Rules
Official Rules of Platform Tennis ©
Rules Of Play
APTA Tournament Play
Equipment Standards
Table of Contents
Rules
Appendices
Note on Sportsmanship and Etiquette
Sportsmanship and etiquette
are
fundamental to this sport. Both
concepts deal with
integrity and respect. The notion of sportsmanship is intended
to
keep
egregious behaviors out of the
game,
while the subject of etiquette is intended to raise the level of
civility on the court.
Webster’s definition of sportsmanship is “conduct (as fairness, respect for one’s
opponent, and graciousness in winning or losing) becoming to one participating in a sport."
Unsportsmanlike behavior will not be tolerated. Examples of unsportsmanlike behavior include, but are not
limited to, continuous, aggressive questioning of line calls, throwing the paddle, abusive or foul language,
retaliatory calls, threatening verbal or physical behavior, and name calling. When dealing with such
incidents, tournament directors and the American Platform Tennis Association (APTA) recognize that there are
degrees of severity related to these behaviors and will consider that when determining penalties. See
Rule 20 for further
information.
Webster’s definition of etiquette is “the rules indicating the proper and polite way to
behave.” The subject of etiquette is focused more on how to raise the level of civility during play.
For a description of expected behaviors, please read Appendix C: The Etiquette of
Platform Tennis.
RULE 1. Dimensions and Terminology
1a) Court Dimensions: The
court is
a rectangle, 44 feet long and
20
feet wide, laid out on a deck with a playing area of 60 feet
by
30
feet that is enclosed by a screen
12
feet high. The screen is held taut by a superstructure
around
the
perimeter of the deck. Screens are
made of 1-inch hexagonal galvanized or plastic-coated wire
mesh.
1b) Net and Post Dimensions: The court is
divided
across the middle by a net, the
ends
of which are attached to posts. The posts are 37 inches high
and
18
inches outside of the court. The
height of the net at the posts is 37 inches and at center is
34
inches. The net is held down taut
and
adjusted for height by a vertical center strap that is 2
inches
wide.
1c) Line Terminology and Dimensions: The
lines
at
the ends of the court, parallel
to
the net, are called baselines. The lines at the sides of the
court,
perpendicular to the net, are
called
sidelines. Two feet inside the sidelines and running
parallel to
them for the length of the court
are
the singles sidelines. Twelve feet from the net, on each
side
and
running parallel to it from
singles
sideline to singles sideline, are the service lines. The
segments of
the alley lines between the
service
lines and the net are called the service sidelines. The area
between
the net and the service lines
is
divided in half by a line perpendicular to them. This line
is
called
the center service line.
Each baseline is
bisected by an imaginary extension of the center service line called the center mark. The center mark
appears as a line 4 inches long extending into the court at a right angle to and touching the baseline. The
area between the baseline and the service line is called the backcourt. The distance between the baseline
and service line is 10 feet. The area between the service line and the net is called the forecourt, which in
turn is divided into two service courts, deuce and ad. The area between the doubles sideline and singles
sideline is called the alley. All lines are customarily 2 inches wide and all measurements are made to the
outside of the lines from the net or the center of the center service line. This line is in both service
courts and is itself centered on the imaginary center line of the court. All lines are within the court.
1d) Dimensions Between Lines and Screens:
There
is
a space of 8 feet between each
baseline and the back screen and a space of 5 feet between
each
sideline and the side screen. These
spaces are part of the playing area, but they are not part
of
the
court. On either side of the
court, or
on both sides, an access door is cut into the
superstructure.
The
door is located near the center of
the
side screen.
1e) Surfaces and Colors: Court surfaces as
well
as
colors for court and playing
area
must be approved by the APTA Rules Committee.
RULE 2. Court Fixtures
Court fixtures are the posts, the net, the net hand crank, the net cord (or metal cable) that holds up the net, the band across the top of the net, the center strap, the screens, the snow boards, the superstructure, any diagonal corner support beam within the enclosure, the doors, the lighting poles and lights, and, when they are present, the umpire and umpire's chair.
RULE 3. The Ball and the Paddle
The ball is a rubber ball with flocking, conforming to APTA specifications for diameter, weight, bounce, and other standards as set forth in Appendix A. The paddle can measure up to 18 inches in overall length and 12 inches in width. The hitting surface of the paddle must be substantially planar. A separate texturing material is allowed. APTA paddle standards are set forth in Appendix B. All paddle and balls used in an APTA sanctioned tournament must have been approved by the APTA Rules Committee. Green and yellow balls are the only balls approved for APTA sanctioned tournaments. Pink and orange balls may be used in non-APTA sanctioned tournaments.
RULE 4. Use of Paddle and Ball
A player may not carry a second paddle or a second ball during play, although it is permissible to use both hands on the paddle and to switch the paddle from hand to hand in the course of play.
