Official Pickleball Referee Test

Welcome to the Referee Test!

This 2022 online Referee Test is Phase I of the USA Pickleball Referee Training/Certification program. It tests your knowledge of the USA Pickleball/IFP Official Tournament Rulebook and the USA Pickleball officiating best practice procedures contained in the 2022 Officiating Handbook. It is recommended that you study these training materials prior to taking the test. As a prerequisite for the Referee Certification program, you must achieve a passing score of 90% or better on this test.

The test consists of 75 questions with a 60-minute time limit. The 75 questions are drawn from a pool of 145+ questions. The questions are shuffled at the beginning of each test, so no two tests are exactly the same. In addition, new questions are frequently added.

Pick a time to take the quiz when you can complete all the questions without interruption because the test will automatically close after 60 minutes. The test will also close when you click the "Submit" button at the end of the test, so answer all questions before submitting.

Upon completion, your score will be displayed along with your answers and the correct answer for each question you answered incorrectly. You will also receive a follow-up email showing your test score.

Good luck!

First Name

Last Name

Contact Phone

USA Pickleball Member #

(#31)
Any decision or ruling by a referee, including a judgment call, may be appealed by a player to the head referee or tournament director.

True

False

(#9)
"Let" serve replays have been removed. If the referee calls a "let" on the serve, it is a referee error and a replay shall be called.

True

False

(#4)
Any player may indicate "Not Ready" prior to the start of the score being called.

True.

False.

(#10)
Players may start their service motion before the score has been called in it's entirety.

True

False

(#22)
When a player faults by hitting the ball into their own side of the net and the ball does not cross over the net, when does the fault occur?

A. When the ball first touches the net

B. When the ball hits the ground

C. When the ball bounces twice on the ground

(#145)
In a match to 21, teams have 3 time-outs available.

True.

False.

(#70)
Your partner drops her paddle and it lands on the ground on the court but not in the non-volley zone. The opponent's then hit a ball that hits the paddle lying on the ground. The ball bounces up high and you then hit the ball over the net to keep the rally going. This is legal because the dropped paddle is considered part of the court and play continues.

True.

False.

(#6)
In a match with line judges, if the officiating team cannot make a line call, a replay shall be called.

True.

False.

(#57)
A player is hitting a two-handed stroke (where both hands are in contact with the paddle) when his right hand is hit by the ball below the wrist. The ball is still in play.

True

False

10.

(#44)
A player standing outside the non-volley zone (NVZ) volleys the ball, but begins to lose her balance. To prevent stepping into the NVZ, she jumps over the corner and into the out of bounds area, then touches a net post while the ball is still live. A fault should be called.

True.

False.

11.

(#73)
In non-officiated play, the server's partner may call the score if the server is unable to call the score.

True

False

12.

(#139)
In a non-officiated match, Team A believes Team B committed a fault (double bounce, double hit, ball touches player's body, etc) Team A can mention they believe Team B committed a fault, but the final decision on the fault resolution belongs to Team B. (Rule 13.D.1.b exceptions noted)

True

False

13.

(#150)
A player makes an "out" call but then asks her partner if he agrees with the call. The partner says he did not clearly see the ball land. Since the partner did not state that the ball was "in", this does not constitute "creating doubt" and the initial "out" call of the player will stand

True.

False.

14.

(#55) (NEW in 2022)
A server has a band-aid on their thumb and uses the thumb and band-aid to release the ball to perform the serve. The server imparts no spin on the release of the ball. This is not a fault.

True

False

15.

(#72)
When the Drop Serve is used, there is no rule stating the ball must be served before the second bounce.

True

False

16.

(#95)
Midway through game 2, the partners swing their paddles at the ball at the same time and one player's finger gets hit by his partner's paddle and is injured. After a fifteen-minute medical time-out, the injured player says he believe he can still play. The ref calls time-in and calls the score. The injured player then uses one of their time-outs. Should the referee allow the time-out?

Yes.

No.

17.

