Referee Test

Welcome to the Referee Test!

This 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 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 type of test and the question number (#000) in your email to USAPTests@gmail.com.

Good luck!

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(#132)
In a gold medal match with line judges, a player calls a ball “out”. The line judge shows the blocked signal. The referee is unable to make a call. What should the referee do?

A. Solicit the remaining line judges to help with the call.

B. Let the player’s “out” call stand.

C. If a call could not be made by the officiating team the ball is considered in.

D. If a call could not be made by the officiating team the rally should be replayed.

E. Both A and D.

None

(#74)
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.

None

(#80)
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.

None

(#126)
In a doubles match, after a medical time-out an injured player on Team A believes they can no longer contribute. Which option below would be available to Team A?

A. Continue play with the injured player watching from their end of the court.

B. Retire from the match.

C. Withdraw from the match.

D. Both A & B.

E. None of the above.

None

(#3)
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.

None

(#91)
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 the non-volley zone.

A. True.

B. False.

None

(#12)
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.

None

(#130)
According to the Officiating Handbook, which of the answers is the best example script to be used at the end of a game with a game to follow?

A. Point, Game, 11-9, Time-out, Change Ends, Two Minutes.

B. Time-out, Change Ends, Two Minutes.

C. Point, Game, 11-9, You have two minutes to change ends.

D. None of the above.

None

(#65)
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.

None

10.

(#77)
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.

None

11.

(#145)
If a player/position error is identified after the rally has played out, the rally shall stand.

A. True.

B. False.

None

12.

(#117)
Players are required to use a regular time-out for equipment changes.

A. True.

B. False.

None

13.

(#6)
Team "A" serves to start a rally. Player "A1" volleys a ball for a winner near the NVZ, but loses her balance and begins windmilling her arms. Player "A1's" partner drops his paddle in the NVZ and then, from outside the NVZ, grabs player "A1" to prevent her from entering the NVZ. What should the referee call?

A. "Point."

B. "Fault" for a distraction.

C. "Fault" for a NVZ violation.

D. "Replay."

None

14.

(#7)
Player "A1" drops their paddle in the middle of a rally. Player "A1's" partner (A2), with his own paddle in hand, picks up the dropped paddle and hands it back to player "A1". "A2" then hits a shot down the line for a winner. What should the referee call?

A. "Point."

B. "Fault" for a distraction.

C. "Fault" for 2 paddles during the rally.

D. "Replay."

None

15.

(#125)
After the start of the score being called, “not ready” signals will be ignored, unless there is a valid hinder.

A. True.

B.False.

None

16.

(#85)
After the serve, if players suspect a ball is broken or cracked, play must continue until the end of the rally.

A. True.

B. False.

None

17.

(#173)
A player runs from the baseline to return a ball that bounced near the NVZ line. The player successfully returns the ball but stops short of the NVZ line and starts to windmill their arms to prevent them from entering the NVZ. After a couple of seconds, the player puts both the paddle and non-paddle hand into the NVZ to prevent them from entering the NVZ. The referee should call a momentum fault on the player.

A. True.

B. False.

None

18.

(#161)
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.

None

19.

(#68)
If the referee or a player stops a rally to correctly identify a player/position error, the rally shall be replayed.

A. True.

B. False.

None

20.

(#84)
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.

A. True.

B. False.

None

21.

(#36)
When a time-out is called, the referee should advise all players to place their paddles on the court.

A. True.

B. False.

None

22.

(#106)
A player steps into the non-volley zone with her right 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.

A. True.

B. False.

None

23.

(#86)
Midway through game 2, 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 request one of their remaining standard time-outs. Should the referee allow the time-out?

A. Yes.

B. No.

None

24.

(#104)
If a player stops a rally and incorrectly identifies a player/position error, it is a fault on the player who stopped the rally.

A. True.

B. False.

None

25.

(#64)
After the score is called, if the serving team changes service courts, the referee shall stop play and allow all players to reposition. If the server serves before the referee starts to re-call the score, a fault should not be called.

A. True.

B. False.

None

26.

(#164)
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.

None

27.

(#49)
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.

None

28.

(#143)
The top of the net should be 34” (+/- 1/4") high in the center and 36” (+/- 1/4") high - measured where?

A. At the sidelines.

B. At the net posts.

None

29.

(#82)
Other than non-volley zone violations, faults may only be committed when the ball is live or in-play.

A. True.

B. False.

None

30.

(#63)
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 re-call the score and begin a new 10-second count.

A. True.

B. False.

None

31.

(#2)
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)

None

32.

(#158)
On the serve, the referee is not required to announce simultaneous faults on the serving team.

A. True.

B. False.

None

33.

(#48)
Any decision or ruling by a referee, including a judgment call, may be appealed by a player to the head referee or tournament director.

A. True.

B. False.

None

34.

(#127)
In a non-officiated match what faults can a player call on an opponent that would result in a replay?

A. Service foot faults.

B. Non-volley zone faults.

C. Any fault other than a foot fault that the offender disagrees with.

D. Both A & B.

None

35.

(#116)
Which of the following would not result in a fault?

