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At no time should the physical safety of the participants be
compromised. Players are entitled, and expected, to hold up their swing, without
penalty, any time they believe there might be a risk of physical contact. Any
time a player claims to have held up to avoid contact, even if being
over-cautious, they are entitled to a hinder (the rally is replayed without
penalty).
SCORE
Since there is no referee or scorekeeper, it is important for the
server to announce both the server's and receiver's score before each first
serve.
DURING RALLIES
During rallies, it is the hitter's responsibility to make the call. If
there is a possibility that a skip ball, double-bounce, or illegal hit occured,
play should continue until the hitter makes the call against their own shot. If
the hitter does not make the call and goes on to win the rally, and the opponent
thought that one of the hitter's shots was not good, they may appeal to the
hitter by pointing out which shot was thought to be bad and request that the
hitter reconsider. If the hitter is sure of the call, and the opponent is still
sure the hitter is wrong, the rally should be replayed. As a matter of
etiquette, players are expected to make calls against themselves any time they
are not sure. Unless the hitter is certain the shot was good, it should be
replayed.
SERVICE
Fault Serves. The receiver has the primary responsibility to
make these calls, though either player may make the call. The receiver must make
the call immediately, and not wait until the ball has been hit to gain the
benefit of seeing how good a return they have made. It is not an option play.
The receiver does not have the right to play a short serve just because it could
be a set-up.
Screen Serves. When there is no referee, the screen serve call is
the sole responsibility of the receiver. If the receiver has taken the proper
court position, near center court, does not have clear view of the ball the
screen should be called immediately. Receivers may not call a screen after
attempting to hit the ball or after taking themselves out of proper court
position by starting the wrong way. The server may not call a screen under any
circumstances and must expect to play the rally unless a call is made by the
receiver.
Other Situations. Foot faults, 10-second violations, receiving zone
violations, and other calls may require a referee. However, if either player
believes an opponent is abusing any of the rules, be sure there is agreement on
what the rule is, and a clear understanding that the rules should be followed.
HINDERS
Generally, the hinder should work like the screen serve — as an
option play for the hindered party. Only the person going for the shot can stop
play by calling a hinder, and must do so immediately — not wait to see how
good a shot they can hit. If the hindered party believes they can make an
effective return in spite of some physical contact or screen that has occurred,
they may continue to play.
AVOIDABLE HINDERS
Since avoidable hinders are usually unintentional, they can occur even
in the friendliest matches. A player who realizes that they have caused such a
hinder should simply declare the opponent to be the winner of the rally. If a
player feels that the opponent caused such a hinder, but the opponent does not
make the call, the offended player should point out that an avoidable hinder
occurred. However, unless the opponent agrees that an avoidable hinder occurred,
it should not be called. Often just pointing out what appears to have been an
avoidable hinder will prevent the opponent from such actions on future rallies.
DISPUTES
If either player, for any reason desires to have a referee, it is
considered common courtesy for the other player to go along with the request,
and a referee suitable to both sides should be found. If there is no referee,
and a question about a rule or rule interpretation comes up, seek out the club
pro or a more experienced player. Then, after the match, contact your state
racquetball association for an interpretation.
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