(#123)
Player A volleys a ball that hits the top of the net and then falls over and hits the horizontal bar. Just before the ball hits the horizontal bar, the opponent, Player Z, crosses the plane of the net. The referee should call a fault on Player Z since the crossing of the plane occurred before the ball hit the horizontal bar.

True

False

18.

(#46)
A ball is hit at an angle, bounces in the court, and travels beyond the sidelines. The receiver manages to return the ball, hitting a low shot (below net level) around and outside the post into the opponent’s court. This is a legal hit and the ball remains in play.

True.

False.

19.

(#58)
The incorrect receiver is set and ready to receive serve. Immediately after the serve is hit, the correct receiver runs over and returns the serve after it has bounced. This is a fault because the incorrect receiver was in the receiver position at the time the serve occurred.

True

False

20.

(#18)
To be considered legal, a serve must be made so that contact with the ball is not made above waist level, the arm must be moving in an upward arc and the paddle head must not be higher than the server's wrist when it strikes the ball. (Drop Serve exception noted)

True.

False.

21.

(#53) (NEW in 2022)
After the serve, any player who stops play for a wrong score call will have committed a fault.

True.

False.

22.

(#118)
After game 1, Team A commits a technical foul. Team A will serve first for game 2 with a score of "0-1-2". Which player on Team B should receive serve?

Starting server ("Band") player.

Starting servers partner ("No-band") player.

23.

(#60)
If a player makes an initial "out" line call and then (out of good sportsmanship) asks for the opponent's opinion, which of the following are true? (Assume no referee overrule)

A. Opponent's clear "out" call will stand.

B. Opponent's clear "in" call will stand.

C. If opponent can't make a clear call, the player's initial "out" call will stand.

D. All of the above.

24.

(#71) (NEW in 2022)
When performing the volley serve, the server turns their back to the referee and hides the release of the ball before performing the serve. The referee shall call a fault on the deliberate hiding of the ball.

True

False.

25.

(#100)
Players may overrule a referee's line call if it is to their own team's disadvantage.

True

False

26.

(#128)
When the Drop Serve is used, after the ball bounces, the server must contact the ball before it ascends higher than waist level.

True

False

27.

(#109)
When using the Drop Serve, the server may not impart any upward or downward force when the ball is released.

True

False

28.

(#120)
When a player uses the Drop Serve, when the ball is released, there is no rule stating that the server's feet must be behind the baseline. Rules for feet placement are applied the instant the ball is struck to perform the serve.

True.

False.

29.

(#36) (NEW in 2022)
The definition of a verbal warning is: A referee’s warning of a behavioral violation. A single verbal warning may be issued to each team once per match.

True

False

30.

(#48)
Per the rulebook, in doubles play when making a line call, which of the following phrases confirm that doubt exists?

A. Player says "out" and partner says "in".

B. Player says "out" and partner says "I'm not sure."

C. Player says "out" and partner says, "I don't know."

D. All of the above.

31.

(#138) After a match has ended, if an incorrect server or incorrect server position is discovered, the error may be corrected until what point in time?

(#138)
After a match has ended, if an incorrect server or incorrect server position is discovered, the error may be corrected until what point in time?

A. Before the scoresheet is signed.

B. Before all players leave the court.

C. Before the referee leaves the court.

D. Before the scoresheet is returned to the tournament operations desk.

32.

(#52)
After the score is called, if the serving team changes service courts, the referee shall stop play and allow all players to reposition. If the server serves before the referee starts to recall the score, a fault should not be called.

True

False

33.

(#119)
Other than on the serve, if a ball goes over the net and bounces on the court and then hits the center base, horizontal bar, or gets caught between the net and horizontal bar, a replay shall be called.

True

False

34.

(#25)
During the serve, when the ball is struck, the server's feet shall not touch the area outside the imaginary extension of the sideline or the centerline, or touch the court, including the baseline.

True.

False.

35.

(#13)
A serve landing on any service court line, except the non-volley zone line, should be considered in-play and must be returned by the receiving team.

True

False

36.

