Official Pickleball Referee Test

Welcome to the Referee Test!

This 2023 online Referee Test tests your knowledge of the USA Pickleball Official Tournament Rulebook, Casebook and the USA Pickleball officiating best practices and procedures contained in the 2023 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 100+ questions. The questions are shuffled at the beginning of each test, so no two tests are exactly the same. In addition, new questions are periodically 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. If you have a query about a particular question, please reference the question number (#000) in your email to TestAdmin@USAPickleball.org.

Good luck!

First Name

Last Name

Contact Phone

(#95) New in 2023.
"Am I good?" is a valid question that encapsulates both the correct server question and the correct position question.

A. Yes, and the referee should answer both questions.

B. No, the players can only ask correct server/receiver or position questions singularly.

(#36)
The server may start their service motion during the calling of the score. The server may NOT serve the ball until the score has been completely called.

A. True.

B. False.

(#101)
The paddle length cannot exceed 17 inches.

A. True.

B. False.

(#20)
Once the game has begun, except during time-outs, any communication between a player and any person not on the court, if determined by the referee to be coaching, shall result in either a verbal warning or technical warning to the offending player or team.

A. True.

B. False.

(#13)
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.

A. True.

B. False.

(#123)
You’ve announced “15 Seconds. Game 2. Time In”. One player is still walking to his side of the net when he realizes he has forgotten his water bottle and towel. He heads over to retrieve them from his opponent's end of the court and yells “Time Out Ref.” Should you grant the time out?

A. Yes.

B. No, players are not allowed to use a time out to delay the start of a game.

(#136)
Examples of a distraction may include, but are not limited to, which of the following?

A. Making loud noises.

B. Stomping your feet.

C. Waving your paddle in a distracting manner.

D. Interfering with the opponent’s concentration or ability to hit the ball.

E. All of the above.

(#159)
The server’s partner (A2) lines up at the NVZ for the serve. A2 volleys the third shot in the rally for a winner. In a non-officiated match, can the receiving team enforce a fault against Team A since they violated the two-bounce rule?

A. Yes.

B. No.

(#163) (New in 2023).
After the referee has called the score and before the ball is served, one of the receivers says “wait, wait” and the receivers switch their positions without saying anything else. Nothing occurred that would constitute a hinder. What should the referee do?

A. Call a fault on the receivers for stopping play.

B. Stop play, allow the receivers to become ready and re-call the score.

C. Ignore the receivers and continue the 10-second count.

10.

(#160) (New in 2023).
A heavy wind causes a ball to roll down the billowed side of the net before it bounces. Which of the following statements are correct?

A. Play should continue.

B. A hinder should be called and the rally replayed.

C. Neither A nor B are correct.

11.

(#74)
When a server uses the Drop Serve, the receiver may call for a replay if they did not see the release of the ball. The "call for a replay" must happen before the receiver returns the serve.

A. True.

B. False.

12.

(#24)
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.

A. True.

B. False.

13.

(#29)
In a match with a referee, after a rally has completed, a player notices that the ball is cracked and steps on it and crushes it. What should the referee do if they saw this happen?

A. Remind players that the referee needs to verify the ball was cracked.

B. Issue a fault on the player.

C. Issue a verbal warning or technical warning to the player.

D. Issue a technical foul to the player.

14.

(#11)
A serve landing on any service court line, except the non-volley zone line, should be considered in-play.

A. True

B. False

15.

(#69)
The instant after the ball is served, the server is allowed to step on the baseline or court.

A. True.

B. False.

16.

(#16)
When a time-out is called, the referee should advise all players to place their paddles on the court.

A. True.

B. False.

17.

(#9)
When using the Drop Serve, the release of the ball must be visible to the referee only.

A. True

B. False

18.

(#157)
In a match with passive line judges, what is the proper line call and appeal progression?

A. Player, line judge, second referee.

B. Player, lead referee, line judge.

C. Player, line judge, lead referee.

D. Line judge, player, lead referee.

19.

(#154)
A player may legally break the plane of the net to hit a ball only after the ball has bounced on that player’s side of the net and traveled back across the net plane to the opponent’s side.

A. True.

B. False.

20.

(#104)
In a 2 out of 3 match, Team A wins the first game 11-7. During game 2, Team A is losing 9-2 and elects to retire. What score(s) should be recorded on the scoresheet?

A. 7-11, 11-2, 11-0

B. 7-11, 11-0, 11-0

C. 11-0, 11-0

D. 11-7, 2-11, 0-11

21.

(#42)
Per the Officiating Handbook, when is a referee allowed to use "common sense" on judgments made during a match?

A. Never. Judgments should always be based on the rules alone.

B. Only to address situations not expressly covered by the rulebook or handbook.

C. For all judgment calls.

22.

(#10)
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.

A. True

B. False

23.

(#40)
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.

