Line CallsTo continue with some more personal observations in pickleball etiquette and rules, I would like to talk about line calls. Who should make the call? What if you can't decide?
The rule of etiquette in pickleball is the same as other sports involving line calls. You and your partner call the game on your side of the net and your opponents call the game on their side. It is expected that every player will call the games honestly and fairly. As a player, you should never take your eye off the ball even when you partner is playing it. You may have the best advantage point to see the ball hit the court and make the out call. The person looking across the court at the sideline should defer to the person looking down the line when calling a ball in or out.
If neither partner saw the ball or can not make the call, then the ball is presumed in. "The benefit of the doubt always goes to the opponent". Partners can defer to opponents for help on the call but must accept the decision as final. If one partner calls the ball out and the other calls it in, then the ball is declared in and stands. Although in a friendly game players often agree to take a let serve when no one can make a definite decision, the official rules state that this is not legal and will not be sanctioned in a tournament.
Line calls should be made immediately either verbally or with some hand signal. If no call is made, the ball is presumed in and the game will continue. At no time should spectators call shots in our out, whether asked or not.
For the official breakdown of the rules on line calls Section 6 - Line Calls
by: Wayne Roswell Pickleball Promoter (P²)
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