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!

First Name

Last Name

Contact Phone

USA Pickleball Member #

1. (#36) (NEW in 2021)
A verbal warning for profanity may be given to all players at the same time. A verbal warning is not required to be given if the referee deems the action(s) dictate a technical warning or technical foul be immediately assessed.

True

False

2. (#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

3. (#128) (NEW in 2021)
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

4. (#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

5. (#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

6. (#113) (NEW in 2021)
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.

True

False

7. (#151) (NEW in 2021)
After the score call, the server spins the ball on the paddle face to begin the serve. The server catches the ball and tries the spin again. There is no rule preventing the server from restarting their serve routine as long as the serve occurs before the 10-second count expires.

True.

False.

8. (#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.

9. (#129) (NEW in 2021)
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 location of the remaining bounces are not specified.

True.

False.

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

True

False

11. (#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

12. (#53) (NEW in 2021)
The referee calls the incorrect score. The server serves, the receiver returns, and the server's partner swings but completely misses the third shot attempt. Since there was no actual third shot that occurred, players may challenge the incorrectly called score up until the next serve occurs without incurring a penalty.

True.

Fales.

13. (#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

14. (#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.

15. (#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 wrong score challenge fault on the serving team.

True.

False.

16. (#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

17. (#31) (NEW in 2021)
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

18. (#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 does not include an overrule of a referee's clear "in" or "out" call.

True

False

19. (#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.

20. (#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

21. (#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

22. (#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

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

True

False

24. (#139) (NEW in 2021)
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

25. (#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

26. (#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.

27. (#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.

28. (#94) (NEW in 2021)
After the serve, if players suspect a ball is broken or cracked, play must continue until the end of the rally.

True

False

29. (#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.

30. (#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.

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

True

False

32. (#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

33. (#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

34. (#68) (NEW in 2021)
In 2021, 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.

35. (#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

36. (#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.

37. (#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

38. (#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

39. (#145)
In a match to 21, teams have 3 time-outs available.

True.

False.

40. (#138) (NEW in 2021)
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 operation's desk.

41. (#1) (NEW in 2021)
Players may carry the ball on the paddle face on the serve.

True.

False.

42. (#52) (NEW in 2021)
After the score is called, if the serving team changes service courts, the referee shall call "Time" 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

43. (#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.

44. (#104)
The instant after the ball is served, the server is allowed to step on the baseline or court.

True

False

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

True

False

46. (#39) (NEW in 2021)
The definition of Third Shot specifies that it is the point in time when the ball is hit. A completely missed (ball does not contact the paddle) Third Shot attempt does not meet the requirement of a Third Shot.

True.

False.

47. (#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.

48. (#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

49. (#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

50. (#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

51. (#47) (NEW in 2021)
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.

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

True.

False.

53. (#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.

54. (#88) (NEW in 2021)
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

55. (#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

56. (#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

57. (#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.

58. (#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

59. (#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.

60. (#8) (NEW in 2021)
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

61. (#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

62. (#5) (NEW in 2021)
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?

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

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

63. (#60) (NEW in 2021)
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?

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.

64. (#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

65. (#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.

66. (#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

67. (#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

68. (#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.

69. (#141)
An athletic player runs fast toward the net and jumps to hit a volley. The jumping player volleys a shot towards the opponent. The paddle flies out of the hitter's hand and eventually lands in the opponent's court. Before the paddle landed, the ball grazes the shoulder of the opponent. Assuming no distraction happened, the player who volleyed did not commit a fault.

True. The ball was dead before the paddle landed.

False. Landing in the opponent's court has no time limit attached.

70. (#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

71. (#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

72. (#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.

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. (#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.

75. (#147) (NEW in 2021)
Referees may eject or expel players for egregious behavior if the behavior happens during the match.

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!

Shop

search

Store

Referee Test