Referee Test

Welcome to the Referee Test!

This 2021 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 2021 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.

Note: If a test question has a "NEW in 2021" notation, this refers to either a new rule being added, or that an existing rule was revised

Good luck!

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1. (#28) (NEW in 2021)
When a player aggressively or recklessly throws their paddle in anger or frustration, depending on the level of severity, either a technical foul or match forfeit may be given to the offender.

True

False

2. (#148) (NEW in 2021)
The referee calls an incorrect score. The server serves, receiver returns the serve and the server hits the third shot. Immediately after hitting the third shot, the server raises and waves his hand (effectively stopping play) and yells, "Hey you called the wrong score!" as the receiving team is about the play the ball. In this situation, the referee could call a fault on the serving team for stopping play after the third shot had occurred.

True.

False.

3. (#131) (NEW in 2021)
When using the Dual Referee Option (2 Ref System), which of the following statements are true?

A. Both referees watch both non-volley zones at all times.

B. Each referee should not be assigned to watch a particular non-volley zone.

C. The 2nd referee should immediately call any NVZ or plane of the net violation when it occurs.

D. The 2nd referee should also immediately call service foot faults and short serve violation.

E. Lead ref will focus on server's motion/release, 2nd ref will focus on server's feet.

F. All of the above.

4. (#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.

5. (#105) (NEW in 2021)
In 2-out-of-3 matches, 3 technical warnings ("3 strikes") equates to a game forfeit. In a single game to 15, the game forfeit is the same as the match forfeit.

True

False

6. (#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.

7. (#42) (NEW in 2021)
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.

True

False

8. (#149) (NEW in 2021)
The referee calls the incorrect score. The server serves the ball long which lands outside the court. The receiver then states that the referee had called the wrong score. Even though the receiving team won the rally, the incorrect score call challenge shall dictate a replay from the referee.

True.

False.

9. (#109) (NEW in 2021)
When using the Drop Serve, the server may not impart any upward or downward force when the ball is released.

True

False

10. (#16) (NEW in 2021)
After the score has been called, but before the serve occurs, any player on the serving team may ask the referee for the score, correct server, or correct position. Any player on the receiving team may ask the referee for the score, correct receiver, or correct position.

True

False

11. (#104)
The instant after the ball is served, the server is allowed to step on the baseline or court.

True

False

12. (#63) (NEW in 2021)
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

13. (#41)
If a player receives 3 technical warnings during a match, the referee shall always impose a forfeiture of the match.

True.

False.

14. (#55) (NEW in 2021)
The serve hits the net and lands in the correct receiver's court. The receiver returns the ball and the receiver's partner (out of habit) yells "Let" just as the server is about to hit the third shot. The referee notices that when "Let" was yelled, the server flinched just before he hit the third, which went into the net. What should the referee do if the referee determines that the server was distracted when the opponent yelled "Let"?

A. Call for a replay.

B. Let the rally stand.

C. Call a distraction fault on the receiving team.

15. (#6) (NEW in 2021)
In a match with line judges, if the officiating team cannot make a line call, a replay shall be called. The 2020 section stating "unless all players agree that the ball was "out" has been removed.

True.

False.

16. (#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.

17. (#79) (NEW in 2021)
Referees shall call illegal carry faults immediately.

True.

False.

18. (#64)
If an on court situation is covered by the rulebook or handbook, the referee may choose to grant a replay as long as ALL PLAYERS agree to the replay.

True.

False.

19. (#62)
In a 2-out-of-3 match, the starting server will always begin the game serving from the right-hand court.

True.

False.

20. (#72) (NEW in 2021)
When the Drop Serve is used, there is no rule stating the ball must be served before the second bounce.

True

False

21. (#143)
Per the referee handbook, would a father be allowed to referee a match with his sons as players?

A. Never. You cannot referee a family member

B. Yes, but only if no other referees are available

C. Yes, if the sons were on opposite teams

D. Yes if the sons were playing in different skill brackets

22. (#51) (NEW in 2021)
When the referee calls the score, the 10-second count begins. If the server asks if they are the correct server, the referee should stop play, answer the question and recall the score and begin a new 10-second count.

True

False

23. (#12) (NEW in 2021)
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

24. (#80) (NEW in 2021)
Other than non-volley zone violations, faults may only be committed when the ball is live and in-play.

True

False

25. (#34)
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?

When the ball hit the net.

When the ball lands on the ground.

26. (#67)
A referee may issue an immediate Technical Foul for Extreme Coaching.

True.

False.

27. (#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.

