Pickleball Rules

I. Governing Rules

The USA Pickleball Association rules will apply in all cases except where a special Oregon State University Intramurals rule applies.

II. Eligibility

All participants must be either students registered at Oregon State University or Faculty/Staff/Affiliate with a Recreational Sports Membership. For more information on eligibility, consult the Intramurals Handbook.

III. Uniforms and Equipment

  • No jewelry (earrings, necklaces, bracelets, rings, etc.) is allowed on the court at any time. Players must remove items immediately or leave the game.
  • No shoes that leave black or scuff marks are permitted. Athletic, closed-toe shoes must be worn.
  • No hats are allowed.
  • No braces, casts, guards, or supports that may cause other players harm are permitted.

IV. Pre-Event

  • All participants must bring their ID card to enter the facility.
  • Participants will take part in a meeting with the Sport Program Associate prior to the event.

V. Event Structure

  • Game time listed on the schedule is the official game time.
  • Players are responsible for keeping score during the game.

VI. Scoring

Pool Play Scoring

  • A match consists of one game to 15 points using rally scoring.

Bracket Scoring

  • A match consists of one game to 15 points using side-out scoring.

Rally Scoring

  • A point is awarded to the team that wins the rally, whether serving or receiving.

Side-Out Scoring

  • Only the serving team may score points.
  • If the receiving team wins the rally, they earn the right to serve.

VII. Service

  • A coin toss or other random method may be used to determine service order.
  • The server must serve underhand with contact made below the waist.
  • Both feet must remain behind the baseline, with at least one foot on the court surface at contact.
  • The ball must be struck before it hits the court and land in the opponent’s cross-court service area, clearing the non-volley line.
  • Only one serve attempt is allowed, except on a let serve that lands correctly.
  • The serve must not be made until the receiver is ready and the score has been called.
  • The double-bounce rule applies: the serve and return must each bounce once before volleying is allowed.
  • Service is made from the right court when the server’s score is even and from the left court when the score is odd.

VIII. Faults

A fault results in a loss of service for the serving team or a loss of point for the receiving team.

  • Illegal service.
  • A ball landing outside the designated court or passing through or under the net.
  • Server or receiver positioned incorrectly during service.
  • The server misses the ball.
  • Volleying within the non-volley zone.
  • Violating the double-bounce rule.
  • Serving out of order in doubles play.

IX. Court Manners

  • Servers must ensure opponents are ready before serving.
  • Line calls are made by the receiving side.
  • Players are responsible for calling their own faults immediately.

X. Doubles Play

  • The first serve begins from the right service court.
  • The first serving team is allowed only one fault before service passes to the opponent.
  • After both players lose their serves, service passes to the opposing team.
  • The server alternates courts after scoring points.
  • Only the diagonally positioned receiver may return service.
  • The receiving team does not alternate positions when the serving team scores.

XI. Other Rules

  • A ball landing on any line is considered good.
  • Balls hit by the paddle hand below the wrist are legal.
  • Continuous strokes that unintentionally double-hit the ball are legal.
  • Paddles may be switched between hands and two-handed shots are allowed.
  • A missed return does not end the rally unless the ball bounces twice.
  • If a ball breaks during play, the rally continues and may be replayed if it affected the outcome.
  • If the ball strikes a net post, it is out of play.

XII. Conduct

The Intramurals program promotes positive sportsmanship. Unsportsmanlike conduct includes acts of deceit, disrespect, or vulgarity, including taunting.

XIII. Ejections

Any player ejected will be immediately suspended from all Intramurals activities and must meet with the Coordinator of Intramurals and Sports Coordinator to determine sanctions. Actions resulting in ejection include:

  • Improper language
  • Unsporting conduct

Contact: Sport Programs Office, (541) 737-4083, 111 Dixon Recreation Center
Revised: 4/24/2025

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