Trivia Questions Quiz: What Do You Know About Pickleball Referee?

1. The referee can immediately stop play when a stray ball enters the court and call for a replay of the rally.

True

False

A referee should call all distractions immediately to prevent injury to a player.

Explanation

A referee should call all distractions immediately to prevent injury to a player.

2. The referee should not call a foot fault if only the toe of the player's shoe touches the non volley line on a volley shot.

True

False

Any part of the body or clothing touching or landing in the NV Zone is a fault.

Explanation

Any part of the body or clothing touching or landing in the NV Zone is a fault.

3. A receiving player can return the serve and start the rally and then stop play to verify the correct score with the referee without any loss of point.

True

False

If a player begins the rally and stops during that rally to query the score, they lose a point if in fact the referee is correct. Players are advised to complete the rally and then clarify the score before the next serve.

Explanation

If a player begins the rally and stops during that rally to query the score, they lose a point if in fact the referee is correct. Players are advised to complete the rally and then clarify the score before the next serve.

4. A serving player can step into the court after making contact with the ball.

True

False

Again, this can be a difficult call but the player can step in or even have their foot in the air over the line on service contact.

Explanation

Again, this can be a difficult call but the player can step in or even have their foot in the air over the line on service contact.

5. If a player continues to question the calls of the referee or hassles the referee in any way, a warning should be issued first and a technical foul given if the behavior continues.

True

False

A referee does not have to tolerate a player or team that questions every call by either the referee or another player.

Explanation

A referee does not have to tolerate a player or team that questions every call by either the referee or another player.

6. A coloured sticker attached to a player's clothing, an arm band or other method can be used to identify a player starting the game in the right hand court. This helps the referee keep track of whether the server is serving from the correct court.

True

False

This is recommended in all tournament play to help the referee keep track of whether players are serving from the correct court.

Explanation

This is recommended in all tournament play to help the referee keep track of whether players are serving from the correct court.

7. The team that wins the toss at the beginning of a match has the right to chose serve or side but not both.

True

False

They can select only one. Normally they select to serve or receive but in out of door play, they may opt to start on a certain side if wind is a factor.

Explanation

They can select only one. Normally they select to serve or receive but in out of door play, they may opt to start on a certain side if wind is a factor.

8. A number maybe recorded on the back of a score sheet rather than actually tossing a coin at the beginning of a match or game.

True

False

The convener will use this method for convenience and to save time.

Explanation

The convener will use this method for convenience and to save time.

9. If a referee is unclear on a rule or a disputed call becomes difficult, they should signal the convener or tournament chair to the courts.

True

False

Referees are human and they should feel free to consult with the convener at any time.

Explanation

Referees are human and they should feel free to consult with the convener at any time.

10. If the referee has any doubt about the score or the server number, they should clarify with both teams before announcing the score.

True

False

Referees should check with both sides so there is no bias.

Explanation

Referees should check with both sides so there is no bias.

11. The server has 10 seconds to serve the ball after the score is called.

True

False

The official rules suggest 10 seconds.

Explanation

The official rules suggest 10 seconds.

12. If in the course of making a volley shot, a player steps out of bounds, over the sideline but beside the NV-Line, this is considered a fault.

True

False

A player is allowed to step out of bounds and not be considered in the NV-zone.

Explanation

A player is allowed to step out of bounds and not be considered in the NV-zone.

13. If a ball hits the clothing of a player that is not considered making contact with the player and no fault is called.

True

False

If a ball hits the clothing of a player, a point is awarded to the opposing team.

Explanation

If a ball hits the clothing of a player, a point is awarded to the opposing team.

14. A receiver may indicate his partner is not ready by holding up his paddle arm at any time before the ball is actually served

True

False

The receiver can hold up his hand, his hand with the paddle extended or turn his back to the play if he or his partner is not ready to receive

Explanation

The receiver can hold up his hand, his hand with the paddle extended or turn his back to the play if he or his partner is not ready to receive

15. A server can verify with the referee the correct call of the score if they have not served the ball and the receiver can do the same if they have not returned the serve.

True

False

Yes. If there is a question about the correct score just called by the referee, the server should stop and clarify before serving or the receiver should just let the ball go if they want to question the score.

Explanation

Yes. If there is a question about the correct score just called by the referee, the server should stop and clarify before serving or the receiver should just let the ball go if they want to question the score.

16. If a player yells OUT to his partner, but the partner proceeds to play the ball anyway, this will be deemed to be a distraction and a let serve or redo of the serve allowed.

True

False

No. The rules have been changed so that calling OUT is considered player communication and the partner may ignore the call and play the ball as in.

Explanation

No. The rules have been changed so that calling OUT is considered player communication and the partner may ignore the call and play the ball as in.

17. If one team cannot decide whether the ball is in or out they can ask the referee for a redo or a let serve.

True

False

No. If the team can not decide whether the ball is in or out they could ask the referee if they saw it but in this case the benefit goes to the opposing team and the ball is IN.

Explanation

No. If the team can not decide whether the ball is in or out they could ask the referee if they saw it but in this case the benefit goes to the opposing team and the ball is IN.

