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. (#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

2. (#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

3. (#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

4. (#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.

5. (#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.

6. (#41)
If a player receives 3 technical warnings during a match, the referee shall always impose a forfeiture of the match.

True.

False.

7. (#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.

8. (#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

9. (#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.

10. (#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 shall be imposed when a player fails to report to play 15 minutes after the match has been called.

True

False

11. (#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.

12. (#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.

13. (#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

14. (#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

15. (#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.

16. (#29)
Any ball that cannot be called "out" must be presumed to be "in."

True.

False.

17. (#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

18. (#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

19. (#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.

20. (#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.

21. (#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.

22. (#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.

23. (#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.

24. (#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.

25. (#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.

26. (#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.

27. (#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.

False.

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

True.

False.

29. (#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

30. (#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

31. (#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.

32. (#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

33. (#37)
The receiver or server's partner may stand anywhere on or off their team's side of the court.

True.

False.

34. (#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.

35. (#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.

36. (#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.

37. (#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.

38. (#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.

39. (#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

40. (#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.

41. (#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.

42. (#67)
A referee may issue an immediate Technical Foul for Extreme Coaching.

True.

False.

43. (#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

44. (#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.

45. (#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

46. (#35)
Players may call faults on themselves or line calls to their disadvantage during or after the completion of a rally.

True.

False.

47. (#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

48. (#19)
When a time-out is called, the referee should advise all players to place their paddles on the court.

True.

False.

49. (#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

50. (#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.

51. (#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.

52. (#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.

53. (#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.

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

True.

False.

55. (#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

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

True

False

57. (#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

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. (#50)
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.

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

True.

False.

61. (#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

62. (#4)
Any player may indicate "Not Ready" prior to the start of the score being called.

True.

False.

63. (#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

64. (#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

65. (#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.

66. (#145)
In a match to 21, teams have 3 time-outs available.

True.

False.

67. (#104)
The instant after the ball is served, the server is allowed to step on the baseline or court.

True

False

68. (#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.

69. (#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.

70. (#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.

71. (#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.

72. (#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

73. (#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? (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.

74. (#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.

75. (#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

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.

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