24.

(#57)
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.

A. True.

B. False.

25.

(#81)
It is a fault if a wheelchair player does not return the ball before it bounces 3 times. The first bounce must be in the court, but the locations of the remaining bounces are not specified.

A. True.

B. False.

26.

(#60)
In non-officiated play, the server's partner may call the score if the server is unable to call the score.

A. True.

B. False.

27.

(#103)
In a 2 out of 3 match, Team A wins the first game 11-7. During game 2, Team A is losing 9-2 and is assessed a rule-based forfeit. What score(s) should be recorded on the scoresheet?

A. 7-11, 11-2, 11-0

B. 7-11, 11-0, 11-0

C. 11-0, 11-0

D. 11-7, 2-11, 0-11

28.

(#78)
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.

A. True.

B. False.

29.

(#23)
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".

A. Only "A" is correct.

B. Only "B" is correct.

C. "A" and "B" are correct.

30.

(#39)
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.

A. True.

B. False.

31.

(#72)
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.

A. True.

B. False.

32.

(#143)
During scoresheet reconstruction, if a team’s last side out mark has been placed after a scoring box with an odd number, which player becomes the second server on that team’s next service rotation?

A. The banded player.

B. The non-banded player.

33.

(#137)
A server uses a volley serve to start the rally. His left shoe slides forward and makes contact with the baseline the instant his paddle makes contact with the ball questionably at his waist. What is the ruling?

A. Re-serve due to the questionable height of the ball.

B. Re-serve due to the foot touching the baseline.

C. Fault for the foot touching the baseline.

D. Fault for the questionable height of the ball.

34.

(#19)
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.

35.

(#5)
In a match with line judges, if the officiating team cannot make a line call, a replay shall be called.

A. True.

B. False.

36.

(#142)
During the pre-match briefing, Team A has won the toss and elected to serve. Which of the following options remains available for Team B?

A. Receive.

B. End.

C. Defer.

D. Both B and C.

37.

(#134)
A distraction is defined as any transient element or occurrence not caused by a player that adversely impacts play, not including permanent objects.

A. True.

B. False.

38.

(#166) (New in 2023).
An injured player requests a medical time-out. Medical personnel arrives and the referee starts the 15-minute period. Medical personnel determine it is necessary to provide treatment off court at another location in the venue. What should the referee do?

A. Not allow the injured player to be moved until the 15-minute period has expired.

B. Pause his timer, accompany the player and medical personnel to the new location and resume the timer when medical treatment resumes.

C. Declare a match forfeit since the player had to be removed from the court.

D. Call a referee time-out due to extenuating circumstances.

39.

(#124) (New in 2023).
Team B arrives at the court wearing yellow shirts, shorts and shoes. Team A comes to you saying Team B’s clothes are a distraction and asks that you make them change. What is your response?

A. No, that’s not my call.

B. That isn’t my call. I’ll call for the Tournament Director.

C. You ask Team B to change only their shirts.

40.

(#129)
With respect to foot faults, the rules apply similarly regarding placement of the back wheels of a wheelchair as they do for placement of feet of a standing player.

A. True.

B. False.

41.

(#162) (New in 2023).
A player requests a medical time-out and the referee summons the medical personnel. After several minutes, before medical personnel arrive, the player determines they can continue play. The referee determines that the player is safe to resume play and should do the following:

A. Consider the delay a Referee Time-out and resume play per Rule 10.A.5.

B. Charge the injured player with a medical time-out and resume play per Rule 10.A.5.

C. Charge the injured player with a standard time-out and resume play per Rule 10.A.5.

D. Assess a technical warning for delay of game.

42.

(#54)
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.

A. True.

B. False.

43.

(#32)
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.

A. True.

B. False.

44.

(#141)
According to the referee handbook, arguing excessively with an official, player, or spectator can warrant which of the following?

A. Verbal warning.

B. Technical warning.

C. Technical foul.

D. Either A or B.

45.

(#31)
Players may call faults on themselves or line calls to their disadvantage during or after the completion of a rally.

A. True.

B. False.

46.

(#21)
Any malfunction of a net system during play shall be considered a hinder.

A. True.

B. False.

47.

(#99) New in 2023.
The duration of an equipment time-out is:

A. 1-minute.

B. 2-minutes.

C. A reasonable duration.

48.

(#66)
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 believes 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?

A. Yes.

B. No.

49.

(#105)
At what point in time can a player/team withdraw from a match?

A. Prior to the Referee announcing time-in, 0-0.

B. Prior to the first serve.

C. Prior to tournament operations starting the bracket.

D. Answers A & C.

50.

(#150)
A tournament director may assess what penalty to a player or team who fails to comply with tournament or host facility rules while on the premises?

A. Match forfeit.

B. Expulsion.

C. Ejection.

D. None of the above.

51.

