the toss may choose between:
   • a) Serving or receiving first — the other pair then chooses the side.
   • b) Side of the court for the first game — the other pair then chooses to serve or receive.
   • c) Request that the opponents choose first.
2. Once order of serve and ends are decided, both pairs tell the umpire who will be first to serve and receive.

Case 1: If play is stopped during the warm-up and players leave the court, may they choose again?

Decision: YES. The original toss result remains, but a new choice may be made.

RULE 5. CHANGES OF SIDES

1. Players must change sides after the 1st, 3rd and every subsequent odd game in the set.
2. In a tie-break, players change ends after every 6 points.
3. If players fail to change ends by error, correction is made as soon as discovered. Points won before discovery remain valid. If discovered after a faulty first serve, the server has only one serve remaining.

Case 1: After a 120-second set rest, must sides be changed to start the next set?

Decision: If total games played up to the rest add to an odd number, YES; if even, NO.

Case 2: After the 1st game of each set, is a rest period allowed on change of sides?

Decision: NO — play must be continuous.

RULE 6. THE SERVICE

All points begin with the service. If the first service is not valid the server is allowed a second service. Service must take place as follows:

1. At the start of the service the server must stand with both feet behind the service line, between the imaginary prolongation of the central service line and the sidewall (service box), and remain there until the ball has been served.
2. The server must bounce the ball on the ground within the service box in which they find themselves.
3. The server may not touch the service line with their feet, nor the imaginary central line.
4. The height of the ball being served must be at or below waist level at the moment of hitting it, and the player must have at least one foot in contact with the ground.
5. Served from the right, the ball should pass diagonally over the net into the receiver's service box and bounce within the lines that limit that box. First serve of a game goes to the receiver's left box; after a point is won, the next serve goes to the right box, and so on alternately.
6. A player may not walk, run or jump while serving. Small foot movements that do not affect the adopted service position are accepted.
7. At the moment contact is made with the ball, or in an intentional attempt to hit it, it is considered a serve.
8. If a service is inadvertently made from the wrong side, the error is corrected as soon as discovered. All points remain valid, but a fault on the first service must be taken into account.
9. Before each set, players may choose who serves first during that set. Once established, the order may not change until the beginning of the following set.
10. If a player serves out of turn, the correct server must serve as soon as the error is discovered. Points won before the error remain valid. A single service fault before discovery is not counted. If the game has finished before discovery, the order of serve remains as is until the end of the set.
11. The server will not serve until the receiver is ready. The receiver will adapt within reason to the server's rhythm.
12. It is not possible to allege "not ready" if an attempt has been made to return the serve. Conversely, if the receiver was not ready, a fault cannot be called.

Case 1: What is the maximum height a player who bends their leg can hit a ball when serving?

Decision: At or below the height of their waist at that moment.

RULE 7. SERVICE FAULT

The service is a fault if:

• a) The server infringes Rule 6 points 1) to 6).
• b) The server misses the ball when trying to hit it.
• c) The ball bounces outside the receiver's service box (lines count as good).
• d) The ball hits the server, their companion, or any object worn or carried by either.
• e) The ball bounces in the receiver's service box and touches the metallic fence before the second bounce.
• f) The ball bounces in the receiver's service box and goes directly out of court through the gates of a court without a safety zone (no authorised out-of-court play).

Case 1: Serve hits wall, light or fence on the server's side, then goes over the net into the receiver's box — is it good?

Decision: NO — it is a fault.

Case 2: A lob serve bounces in the receiver's box and goes directly out over the metallic fence — is that a fault?

Decision: NO.

RULE 8. RETURN OF SERVE

1. The receiver must wait for the ball to bounce within their service box and hit it before it bounces a second time.
2. Receiving players in the first game of each set decide who receives first; that player continues receiving the first service of each game until the end of the set.
3. Each player receives serve alternately during the game. Once decided, the order may not be altered during that set or tie-break, but may change at the beginning of a new set.
4. If the receiving order is altered during a match or tie-break, players continue that way until the end of that game or tie-break, then return to the initially selected positions for following games of the set.
5. If the ball hits a receiving player or their racket before it bounces, it is a point for the server.

Case 2: If the ball bounces twice within the receiver's service box, even if between bounces it touched the wall, it is a point for the server.

Case 3: The receiver may not play a volley even if they are outside the service reception box.

RULE 9. REPEAT OR “LET” AND “NET” SERVICE

The service will be "net" if:

• a) The ball touches the net or supporting posts and then lands in the receiver's service box, provided it does not touch the metallic fence before the second bounce.
• b) After touching the net or posts (if within the game area), the ball hits any player or article carried or worn.

