Referee Test

Welcome to the Referee Test!

This 2020 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 Referee Handbook and Line Judge Guide. 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 140+ 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 2020" notation, this refers to either a new rule being added, or that an existing rule was revised

Good luck!

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1. (#139)
In a match with a referee and no line judges, if a team makes a line call, the referee cannot overrule the call without an appeal.

True

False

2. (#32)
Appeals to the referee regarding judgment calls (e.g., double bounce, double hits) will be decided by the referee. The referee may consult line judges or players to decide the outcome of the appeal.

True

False

3. (#141)
An athletic player runs fast toward the net and jumps to hit a volley on his side of the net. The jumping player goes over the net after hitting the ball and lands in the opponent's court. If the ball was dead before the jumping player landed in the opponent's court, which statement is true?

A. No fault if the ball was dead before he landed

B. Always a fault when touching the court of the opponent

4. (#131)
A wheelchair server, from a stationary position, is allowed one push before striking the ball.

True

False

5. (#53)
You call the score and the server serves. The ball lands cleanly in the service court, but the receiver catches it and questions the score you called. You look at the scoresheet and realize the receiver is correct -- you called an incorrect score. The server argues that their team should be awarded a point because the receiver failed to return the ball. What do you do?

A. Award a point to the serving team because the receiver did not return the ball

B. Call a fault against the receiver because they caught the ball

C. Declare a replay due to referee error

6. (#42)
The correct receiver is the only player who may return a served ball. If the incorrect receiver returns the ball, it is a point for the serving team.

True

False

7. (#10) (NEW in 2020)
The 2019 Rule 4.M.3, which stated it was a fault if the server missed the ball when trying to hit it, has been removed from the 2020 rulebook.

True

False

8. (#106)
During a rally, a player jumps across the non-volley zone (NVZ) to get closer to the net for an attempted volley, but never makes contact with the NVZ. In doing so, the player's leg crosses the plane of the net before the player strikes the ball. The referee should?

A. Not call a fault because the player never made contact with the ball

B. Call a fault because the player crossed the plane of the net before contacting the ball

C. Not call a fault as long as the player does not touch the court of the opponent or net system

D. Call a fault because the player must establish both feet outside of the non-volley zone before crossing the plane of the net

9. (#111)
If a line judge makes a line call, the referee may immediately overrule the call without an appeal from any player.

True

False

10. (#119)
A 2nd technical warning for any offense equates to a technical foul. A point shall be awarded to the non-offending player or team.

True

False

11. (#110)
The referee calls the correct score. The server starts wiping her glasses and does not start her service motion. The server's partner asks, "Is she the correct server?"
The server's partner did not commit a fault by asking the referee about the correct server.

True

False

12. (#20)
A team may use one or both of its time-outs to delay the start of a match until the absent partner arrives.

True

False

13. (#99) (NEW in 2020)
After a ball bounces in a player's court, if the ball hits the horizontal bar on a temporary net system, a replay shall be called.

True

False

14. (#5) (NEW in 2020)
After game 1 has ended, Team A changes their starting server but does not change the form of identification (band) and does not inform the referee or the opponents. At the start of game 2, Team A is set to receive serve with the incorrect receiver. When should the referee call a fault?

A. Never because it is not defined in the rules

B. After the referee starts game 2 by calling the score

C. After the server serves the ball

D. After the offending receiver returns the serve

15. (#59) (NEW in 2020)
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 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

16. (#56)
A player's shoe comes off during a rally. At end of the rally, the player hurries to put their shoe back on while the partner and the opponents wait patiently. The player should be required to use a time-out.

True

False

17. (#40) (NEW in 2020)
It is a fault if any player on the serving team asks if they are in the correct position before the start of the service motion.

True

False

18. (#23) (NEW in 2020)
A ball can be hit twice but only during an unintentional, continuous, single-direction stroke, by one player. If the stroke is not continuous, not single-direction, or the ball is struck by a second player, it is a fault.

True

False

19. (#115)
When a time-out has been called, a referee should NOT request players to place their paddles of the ground. This is considered coaching.

True

False

20. (#2)
The event-provided starting server form of identification must be worn:

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

B. Only the wrist of the player

C. Anywhere the player desires

D. Only on the non-paddle hand of the player

21. (#132)
Which of the following is true about a distraction during play.

A. The referee may immediately call a distraction fault during the rally

B. After the rally has ended, players may appeal to the referee about a possible opponent distraction

C. A fault, not a technical warning/foul, is issued for a distraction penalty

D. All the above

22. (#120)
In games to 21, the change of ends will occur at:

A. 6 points

B. 11 points

C. 12 points

D. 15 points

23. (#68)
A medical time-out can last up to how long?