28. (#100) (NEW in 2021)
Players may overrule a referee's line call if it is to their own team's disadvantage.

True

False

29. (#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.

30. (#75) (NEW in 2021)
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.

31. (#9) (NEW in 2021)
"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

32. (#101) (NEW in 2021)
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

33. (#20) (NEW in 2021)
During the mid-game, end change time-out, coaching is allowed.

True

False

34. (#61)
During a rally, Player A's hat flies off his head and is headed toward the ground. Which statement below is false?

A. If a ball in play hits the hat while it is on the ground on Player A's side, the rally is still live.

B. If the hat lands in Player A's NVZ as a result of a volley, it is a fault even if the rally has ended.

C. If the hat lands in the opponent's NVZ as a result of Player A's volley, it is a fault even if the hat lands after the ball was dead.

D. If the hat touches the net while the ball is in play, it is a fault.

35. (#145)
In a match to 21, teams have 3 time-outs available.

True.

False.

36. (#98) (NEW in 2021)
After an end change time-out when the 60-second time limit has expired, the referee should:

A. Announce Time-in and call the score to start the 10-second count

B. Announce Resume Play, call the score to start the 10-second count

37. (#132)
A referee may immediately call a distraction fault on a player during a rally. The 2020 rule 11.J.1 which allowed players to appeal a possible opponent's distraction has been removed for 2021.

True.

False.

38. (#7) (NEW in 2021)
When a player commits a technical foul, one point shall always be deducted from the offending player's score.

True

False

39. (#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

40. (#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.

41. (#45)
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 after the ball was dead. A fault should be called.

True.

False.

42. (#73) (NEW in 2021)
In non-officiated play, the server's partner may call the score if the server is unable to call the score.

True

False

43. (#11) (NEW in 2021)
When using the provisional Drop Serve, the release of the ball must be visible to the referee only.

True

False

44. (#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.

45. (#37)
The receiver or server's partner may stand anywhere on or off their team's side of the court.

True.

False.

46. (#32)
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?

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

Issue a fault on the player.

Issue a technical warning to the player.

Issue a technical foul to the player.

47. (#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.

48. (#56) (NEW in 2021)
There is no rule preventing a server from using either style of serving (regular 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.

True

False

49. (#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.

50. (#120) (NEW in 2021)
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.

True.

False.

51. (#30) (NEW in 2021)
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 may be imposed when a player fails to report to play 15 minutes after the match has been called.

True

False

52. (#146) (NEW in 2021)
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.

53. (#38) (NEW in 2021)
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. Before the return of serve.

C. Before the third shot.

D. All of the above.

54. (#102) (NEW in 2021)
After the score has been called, it is always a fault if a player deliberately carries the ball on their paddle.

True

False

55. (#23)
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 a technical warning to the offending player or team and a verbal warning to spectators. If the communication occurs a second time, it shall result in a technical foul.

True.

False.

56. (#19)
When a time-out is called, the referee should advise all players to place their paddles on the court.

True.

False.

57. (#103) (NEW in 2021)
In a match without line judges, if a player appeals a line call to the referee, if the referee is unable to make the call, the original call will stand. If one player suggests and all players agree, the referee shall call for a replay.

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. (#126)
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.

True

False

60. (#40) (NEW in 2021)
At the beginning of the service motion, both feet must be behind the baseline and the imaginary extension of the baseline.

True

False

61. (#119) (NEW in 2021)
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

62. (#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 server's partner ("No-band") player.

63. (#17)
It is not a fault if the server misses the ball when trying to serve as long as the serve occurs before the 10-second count expires.

True.

False.

64. (#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

65. (#134) (NEW in 2021)
When a rally is over, a player may appeal an opponent's line call to the referee until what point in time?

A. Before the next serve occurs

B. Before the complete score is called to start the next rally

C. Before the server starts their service motion

D. After the next serve occurs, but before the return of serve

66. (#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.

67. (#14)
A player using objectionable or demeaning language directed at another person shall incur a 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.

68. (#69) (NEW in 2021)
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.

69. (#29)
Any ball that cannot be called "out" must be presumed to be "in."

True.

False.

70. (#108) (NEW in 2021)
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.

71. (#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.

72. (#10) (NEW in 2021)
Players may start their service motion before the score has been called in it's entirety.

True

False

73. (#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

74. (#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.

75. (#49) (NEW in 2021)
In a high-profile singles gold medal match, the referee determines the receiver should be ready and calls the score to begin the 10-second count. The receiver asks the referee to confirm the score, which the referee does. The referee should stop play, answer the question and recall the score.

True.

False.

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Referee Test