The service will be repeated (let) if:

• a) The ball is served when the receiver is not ready (Rule 6 – 11).
• b) If there is a let on the first serve, the complete point is repeated and the server has the right to two serves.
• c) If the net or let is on the second serve, the server only has the right to repeat the second serve.

Case 1: Ball touches the net, first bounce is in the receiver's box, second bounce goes out through the opening — let or fault?

Decision: A let if the ball can be played outside the court; otherwise a fault.

RULE 10. REPETITION OR “LET” POINT

A point in dispute is a let if:

• a) The ball splits during the game.
• b) Any element not part of the game invades the court area.
• c) In general, any interruption due to unexpected situations unconnected to the players.
• d) A player who considers a let has arisen must inform the umpire immediately; if play continues the player loses the right to a let.
• e) Once a let is requested the umpire decides; if not appropriate the player loses the point.

Case 1: First serve is a fault; during the point after the second serve a let is called — what happens?

Decision: The whole point is repeated with the right to 2 serves.

RULE 11. INTERFERENCE

Interference is when a player, by deliberate or involuntary action, puts off an opponent during the execution of a shot. For deliberate interference the umpire awards the point to the opponent; for involuntary interference a let is called and the point repeated.

RULE 12. BALL IN PLAY

1. The ball will be hit alternately by each pair of players.
2. The ball is in play from the moment a valid service takes place until a let is called or the score determined.
3. If the ball in play hits any part of the court after having bounced in the opponent's ground, it remains in play and should be returned before it bounces a second time.
4. Parts of the court include the insides of the walls, the metallic mesh fence, the ground, the net and net posts. The mesh and frame in its entirety are part of the fence.

Case 1: If the ball hits the fence frame in the upper part, must play continue?

Decision: If the ball bounds on the upper part of the fence frame it is good and play continues — whether the ball returns inside the court or goes out where out-of-court play is allowed.

RULE 13. POINT LOST

Players lose a point if:

• a) Either player, their racket or anything worn or carried touches the net, net posts, tension cable or any part of the opponent's court while the ball is in play.
• b) Authorised out-of-court play: above 0.92 m, and only if authorised, the dividing vertical post in the doors is a neutral zone — any of the four players may touch or hold it.
• c) The ball bounces a second time before being returned.
• d) After bouncing, the ball goes over the marked outer perimeter of the court (lateral or end) or through the gate.
• e) Authorised out-of-court play: after bouncing correctly, the ball goes out over the end wall. If it goes over the sidewall or through the door, the point is lost when the ball bounces a second time or touches any element not related to the court.
• f) The player hits the ball before it has gone over the net.
• g) A return (direct or off the player's own walls) without bouncing first hits the opponent's walls, metallic fence or any unrelated element on the opponent's ground.
• h) A return hits the net or posts and then goes directly onto the opponent's walls, fence or unrelated ground elements.
• i) The player hits the ball twice (double hit).
• j) After hitting the ball it touches the player, their companion or anything worn by them.
• k) The ball hits any part of the players or their equipment apart from the racket after being hit by the opposing team.
• l) After being hit, the ball touches the metallic fence, any part of the ground on the player's own side, or any unrelated element on their own ground.
• m) The ball is hit with a racket thrown at it.
• n) Any player jumps over the net while the point is being played.
• o) Both players simultaneously or consecutively hit the ball — only one member of the team may play the ball. (It is not a double hit when both try to hit simultaneously, one hits the ball and the other hits their partner's racket.)
• p) The player who hits the ball has one or both feet, or any part of their body, out of their court — unless out-of-court play is authorised.
• q) A player serves two consecutive faults.

Case 1: After bouncing correctly, the ball does not leave the court because of an additional net above the metallic fence — what happens?

Decision: You have lost the point.

RULE 14. CORRECT RETURN

The return is correct if:

• a) After being hit, the ball is volleyed by either opponent, or hits any part of the opposing team's body, clothing or racket.
• b) The ball bounces directly into the opposing court, or hits the wall in the player's own court first and then bounces into the opponent's court.
• c) The ball bounces in the opponent's court and then hits the metallic fence or a wall.
• d) After bouncing in the opponent's court it goes out of court, or hits the ceiling, lights or any other object not related to the court.
• e) The ball touches the net or net posts and then lands in the opponent's court.
• f) The ball in play hits an object on the opponent's ground not part of the court (e.g. another ball).
• g) After bouncing correctly into the opposition court, the ball comes back and the opposition then hits it — provided neither player, clothing nor racket has touched the net, posts or the opponents' court, and points a)–f) are fulfilled.
• h) The ball is "scooped" or pushed, provided it is not hit twice, the impact is one movement, and the natural exit of the ball does not vary substantially.
• i) The returned ball bounces in the opponent's court in the angle where wall joins ground (a "corner" / "egg") — this is valid.
• j) Authorised out-of-court play: a ball hit from outside the court is valid if the previous points of this Rule are fulfilled.