A. 5 minutes

B. 1 minute, just like a normal time-out

C. 10 minutes

D. 15 minutes

24. (#97)
If you fail to recognize an incorrect server or receiver, following the rally, if the line judge brings it to your attention, what should you do?

A. Thank the line judge; if you recognize the line judge is correct, call the violation immediately

B. Tell the line judge that it is now too late to correct the error since the rally is completed

C. Notate the error on the back of the scoresheet for later reference

25. (#113)
After the referee has called the score and the server has started their service motion, any player asking to confirm the score will have committed a fault.

True

False

26. (#57)
Player A volleys a ball from just behind the non-volley zone line. During the follow through, their paddle strikes their partner’s shoulder, causing the partner to fall into the non-volley zone. This is a fault.

True

False

27. (#65) (NEW in 2020)
Hitting the ball into the player's side of the net without the ball crossing over to the opponent's side is a fault. The fault occurs the moment the ball hits the ground.

True

False

28. (#103)
It is a fault if any player asks the referee to confirm the score after the score has been called and the server has started their service motion. (The referee called the score correctly)

True

False

29. (#109)
If a player has been issued a technical foul for intentionally throwing their paddle, a subsequent technical warning issued for profanity will result in a match forfeiture.

True

False

30. (#67)
A player twists his ankle in game 1 of a best-of-three-games match and takes a medical time-out. He is ready to play after eight minutes, and play resumes. Later, in game three of the same match, he scrapes his knee and requests a second medical time-out. What should the referee do?

A. Deny the request since only one injury time-out is allowed per player per match

B. Allow him seven minutes of injury time since he has already used eight of her allowed fifteen minutes

C. Allow another medical time-out since this is a new game

D. Allow another medical time-out since this is a different injury from the previous one

31. (#8) (NEW in 2020)
A ball in play that contacts a permanent object after it has bounced on the court will result in a dead ball and the player who hit the ball shall win the rally.

True

False

32. (#76)
A hinder is any element or occurrence outside of the player's control that adversely impacts play, such as a stray ball that enters the court or people who disrupt play by walking across the court or playing area.

True

False

33. (#22)(New in 2020)
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

34. (#31)
The referee is responsible for all decisions related to procedural and judgment calls during the match. If the players make a line call and there is a disputed line call, the players may request that the referee determine the outcome of the line call. If the referee cannot make a clear line call, the player's call stands. If doubles partners disagree (one says "in" and partner says "out") and appeal to the referee, if the referee cannot make a clear call, the ball will be declared "in".

True

False

35. (#52) (NEW in 2020)
After the score is called, if the serving team changes service courts causing the receiving team to be out of position, the receiving team shall be allowed time to reposition. The score will be re-called and a new 10-second count will begin.

True

False

36. (#69)
Technical fouls can be awarded in between games of a match.

True

False

37. (#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

38. (#33) (NEW in 2020)
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 player may not touch the net system or opponent's court while the ball is still in play

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

D. All of the above

39. (#98)
After an end switch, 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

C. Call the score to start the 10-second count

40. (#34)
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 in play.

A. This is a fault because the non-volley zone line projects vertically and she violated this projected line

B. This is not a fault because she did not violate the non-volley zone

C. This is a fault because a player cannot touch the net or net post while the ball is in play

D. This is not a fault because the net post is out of bounds

41. (#43)
If anything a player is wearing or carrying lands on the court, it becomes part of the court. Therefore:

A. If a ball in play hits the item on the court, the ball remains in play

B. If the item lands on the court of the opponent, it is a fault

C. If the item lands in the non-volley zone as a result of a volley, it is a fault

D. All of the above

42. (#130)
A wheelchair player may volley a ball in the non-volley zone if the smaller, front wheels only are touching the non-volley zone.

True

False

43. (#50) (NEW in 2020)
The definition of "Live Ball/In Play" is - The point in time when the referee starts to call the score.

True

False

44. (#17)
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 and a point will be awarded to the opponent.

True

False

45. (#108)
The referee shall issue a technical warning if a player makes a threat, of any nature, to any person.

True. Threats dictate a Technical Warning

False. Threats automatically dictate a Technical Foul

46. (#60)
The ball sails past the receiving team and neither player saw the ball land, so they are unable to make the call. They may appeal to the referee for a ruling without first making a call.

True

False

47. (#3) (NEW in 2020)
Any player may indicate "Not Ready" prior to the start of the score being called.

True

False

48. (#78)
When an incorrect server or player position is discovered after a rally, the offending team can be faulted until the next serve occurs.