4a) Ball Change:Play should continue with the same ball as long as it is in good condition. In tournament matches, play should continue with the same ball throughout a set, including tiebreaker, and the ball should not be changed during the set unless: (i) the ball becomes clearly defective, such as a crack or split, or (ii) for any other reason all four players agree that the ball should be changed during the set. (To avoid any disputes, it is desirable that the official, or in the absence of an official, the players decide on a specific ball-change pattern prior to starting the match, such as every 5 games or every 9 games, particularly during wet or cold conditions.) At the end of a set, play can continue with the same ball; however, if any one player desires a new ball, a ball change is made
RULE 5. The Game
Platform tennis is basically a doubles game, and the rules discussed in this booklet pertain to doubles play. Singles is played according to the rules set forth in Rule 18.
RULE 6. Scoring
6a) The Game: A
standard game
is
scored with the server’s
points
called first. The terminology is as follows:
Zero (no points) = Love
First point = 15 (also
called 5)
Second point = 30
Third point = 40
Fourth point = game
For example, if the receiving team wins the first point, the score is "love-15." When both teams
score 15, or both score 30, the score is called "15-all" or "30-all." When both teams
score 40, the score is called "deuce." The next point after deuce is called "advantage"
for the team winning it, thus "advantage server" (or "ad in") if the serving team wins
that point, or "advantage receiver" (or "ad out") if the receiving team wins that point.
If the team with the advantage wins the next point, it wins the game. If the other team wins that point, the
score reverts to deuce. This continues indefinitely until one team wins two points in a row from deuce,
winning the game. A game that is won "at love" means the losing team did not win any points.
(Tiebreaker scoring is noted in
Rule 6d.)
6b) The Set: The team that first wins 6
games
wins
the set. However, the winning
team
must have a margin of 2 games, (e.g., 6-4). A set that
is won
"at love" means that the
losing
team did
not win any games. When the score in games is 5-all, the
set
continues to 7-5. When the score in
games
is 6-all, the 12-point tiebreaker (see
Rule
6d) should be used, except as
noted
below.
6c) The Match: A match is usually best
of three
sets with a tiebreaker in all
sets.
See Tournament Rules and Procedures for
exceptions.
6d) Tiebreakers: The APTA has approved
a
12-point
tiebreaker and a 10-point match
tiebreaker. The 12-point tiebreaker is used to decide
sets tied
at
6-6. The 10-point match
tiebreaker is
played in lieu of a third set in certain back draw
matches,
depending on the type of event.
For a 12-point tiebreaker, the first team to win 7 points, and by a margin of 2 points, wins the set. The
set shall be scored 7-6.
For a 10-point match tiebreaker, the first team to win 10 points and by a margin of 2 points, wins the set
and the match.
The service order for the 12-point tiebreaker must stay the same as the set just played. The service order
for the 10-point match tiebreaker is changeable, just as a new set service order would be. Once the change
in order of serve is made, the teams will continue to serve in that order throughout the remainder of the
tiebreaker.
The server of the first point of the tiebreaker will serve only one point, to the ad court. Each player will
then, in normal service rotation, serve twice; first to the deuce court then to the ad court. The single
point served by the initial server of the tiebreaker results in an immediate change of ends, and teams will
continue to change ends in the normal pattern as if the server had served an entire game.
6e) Tiebreaker Example:
Note:
The team that did not start serving the 12-point
tiebreaker
will serve first in the next set.
Since all sets after 12-point tiebreakers end in odd
scores,
teams
must switch sides from where the
first service of the tie-breaker took place. In this
example,
team
C-D would start serving the next
set
from the North End.
6f) Serving Tiebreaker to the Wrong Court/Out of Order:
If a serving order error is found before the tiebreaker is completed, the points stand, but the error must be corrected immediately with the correct server taking over and completing his/her service turn in the tiebreaker. The service order stays the same for the remainder of the tiebreaker.
If a good service is delivered and there is no attempt by the receiver to return the ball, there is no penalty, and the correct server should re-serve from the correct side of the court. If a server completes a service rotation out of order, that team's service order will switch according to the error.
6g) No-Ad Scoring: No-ad scoring is used occasionally to speed up play by concluding a game on the next point after both teams have scored reached deuce or the second deuce. At either point, the receiving team or the serving team, depending on the format, can choose who will receive the service. The winner of that point wins the game.6h) Agreement on Score: If players cannot agree on a score, they must go back to the score upon which they agree.
Comment: The server should announce the game score at the beginning of the service game and the point score as the game goes on. Misunderstandings will be avoided if this practice is followed.
RULE 7. Choice of End of Court and Service
The choice of end of court and the right to serve first or to receive first is decided by spinning the paddle. The home team spins and the team that does not spin chooses their option. The team winning the spin has the following options:
-
1) The Right to Serve First: in which
case, the
other team has the right to
choose
from which end of the court to receive.