(#75)
After the rally has ended, if a line judge shows the blocked signal, the referee may immediately make a call if they clearly saw the ball land. The referee must wait for a player appeal before the remaining line judges may be asked to make a call.

True.

False.

37.

(#39) (NEW in 2022)
The words "third shot" are no longer in the rulebook and an actual "third shot" has no bearing on any wrong score call by the referee or player.

True.

False.

38.

(#80)
Other than non-volley zone violations, faults may only be committed when the ball is live and in-play.

True

False

39.

(#65)
After a rally has ended, the referee holds up her hand indicating that she is about to call the score. The server then serves the ball before the referee starts to call the score. This is a fault.

True.

False.

40.

(#69)
After game 1, Team A receives a technical foul. Team B will start serving game 2 with a score of "1-0-2". The starting server for Team B should start the game serving from the left-hand court.

True.

False.

41.

(#37)
The receiver or server's partner may stand anywhere on or off their team's side of the court.

True.

False.

42.

(#35)
Players may call faults on themselves or line calls to their disadvantage during or after the completion of a rally.

True.

False.

43.

(#54)
When the wrong receiver is setup to return the serve, the referee shall call an illegal receiver fault when the ball is served.

True.

False.

44.

(#59)
Players are responsible for line calls on their side of the net. If the opponents hit a ball close to a line, the player or team that is supposed to make the line call may appeal to the referee without first making a call. Once they appeal to the referee, they lose the right to make any subsequent "in" or "out" call for that rally.

True

False

45.

(#27)
If you do not make an initial line call and then ask your opponent's opinion if a ball was “in” or “out,” you must accept their opinion. Once you ask the opponent's opinion, you lose any right to make a subsequent "in" or "out" call for that rally.

True

False

46.

(#2)
If a served ball touches the net and then hits the receiver's partner, who is clearly standing outside of receiver's service area, what is the call?

A. Replay.

B. Fault on the server.

C. Serving team wins the point.

47.

(#15)
If a served ball hits the net and lands on the non-volley zone line, it is considered a "Let" and a replay will be called.

True.

False.

48.

(#66)
Per the Officiating Handbook, which statements are true?
1. A referee should refrain from making derogatory comments about players on social media.
2. A referee should refrain from making complimentary comments about players on social media.

A. 1 is True; 2 is False

B. Both statements are False.

C. Both statements are True.

49.

(#43)
A player is allowed to reach under the net to play a ball that has bounced back over the net. Which of the following are true?

A. The ball must have crossed back over the plane of the net before the player can cross the plane.

B. The hitting player may not touch the opponent's court or the net system while the ball is still live.

C. If the player does not touch the ball, the team that hit the ball wins the rally.

D. All of the above.

50.

(#64) (NEW in 2022)
The server spins the ball to perform the serve but lets the ball fall to the ground. The server picks up the ball and releases again and then performs the serve before the 10-second count expires. The referee should call a fault.

True

False

51.

(#108)
In a 2-out-of-3 match, if a team commits 2 technical warnings and a technical foul (listed in 13.G.2), the match shall be forfeited.

True.

False.

52.

(#14) (NEW in 2022)
A player using objectionable or demeaning language directed at another person shall incur a verbal warning, technical warning or a technical foul, depending upon the severity. Once a technical warning has been issued, the second offense will result in a technical foul.

True.

False.

53.

(#29)
Any ball that cannot be called "out" must be presumed to be "in."

True.

False.

54.

(#47)
The "silent" line judge option allows for players to make the initial line call and line judges only make calls when requested by the referee after an appeal by a player.

True.

False.

55.

(#12)
For all serves, at the time the ball is struck, the server's feet may not touch the court or outside the imaginary extension of the sideline or the centerline and both feet must be on the playing surface or ground behind the baseline.

True

False

56.

(#21)
The net posts (including connected wheels, net post legs, arms, or other support construction) are positioned out of bounds. It is a fault if a player contacts the net post while the ball is in play.

True.

False.

57.