True

False

49. (#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

50. (#136)
The serve is defined as: The initial strike of the ball to start the rally.

True

False

51. (#137)
When a player/team receives their first technical warning, it shall not result in a loss of rally or point awarded and shall be accompanied by a brief explanation of the reason for the warning. Also, the called technical warning shall have no effect on service change or side out.

True

False

52. (#54) (NEW in 2020)
If a point is awarded to the serving team between games due to a technical foul, the starting server begins the serve from the left/odd side of the court with a score of 1-0-2.

True

False

53. (#138) (NEW in 2020)
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 that the ball was cracked

B. Issue a fault on the player

C. Issue a technical warning to the player

D. Issue a technical foul to the player

54. (#47)
If a player or team is out of time-outs and the referee determines that an equipment change or adjustment is necessary for fair and safe continuation of the match, the referee may:

A. Award an equipment time-out not to exceed 1 minute

B. Award an equipment time-out not to exceed 2 minutes

C. Award an equipment time-out not to exceed 15 minutes

D. Do nothing as the team is out of time-outs

55. (#117)
If the referee overrules an “out” call as “in,” the team that made the out call loses the rally. However, if the "out" call was made by a line judge, the rally will be replayed if a player was likely to hit the ball when the “out” call was made.

True

False

56. (#77)
A player may step on the non-volley zone line or enter the non-volley zone at any time except when that player is in the act of volleying the ball. There is no violation if your partner is standing in the non-volley zone. A player may enter the non-volley zone before or after returning a ball that bounced.

True

False

57. (#9)
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

58. (#135)
The referee should not call an incorrect server, incorrect position, or incorrect receiver fault, until after the ball is struck by the offending player.

True

False

59. (#73)
After the score is called by the referee, the server is required to wait for the receiver to be ready.

True

False

60. (#128)
During the serve, the player must release the ball before paddle contact.

True

False

61. (#46) (NEW in 2020)
Even if all players in a match agree and request to remove a referee, the Tournament Director retains final discretionary authority on whether to remove the referee.

True

False

62. (#26)
If a player receives 3 technical warnings during a match, the referee shall impose a forfeiture of the match.

True

False

63. (#45)
When net systems have a horizontal bar that may include a center base:

A. If the ball hits the horizontal bar or the center base before going over the net, it is a fault

B. Except on the serve, if the ball goes over the net and hits the horizontal bar or center base, a replay shall be called

C. Both A and B are correct

64. (#71)
A team calls a time-out, puts their paddles on the court and walk towards their water bottles. You glance at the scoresheet and confirm that they have no time-outs remaining (you had advised them of that earlier). What should you do?

A. Issue a technical warning for delay of game

B. Inform the team they have no time-outs left and promptly resume play

C. Issue a technical foul for delay of game

65. (#74) (NEW in 2020)
After the start of the score being called, a "Not Ready" signal will be ignored. This means a player showing a Not Ready signal after the score has started to be called, will neither be honored nor punished.

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. (#118) (NEW in 2020)
After game 1, Team A receives a technical foul and a point is awarded to Team B. At the start of game 2, Team B is receiving serve. Team B's starting server's partner would receive serve from the right/even court with a score of "0-1-2".

True

False

68. (#35)
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.

A. This is a legal hit and the ball remains in play

B. The ball traveled outside the post so is not a valid hit

C. The ball traveled below the height of the net and is not a valid hit

D. Both B and C above

69. (#63) (NEW in 2020)
In sanctioned play without a referee, a player is allowed to call service foot faults (as well as NVZ faults) on the opponent. If the opponent disagrees with the fault call, then a replay shall be called.

True

False

70. (#86)
A player hits a sharp cross-court shot that bounces in the opponent's non-volley zone. The ball then travels beyond the court and hits a net post leg (a permanent object) before the opponents can make a play on the ball. Which statement is true?

A. This is a replay; same as hitting the horizontal bar after going over the net

B. This is a fault against the team that hit the ball

C. The team that hit the ball wins the rally

71. (#14)
When time-out is called the referee should:

A. State the score and move to center court

B. Advise both teams when 15 seconds remain and return to the referee position

C. Mark the score in the appropriate time-out box on the scoresheet

D. Advise players to place paddles on the court

E. Answers A, B and C are correct

72. (#129)
The 2nd bounce for a wheelchair player can be outside the court boundaries.

True.

False.

73. (#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

74. (#19)
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

75. (#11) (NEW in 2020)
To be considered legal, a serve must be made so that contact with the ball is not made above waist level (the navel), 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.

True

False

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Referee Test