The order of service shall be determined at the beginning of each set. In doubles if one player serves the first game, his partner will serve the third, alternating on the "odd" games. The player on the opposing team will serve the second game, his partner the fourth, alternating on "even" games.

The order of receiving shall be determined at the beginning of each set.

The Receiving team shall determine which player will receive in which court, and they shall continue this formation every time they are receivers throughout the set. The opposing pair shall do likewise. Partners must receive service alternately throughout the game.

The Server's partner may stand anywhere, on his side of the net, he desires providing he does not violate the Restraint Rule, where the Restraint Rules is authorized. (Rule 35).

If a player serves out of turn, the correct player shall serve as soon as the mistake is discovered, but all points scored before the discovery shall be counted. If a game has been completed before the discovery, the order of service shall remain as altered.

If, during a game, the order of receiving is changed by the Receivers, it shall remain as altered until the end of the game, but the partners shall resume their correct order of receiving in the next game of the set in which they are Receivers.

If a served ball touches the Server's partner, or anything he wears or carries, before hitting the ground, the Server loses the point.

If a served ball hits the Receiver or the Receiver's partner, or anything they wear or carry, before hitting the ground the Server wins the point.

The ball shall be struck alternately by one or the other of the opposing pairs.

Note:   This does not mean that the partners themselves have to alternate in making returns.

Both feet of all players must be clearly behind the "Restraint" line until clearly after the Receiver's paddle strikes the ball. A player may lean into the "bucket" area as long as his feet are behind the "Restraint" line. Foot progress into the "bucket" area simultaneous, or nearly so, with the paddle vs. ball impact constitutes a violation and the point shall be awarded to the other side.

If there is a reasonable doubt as to the violation, the Umpire may call a "let" and the point shall be replayed. Restraint ends for the Receiving team the moment the Receiver crosses the Restraint line prior to contact being made in order to return a short serve.

The Receiver's paddle must contact the service in order for play to continue. Receiver may not swing at a served ball, miss and charge the Server with violation of the Restraint Rule.

Note: The above Restraint Rule (commonly called the "Bucket" Rule) prevails only where it is authorized. Paddle Tennis doubles can be played with or without the Bucket Rule, depending on the determination of the respective Tournament Director for each tournament; that fact to be indicated in advance on announcements and entry forms for the tournaments.

Each player must allow the ball to bounce once on his side (exclusive of dropping the ball behind the baseline) before being permitted to volley for the first time. In other words, the Server must allow the Receiver's return to hit on his side of the court for the first shot following the serve. This is sometimes known as the "two bounce" rule.

The same procedure is used for both singles and doubles.

The tie-breaker comes into play if a set reaches 6 games all, 8 games all or 12 games all, depending on the type of set played. (Rule 23)

(1)

The first team to reach 7 points wins the set providing they have a 2 point margin. If not, play continues until a 2 point margin is established by one team over the other.

(2)

The team whose turn it is to serve shall put the ball into play for the first point.

(3)

The set scores at the completion of the tie-breaker shall be recorded as 7 games to 6, 9 games to 8, or 13 games to 12, depending on the type of set being played. (Rule 23)

(4)

The team receiving service for the first point of the tie-breaker shall begin serving the next set from the opposite side from which it received the first point. Teams change sides after the first point.

Doubles Sequence (Players A & B versus players C & D)

(1)   Player A serves point 1 from the Ad court.
(2)   Change sides
(3)   Player C serves points 2 & 3
(4)   Player B serves points 4 & 5
(5)   Changes sides
(6)   Player D serves points 6 & 7
(7)   Player A serves points 8 & 9
(8)   Etc., this rotation continues until one team has a 2 point margin.

Singles Sequence

(  1)   Player A serves point 1 from the Ad court.
(  2)   Change sides
(  3)   Player B serves points 2 & 3
(  4)   Player A serves points 4 & 5
(  5)   Changes sides
(  6)   Player B serves points 6 & 7
(  7)   Player A serves points 8 & 9
(  8)   Change Sides
(  9)   Player C serves points 10 & 11
(10)   Player B serves points 12 & 13
(11)   Changes sides
(12)   Player D serves points 14 & 15
(13)   Etc..., This rotation continues until one player has a 2 point margin.

Any player who uses language that is disrespectful to players, linesmen, umpires, referees or spectators shall be penalized as stated in this section. Said language includes profanity or conduct that is hostile or abusive.

The fines may be issued by linesmen, umpires, referees or the tournament director. No player may be defaulted without two warnings.

During the course of each match a player who violates the rules under Section I shall be penalized as follows:

     1st offense:  loss of point

     2nd offense:  loss of game

     3rd offense:  default of match / $30.00 fine*

Any player who intentionally and flagrantly and without respect for the safety of others throws their paddle shall be fined $100.00. Upon the 2nd instance, player shall be fined an additional $100.00 and defaulted from the tournament.

A player may be required to call lines following a winner's or loser's bracket match, or at the discretion of the tournament director. A player who fails to call lines when required shall be fined $25.00.

The linesman may be replaced by suitable replacements if approved by the tournament director prior to the commencement of the match or during the match.

Proper court attire may be required at the discretion of the tournament director or local club rules.

Said player who incurs a fine will not be allowed to participate in any USPTA sanctioned event without first paying their fine. All fines are paid to the USPTA.

*Fine

Flagrant abuse before or after default including but not limited to abusive language, throwing paddle, etc. Fines will be determined at the discretion of the Paddle Tennis Associaton Board of Directors or each affiliate where the offense occurs may handle its complaints. A letter will be sent to violating players. Players have 30 days from the date of the default to appeal. Their appeal must be in writing and sent to the USPTA Board of Directors or affiliate. A date for the hearing will be set with not more than five nor less than three board members. The player may present his/her case including any witnesses. Vote of the Board will be final and decision will be sent in writing within seven days.