(#90)
Referees may eject or expel players for egregious behavior if the behavior happens during the match.

A. True.

B. False.

52.

(#67)
Players may overrule a referee's line call if it is to their own team's disadvantage.

A. True.

B. False.

53.

(#73)
When using the Drop Serve, the server may not impart any upward or downward force when the ball is released.

A. True.

B. False.

54.

(#46)
There is no rule preventing a server from using either style of serving (Volley or Drop Serve) at any point during a match. There is no rule stating that the server must give a notification when and if they switch serving styles.

A. True.

B. False.

55.

(#18)
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.

A. True.

B. False.

56.

(#128)
Because a player can become not ready up until the moment you begin calling the score, you should start your score call while looking at the receiver and move your eyes to the server as you call the score (in time to watch the service motion and foot placement).

A. True.

B. False.

57.

(#79)
When doubles partners disagree on a line call, (one calls the ball "out" and the other calls the ball 'in") either player may appeal to the referee for a ruling. The appeal to the referee can be made AFTER both players have made their line calls.

A. True.

B. False.

58.

(#115) (New in 2023).
If the referee stops a rally and incorrectly identifies a player/position error, the rally shall be replayed.

A. True.

B. False.

59.

(#158)
Team A and Team B are both at the NVZ line engaged in an intense firefight. Player A1 smashes a ball at player B1 with the ball sailing out of bounds. The ball did not hit player B1, but in their attempt to spin out of the way, their sunglasses fell off the top of their head and landed in the NVZ. This would result in a fault on Player B1 and Team A would win the rally.

A. True.

B. False.

60.

(#146)
In which of the following scenarios is it NOT okay for a player to stop a rally?

A. Before the return of serve to challenge a wrong score call.

B. Before the return of serve to challenge an incorrect server or position.

C. After the return of serve to challenge a wrong score call.

61.

(#4)
After game 1 has ended, Team A changes their starting server (and form of identification) but does not inform the referee or the opponents of the change. At the start of game 2, Team A serves the ball to start the game with the player wearing the form of identification. Should a fault be called?

A. Yes. Team A MUST give a notification about the starting server change.

B. No. It is not a fault just because Team A did not give a notification.

62.

(#132)
Can a referee call a fault before the serve occurs?

A. Yes.

B. No.

63.

(#75)
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?

A. Starting server ("Band") player.

B. Starting server's partner ("No-band") player.

64.

(#59)
When the Drop Serve is used, there is no rule stating the ball must be served before the second bounce.

A. True.

B. False.

65.

(#76)
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.

A. True.

B. False.

66.

(#112) (New in 2023).
The server’s hand that releases the ball on the serve must be bare (except for a Band-Aid).

A. True.

B. False.

67.

(#155)
In a mini-singles match with a score of 5-2, what court should the server and receiver be playing respectively?

A. Server = even court. Receiver = odd court. (Straight across)

B. Server = even court. Receiver = even court. (Diagonally)

C. Server = odd court. Receiver = even court. (Straight across)

D. Server = odd court. Receiver = odd court. (Diagonally)

68.

(#17)
During the mid-game, end change time-out, coaching is allowed.

A. True.

B. False.

69.

(#38) (New in 2023).
According to the Officiating Handbook, the Second Referee should immediately call NVZ faults, plane of the net faults, service foot faults, short serves, player safety issues, double bounce or player hit by the ball when observed.

A. True.

B. False.

70.

(#130) (New in 2023).
The rule that made spin serves illegal (4.A.5) states, “the server shall not impart manipulation or spin on the ball with any part of the body immediately prior to the serve.” This rule applies only to the volley serve since the rules already disallowed imparting upward or downward force on a drop serve.

A. True.

B. False.

71.

(#45) (New in 2023).
The referee will confirm and correct, if necessary, that all players are in the correct position and the correct server has the ball before calling the score.

A. True.

B. False.

72.

(#34)
At the beginning of the service motion, both feet must be behind the baseline and the imaginary extension of the baseline.

A. True.

B. False.

73.

(#147) (New in 2023).
After a point is removed or awarded for a technical foul, the player or team losing or awarded the point must move on their own to the correct position(s) that reflect their score.

A. True.

B. False.

74.

(#156)
In a dual-refereed match, a player can appeal directly to the second referee. If that referee saw the ball clearly, he can make a ruling.

A. True.

B. False.

75.

(#113)
In a doubles match a player hits a ball close to the opponent's sideline. After the ball bounces the opponent calls the ball "out" and the opponent's partner says "good shot". The referee is unable to make a call upon appeal. Which of the following statements is correct?

A, Doubt was created with the "good shot" call so the ball was in.

B. The "good shot" call is not a line call, so the "out" call stands.

C. Since the referee can't make a call, the rally should be replayed.

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.

Shop

search

SHOP

Referee Test