USA Pickleball’s 2025 rulebook introduces a new rule (13.G.4) allowing tournament directors to penalize players for poor behavior occurring after a match has ended but before they leave the court. This rule enables officials to assign technical warnings or fouls that carry over into the player’s next match, meaning their opponent can start with an advantage, such as a 1-0-2 score. The change addresses a previous gap where post-match misconduct went unpunished during the same tournament, aiming to deter unsportsmanlike conduct like yelling or throwing paddles after a match.
The rule empowers tournament directors to maintain respect and fairness by holding players accountable for their actions beyond the final point. By applying penalties to the next match, it discourages negative behavior that could harm players, referees, or fans, reinforcing that sportsmanship extends beyond gameplay. This update is expected to promote calmer courts and better conduct across pickleball tournaments nationwide.