A. An incorrect score is called and before the return of serve a player stops play to challenge the score.

B. After the return of serve, a player stops play to have a wrong score call corrected.

C. A player stops play before the return of serve to challenge a correct score call.

None

36.

(#142)
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.

None

37.

(#51)
Players may call faults on themselves or line calls to their disadvantage during or after the completion of a rally.

A. True.

B. False.

None

38.

(#133)
If the referee stops a rally and incorrectly identifies a player/position error, the rally shall be replayed.

A. True.

B. False.

None

39.

(#14)
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.

None

40.

(#27)
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.

A. True.

B. False.

None

41.

(#37)
During the mid-game, end change time-out, coaching is allowed.

A. True.

B. False.

None

42.

(#41)
Any malfunction of a net system during play shall be considered a hinder.

A. True.

B. False.

None

43.

(#111)
Who retains the right to require an apparel change when the apparel approximates the color of the tournament ball?

A. Any Player.

B. The Referee.

C. The Head Referee.

D. The Tournament Director.

E. All of the above.

None

44.

(#13)
In a doubles match, 2 out of 3 games, only one of the four players is present at the 10-minute mark. All of the appropriate notifications were made for second and/or final call. At 10 minutes, both teams are assessed a game forfeit. At the 15-minute mark, three of the four players have not reported, so both teams are assessed a match forfeit. How is the match winner determined?

A. There is no winner and both teams will be scratched from the bracket.

B. The Tournament Director, or their designee, will conduct a coin toss to determine the match winner.

C. The higher seeded team will be declared the winner.

D. The lower seeded team will be declared the winner.

None

45.

(#66)
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.

None

46.

(#90)
In a 2 out of 3 games match, 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.

A. True.

B. False.

None

47.

(#5)
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.

None

48.

(#136)
In a match with line judges, what line(s) are the players responsible for calling on the serve?

A. No lines.

B. NVZ (short serves).

C. Baseline, sideline and centerline.

D. Centerline.

None

49.

(#87)
Players may overrule a referee's line call if it is to their own team's disadvantage.

A. True.

B. False.

None

50.

(#152)
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.

None

51.

(#60)
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.

None

52.

(#24)
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.

None

53.

(#43)
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.

None

54.

(#17)
If the referee calls a player for a questionable serve that does not land in the correct service court, what is the appropriate action for the referee to take?

A. Call a fault since the ball landed out of bounds.

B. Call for a re-serve since that occurred first.

C. Call a referee error since the referee didn’t wait for the ball to land.

None

55.

(#166)
A team forfeits game one of a 2 out of 3 games match due to a late arrival. If that team receives a technical warning in game two, the result shall be a match forfeit.

A. True.

B. False.

None

56.

(#94)
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. The starting server ("Banded player").

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

None

57.

(#156)
Player A1 is serving at 5-9-1 from the left side of the court. During the rally, B2 lobs the ball and A1 hits it off the tip of his paddle high into the air. While the ball is in the air, A1 yells a loud profanity. The ball then bounces in Team B’s court with enough backspin to take it into the net for a point. The referee declares “Point, Technical Foul!” Assuming the match is not declared a forfeit due to penalties, what is the next score the referee should call, who would the server be, and from which side of the court would that serve come from?

A. 5-9-2, A2 serves from the left.

B. 6-9-1, A1 serves from the right.

C. 5-9-1, A1 serves from the left.

D. 6-9-2, A2 serves from the right.

None

58.

(#23)
Any player may indicate "Not Ready" prior to the start of the score being called.

A. True.

B. False.

None

59.

(#29)
When using the Drop Serve, the release of the ball must be visible to the referee only.

A. True.

B. False.

None

60.

(#155)
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.

None

61.

(#96)
With the Drop Serve, when the ball is released, there is no rule stating that the server's feet must be behind the baseline. Rules for feet placement are applied the instant the ball is struck to perform the serve.

A. True.

B. False.

None

62.

(#99)
When the Drop Serve is used, after the ball bounces, the server must contact the ball before it ascends higher than waist level.

A. True.

B. False.

None

63.

(#46)
Any ball that cannot be called "out" must be presumed to be "in."

A. True.

B. False.

None

64.

(#11)
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.

None

65.

(#122)
In a 2 out of 3 games match, Team A wins the first game 11-7. During game 2, Team A is losing 9-2 and is assessed a rule-based match 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.

None

66.

(#148)
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.

None

67.

(#146)
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.

None

68.

(#118)
The duration of an equipment time-out is:

A. 1-minute.

B. 2-minutes.

C. A reasonable duration.

None

69.

(#75)
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.

None

70.

(#135)
A referee is empowered to charge a verbal warning to each team (each player in a singles match) once per match, provided that team has not previously been issued a technical warning or a technical foul.

A. True.

B. False.

None

71.

(#71)
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.

None

72.

(#151)
A hinder is defined as any physical actions by a player that are not common to the game that, in the judgment of the referee, may interfere with the opponent’s ability or concentration to hit the ball.

A. True.

B. False.

None

73.

(#109)
Referees may eject or expel players for egregious behavior if the behavior happens during the match.

A. True.

B. False.

None

74.

(#154)
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.

None

75.

(#123)
In a 2 out of 3 games 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.

None

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