18. A ball hitting the paddle hand of a player is consider a dead ball and results in loss of serve or a point being awarded to the opposing team.

True

False

If the ball hits the paddle hand, the hand up to the wrist is considered part of the paddle. Therefore if the ball hits the hand, it is not considered dead but a legal play.

Explanation

If the ball hits the paddle hand, the hand up to the wrist is considered part of the paddle. Therefore if the ball hits the hand, it is not considered dead but a legal play.

19. One of the worst habits a referee can develop is being a spectator and start watching the ball.

True

False

The referee is concentrating on the foot faults and therefore should not be watching the ball.

Explanation

The referee is concentrating on the foot faults and therefore should not be watching the ball.

20. If a player goes out of bounds to return a ball that bounced in his court and returns the ball around the net pole below net height and into the opposing team's court, this is a legal return?

True

False

This is true. The ball does not have to go over the net or be at net height as long as it bounces in the opposing court.

Explanation

This is true. The ball does not have to go over the net or be at net height as long as it bounces in the opposing court.

21. The reason for determining the identity of the player starting each game in the right court, is to make sure players are serving from the proper court.

True

False

A method of identifying that player should be used to make it easy for the referee.

Explanation

A method of identifying that player should be used to make it easy for the referee.

22. A player can legally stand in the non volley zone as long as they do not hit the ball in the air.

True

False

A player is allowed to stand in the NV zone they just can not play the ball unless it bounces in there first.

Explanation

A player is allowed to stand in the NV zone they just can not play the ball unless it bounces in there first.

23. If a team calls a time out the, the referee should insist that all players put their paddles on the court and the server should place the ball on their paddle.

True

False

This is a good habit for the referee to get into regardless of whether the players leave the court of not. When players switch ends to start a new game the referee should instruct the players to do the same. When players return to the court there is not question about positioning.

Explanation

This is a good habit for the referee to get into regardless of whether the players leave the court of not. When players switch ends to start a new game the referee should instruct the players to do the same. When players return to the court there is not question about positioning.

24. If a ball hits the receiving player, even though they are standing out of bounds, it is a point for the serving team as long as the ball did not contact the court surface first.

True

False

It is a point for the serving team as long as the ball does not bounce first. Pickleball awards points for hitting players no matter where they are standing on the court.

Explanation

It is a point for the serving team as long as the ball does not bounce first. Pickleball awards points for hitting players no matter where they are standing on the court.

25. The score sheets of the 2 teams are reversed on the master score sheet to assist the referee in recording the right score beside the right team.

True

False

This helps the referee keep focused on which team is serving and therefore scoring the points.

Explanation

This helps the referee keep focused on which team is serving and therefore scoring the points.

26. If the non receiving player catches a serve hit in his court before it bounces, a point is awarded to the serving team even though the ball was obviously served to the wrong court.

True

False

A non receiving player must let the ball bounce or a point is awarded to the serving team.

Explanation

A non receiving player must let the ball bounce or a point is awarded to the serving team.

27. If one player calls the ball OUT and his partner calls the ball IN, the ball is IN.

True

False

One partner can over rule his or her partner. They can ask the referee as well.

Explanation

One partner can over rule his or her partner. They can ask the referee as well.

28. The opposing team can challenge a line call by asking the referee if they saw the ball and if they agree with the call made by the opposing team. The referee's decision is final.

True

False

The request can be made through the referee only and they can rule only if they clearly saw the ball in or out.

Explanation

The request can be made through the referee only and they can rule only if they clearly saw the ball in or out.

29. Each team is allowed 2 one minute timeouts during a game.

True

False

A team is allowed two one minute time outs during a game. The referee must keep track of the time outs as they are used. If at the discretion of the referee an additional time out is needed by a player after the two time outs have been used for an equipment problem, the referee may grant an additional time out if safety is an issue.

Explanation

A team is allowed two one minute time outs during a game. The referee must keep track of the time outs as they are used. If at the discretion of the referee an additional time out is needed by a player after the two time outs have been used for an equipment problem, the referee may grant an additional time out if safety is an issue.

30. If a referee feels a cracked ball affected the outcome of a rally, they can call for a replay of the rally.

True

False

If in the judgement of the referee, a cracked ball was a factor they can ask for the point to be replayed

Explanation

If in the judgement of the referee, a cracked ball was a factor they can ask for the point to be replayed

31. If a referee notices that a player is about to serve from the wrong court, they must inform the player or it is not a fault.

True

False

There is no onus on the referee or opposing players to inform a player he or she is serving from the wrong court. The responsibility rests on the serving team.

Explanation

There is no onus on the referee or opposing players to inform a player he or she is serving from the wrong court. The responsibility rests on the serving team.

32. The referee should usher the players to centre court and decided serve or receive, side, and the players starting in the right court before any warmup

True

False

This is proper procedure to follow so that play can begin following a designated warm up period.

Explanation

This is proper procedure to follow so that play can begin following a designated warm up period.