(#62)
In a 2-out-of-3 match, the starting server will always begin the game serving from the right-hand court.

True

False

58.

(#91)
A player standing behind the non-volley zone line stretches low to return the ball before it bounces. After starting her swing, her paddle scrapes the NVZ court surface just before making contact with the ball. This is a fault because the paddle touched the non-volley zone during the swing.

True

False

59.

(#68)
The rules allow for a "game forfeit" under certain conditions. In a 2-out-of-3 match, if a player takes a valid medical time-out and cannot continue play after the time limit has ended, a game forfeit shall be declared.

True.

False.

60.

(#3)
The event-provided starting server form of identification must be worn:

A. Where it is clearly visible to the referee and the players.

B. On the paddle hand.

C. On the non-paddle hand.

D. On the shoe.

61.

(#8)
A ball in play that contacts a permanent object after it has bounced on the opponent's court will result in a dead ball and the player who hit the ball shall win the rally.

True

False

62.

(#63)
Players may overrule line calls to their own disadvantage. This includes the overrule of the opponent, line judges, and even their partner. This includes an overrule of a referee's clear "in" or "out" call.

True

False

63.

(#26)
A. If one player calls the ball "out" and the partner calls the ball "in", the ball shall be considered "in".
B. There is no written rule stating if one player calls the ball "out" and the partner says, "I'm not sure", "I don't know", etc., the ball shall be considered "in".

Only "A" is correct.

Only "B" is correct.

"A" and "B" are correct.

64.

(#74) (NEW in 2022)
The incorrect server is set to serve. The receiver asks the referee, "Isn't she the wrong server?". The referee confirms that the server is incorrect. The serving team changes servers to avoid a fault. The referee should warn the receiver against asking correct server or server position questions.

True

False

65.

(#7)
When a player commits a technical foul, one point shall always be deducted from the offending player's score.

True

False

66.

(#107)
It is a fault if a player, while in the act of volleying, collides with their partner, and the momentum created as a result of the volley, causes the partner to enter into the non-volley zone.

True

False

67.

(#142)
A player steps into the non-volley zone with her left foot and then jumps off the ground to hit a volley. Her right foot then lands outside the NVZ, but her left foot is still in the air when she volleys. This is a legal volley because only the foot that touches the NVZ is required to reestablish outside the zone before the volley strike.

True

False

68.

(#40)
At the beginning of the service motion, both feet must be behind the baseline and the imaginary extension of the baseline.

True

False

69.

(#38) (NEW in 2022)
Which of the following are true regarding when a player may challenge an incorrectly called score and not incur a penalty?

A. Before the serve.

B. After the rally has completed

C. All of the above.

70.

(#146)
When using the Dual Referee Option (2 Ref System) if the lead referee cannot clearly make a line call, they should always solicit the opinion of the 2nd referee.

True.

False.

71.

(#30)
In a 2-out-of-3 match, a referee may impose a game forfeit when a player fails to report to play 10 minutes after the match has been called. A match forfeit shall be imposed when a player fails to report to play 15 minutes after the match has been called.

True

False

72.

(#88)
A referee shall call a fault if a player calls "time-out" after the service motion has started but before the serve occurs.

True

False

73.

(#101)
After the rally has ended, if a line judge shows the blocked signal, the referee may immediately make a call. The referee may also canvass the remaining line judges to help make the call. The referee does not have to wait on a player's appeal to canvass the remaining line judges.

True

False

74.

(#104)
The instant after the ball is served, the server is allowed to step on the baseline or court.

True

False

75.

(#33)
Players may not use time-outs or a medical time-out to delay the start of a match. A match cannot begin until all players are present. After the match has started ("Game 1, time-in, 0-0-2") time-outs or a medical time-out may be taken.

True.

False.

You have come to the end of the Referee Test. If you would like to return to any questions to review your answers, please use the “Previous” buttons at the bottom of each page. If you are ready to submit the test, please click the “Submit” button below.

Time is Up!

Time's up

Shop

search

SHOP

Referee Test