Case 1: Under point f), if the ball bounces on an object on the opponent's ground the return is correct — have I also won the point?

Decision: NO — the game continues.

RULE 15. POINT WON

The point is won if:

• a) After bouncing in the opponent's court the ball goes out through a hole in the metallic fence or gets stuck in said hole.
• b) After bouncing in the opponent's court the ball gets stuck in the flat horizontal surface on top of the wall.

RULE 16. AUTHORIZED OUT-OF-COURT PLAY

Players are authorised to leave the court to play the ball whenever the court fulfils the conditions in the Court section for safety area and out-of-court play.

RULE 17. CHANGE OF BALLS

1. Competition organisers must announce in advance:
   • a) The brand and type of balls.
   • b) The number of balls to be used in the match (2 or 3).
   • c) Ball change policy, if any.
2. Ball changes, if any, should use one of these alternatives: after an established odd number of games (warm-up counts as two games; tie-break as one), or at the beginning of a set.
3. A ball change will not take place at the beginning of a tie-break; it is delayed until the beginning of the second game of the following set.
4. If a scheduled change is missed, the error is corrected when the team that should have served with new balls is next due to serve. Thereafter changes follow the original plan.
5. When a ball is lost, broken or sufficiently deteriorated, the umpire supervises a change with a ball in the same condition as those in play; otherwise a complete set of balls is made. At least two balls must be available to start a point.

ETIQUETTE AND CONDUCT NORMS

Punctuality

Matches follow one after another without delay as per published schedules. Players must inform themselves of match times. Order cannot be changed without the Tournament Umpire's authorisation.

Attire

Players wear suitable sports clothing and footwear. Sleeveless t-shirts and/or swimwear are not allowed. Failure to comply results in a fault; if not rectified the player will be disqualified. Teams are recommended (not obliged) to wear the same clothing. Footwear, clothing and rackets may be chosen provided they are regulation. In international tournaments the umpire team must wear identifying clothing.

Identification

Participants must identify themselves (identity, nationality, age and other competition-related documentation) when requested by the Tournament Umpire.

Conduct & discipline

Players behave courteously and respectfully during any competition, whether taking part or not. Coaches, like players, must behave adequately; sanctions applied to them can be added to those of the players.

Match area

Players may not leave the area of play during a match, including the warm-up, without the umpire's authorisation. The area of play is the court and surrounding area.

Advice & instructions

Players and teams may receive advice and instructions from a properly accredited coach during team and doubles competitions, only during rest times.

Prize award

Players or teams in a final must participate in the prize giving at the end of the competition, unless they cannot due to verified injury, indisposition, or other reasonable cause.

Continuous play or delays

Once started, a match must be continuous. No player may delay it without reasonable cause beyond the times permitted in Rule 2.

Audible & visible obscenities

Audible obscenity means offensive words spoken loud enough to be heard by the umpire, spectators or organisers. Visible obscenities are signs or gestures with hands, rackets, balls or any other part of the body that have an obscene meaning or offend reasonable people.

Ball abuse

Players may not throw or hit the ball violently in any direction, out of the court, or at players on the other side of the net when not in play.

Racket or equipment abuse

Players may not throw or deliberately hit any part of the court, ground, net, umpire's chair, walls, metallic fence or any other facility element with their racket.

Verbal and physical abuse or aggression

Aggressive or unsportsmanlike behaviour towards the head umpire, umpire, opponents, companions, spectators or any person related to the tournament is treated with particular gravity. Verbal abuse includes insults and oral expressions that are contemptuous or belittling.

Best efforts

All players must try their best to win the match in which they are participating.

Unsportsmanlike conduct

Players must at all times behave in a sportsmanlike manner, avoiding any action against the sporting spirit, the competition, established norms or fair play.

Penalties / table of penalties

Infraction of the above during a match is sanctioned by the competition judge/umpire according to the Table of Penalties. Independently, the Competition Committee may report the situation for possible further disciplinary action.

• a) First infraction: Warning
• b) Second infraction: Warning with point loss
• c) Third infraction: Warning with disqualification

Note: Infractions of both players and even of the accredited coach are accumulated.

Direct disqualification

In case of a very serious infraction (grave physical or verbal aggression), the judge/umpire may immediately disqualify the player or coach who committed the fault. The disqualified player loses the match and may not continue in the competition. If an accredited technician, captain or another player in the competition is disqualified, they must withdraw from the tournament.