33. In the third game of a 2 out of 3 match, the teams switch ends when the total score of each team adds up to 6.

True

False

Players switch ends when the first team reaches 6 points.

Explanation

Players switch ends when the first team reaches 6 points.

34. If one player saw the ball OUT and the other partner saw the ball IN, they have the right to ask the referee if they saw the ball IN or OUT.

True

False

They have the right to ask but the referee can only rule if they saw the ball clearly.

Explanation

They have the right to ask but the referee can only rule if they saw the ball clearly.

35. A Pickleball net should be set at 38 inches at the net post and 36 inches at centre court.

True

False

The net should be set at 36 inches at the net post and 34 inches at the centre. The centre measurement is the most critical.

Explanation

The net should be set at 36 inches at the net post and 34 inches at the centre. The centre measurement is the most critical.

36. A 15 minute time out is allowed between games in a best 2 out of 3 match.

True

False

A two minute time out is allowed between games.

Explanation

A two minute time out is allowed between games.

37. An opposing player or team can query a player directly about a high serve.

True

False

All queries must go through the referee.

Explanation

All queries must go through the referee.

38. If after the referee checks the receiver to make sure they are ready, the receiver can not raise their paddle hand to stop play before the serve is made.

True

False

The receiver can raise their hand at any time before the ball is served to stop play. Just because the referee checks the receiver first does not mean that things can not change ie a ball enters a court or a distraction occurs on another court.

Explanation

The receiver can raise their hand at any time before the ball is served to stop play. Just because the referee checks the receiver first does not mean that things can not change ie a ball enters a court or a distraction occurs on another court.

39. The referee's focus should be on the ball at all times to make sure there are no missed line calls.

True

False

The referee's focus should be on the feet of the players and not on the ball. The referee is responsible for foot faults at the service line and nv line and not to call lines.

Explanation

The referee's focus should be on the feet of the players and not on the ball. The referee is responsible for foot faults at the service line and nv line and not to call lines.

40. When starting the third game of a tie breaker, the referee should but a line through the number 6 on both teams score sheets.

True

False

This is recommended procedure so that the referee does not forget to have players switch after the first team reaches 6 points.

Explanation

This is recommended procedure so that the referee does not forget to have players switch after the first team reaches 6 points.

41. If the ball bounces on the court of the non receiving player and then hits the player, it is consider a point for the serving team because the ball hit the player.

True

False

If the ball hits the playing surface first before hitting the player the ball is declared dead and no point is awarded to the other team

Explanation

If the ball hits the playing surface first before hitting the player the ball is declared dead and no point is awarded to the other team

42. One of the easier calls for a referee to miss is a violation of the two bounce rule bu the serving team.

True

False

This is sometimes missed by everyone. Players are expected to call it on themselves.

Explanation

This is sometimes missed by everyone. Players are expected to call it on themselves.

43. In a serve motion, it is legal to have the paddle face above the wrist as long as contact with the ball is made below the waist.

True

False

The paddle face must be below the wrist at all times to prevent side arm motion.

Explanation

The paddle face must be below the wrist at all times to prevent side arm motion.

44. If a player returns a ball on the bounce but their forward momentum takes them into the non volley zone this is a fault.

True

False

This is not a violation of the non volley zone because the ball in fact bounced. It is only a violation if the ball is hit in the air or vollyed.

Explanation

This is not a violation of the non volley zone because the ball in fact bounced. It is only a violation if the ball is hit in the air or vollyed.

45. One team in a doubles match can ask that a referee be removed by the convener.

True

False

Both teams have to make the request.

Explanation

Both teams have to make the request.

46. If a player discovers a ball is cracked at the end of a rally, they can request a replay of that rally through the referee.

True

False

Yes.

Explanation

Yes.

47. If the player that started the game in the left court, is back in the left court, the score is odd.

True

False

A trick question. When players are back in the same position they started the game in the score has to be even.

Explanation

A trick question. When players are back in the same position they started the game in the score has to be even.

48. If a referee discovers a player serving from the wrong court, they can take away the serve plus any points earned while the player was serving from the wrong court.

True

False

The referee can only take away the serve at the point the error is caught. All other points stand.

Explanation

The referee can only take away the serve at the point the error is caught. All other points stand.

49. A referee can issue a warning of a technical foul and award the opposing team a point.

True

False

The issuing of technical foul does not result in the awarding of points to the opposing team

Explanation

The issuing of technical foul does not result in the awarding of points to the opposing team

50. If a player throws a paddle in such a fashion that it injured another players on the court or caused damaged to the court, a technical warning should be issued by the referee but no point awarded to the opposing team.

True

False

The above should result in a technical foul and the other team awarded a point immediately.

Explanation

The above should result in a technical foul and the other team awarded a point immediately.

51. A ball that touches the very edge of any line is deemed not to have touched the line.

True

False

Since a Pickleball does not compress on impact the same way as a tennis ball does, it must hit the line straight on or it did not hit the line.

Explanation

Since a Pickleball does not compress on impact the same way as a tennis ball does, it must hit the line straight on or it did not hit the line.