2) The Right to Receive First: in which case, the other team has the right to choose from which end of the court to serve.
3) The Right to Choose the End: in which case, the other team has the right to elect to serve first or to receive first.
4) The Right to Require the Other Team to Make the First Choice
RULE 8. When Teams Change Ends
Teams change ends at the end of the first, third, fifth, and every subsequent odd-numbered game of each set. When a set ends on an odd total of games (e.g., 6-3), the teams "change for one," that is, they change ends for one game of the next set, and then change ends accordingly. When the set ends on an even total of games (e.g., 6-4), the teams "stay for one" and then change ends after the first game of the next set.
RULE 9. Serving
After the spin, the teams take their places on opposite
sides of
the net. The member of the team
who
elects to serve first becomes the server.
9a) Serving Team Position: The server
must
serve from a position behind the
baseline and between the center mark and the sideline,
diagonally crosscourt from the receiver.
(See
Rule 10 for Receiving.)
The
server's
partner may take any position
they
choose
on their own sides of the net, on or off the court.
9b) Serving Order: The partners decide
between
them who will serve first in
each
set. The order of service remains in force for that
entire set.
At the end of each game of a
set,
the receiving team becomes the serving team.
If a service game is finished out of order by the wrong server, the service order will switch according to the error. If an error is found before the game is completed, the points stand, but the error must be corrected immediately with the correct server taking over and completing the service game. The service order stays the same going forward.
9c) Alternating Deuce/Ad Sides: The
server
alternates serving, first from
behind
the deuce court into the receiver's deuce court,
then from
behind the ad court into the
receiver's
ad court, and so on. (See Rule
6e
for
service rotation in a
tiebreaker.)
9d) Delivery of the Service: The server
takes
an initial position behind the
baseline and between an imaginary extension of the
center mark
and the sideline (in doubles).
The
server then projects the ball by hand into the air in
any
direction and, before it hits the
ground,
strikes the ball with the paddle. At the moment of
impact, the
service delivery is completed.
Note:
The service may be delivered overhand, underhand, or
sidearm, as
the server chooses. There is no
obligation on the server's part to inform the
receiver as to
the server's intention, and
the
server
may vary the type of delivery.
9e) Receiving Team Must Be Ready: The
server
must not deliver the service
until
the receiving team is ready. If the receiver makes any
attempt
to return the ball, the receiver
is
deemed to be ready. Also, if the receiver attempts to
return the
ball, it is deemed that the
receiver's partner also is ready. If the receiver
claims not
to be ready as a service is
being
delivered, the service shall be played again, provided
the
receiver does not attempt a return.
In
such case, the receiver may not claim a fault should the
service
land in the net or outside the
service court.
9f) Good Service: A good serve is any
serve
where the ball passes over the net
and
hits the deck within the correct service court.
It is a good service if
a player strikes a ball that lands in the service court, rebounds off the back screen or corner, and lands
back on the striker's side of the net (in or out of bounds) without being touched by an opponent.
9g) Only One Service: Only one service
is
allowed (except in singles; see Rule
18).
If the service is a fault, the server loses the
point.
9h) No Service Let in Platform Tennis:
If the
service touches the net cord and
lands in the correct service court, the ball is in play.
(This
is unlike tennis, where a
"let"
service would be called.) If an erroneous let is called
on a net
cord service but neither team
is
distracted by the improper call, play can continue.
However, if
the let call is a distraction
that
causes either team to stop play, it is loss of point for
the
team calling the let.
9i) Service Touching Receiving Team: If
the
service touches the receiver or the
receiver's partner or anything they are wearing or
carrying
before the ball has hit the
deck,
the
server wins the point outright. This ruling applies
whether the
member of the receiving team is
hit
while standing on or off the court.
9j) Service Fault: The service is a
fault if:
- (i) the server does not take a legal position as
described in Rule 9a;
(ii) the server commits a foot fault (see Rule 9m);
(iii) the server misses the ball completely in attempting to strike it;
(iv) the ball served does not land in the correct service court;
(v) the ball served hits the server's partner;
(vi) the served ball touches a court fixture other than the net cord, post, net hand crank, band, or center strap before landing in the correct service court. See also Rule 14m.
Note:
Any service that does touch the net cord, post,
net hand
crank, band, or center strap
before
landing in the correct service court is in play.
9k) Line Calls and Out Calls on Service:
On
service, either member of the
receiving team may make line calls. Since all parts of
the lines
bounding the service box are
deemed
to be in play, a ball that touches any part of a line is
good.
The usual procedure is for the
receiving team to make line calls on its own side of the
net
(i.e., you call lines on your side;
the
opponents call lines on their side). If an out call is
made,
play should stop. If there is a
disagreement between the receiving partners as to
whether the
service is good or out, a let
should
be played, regardless of whether the service was
returned in or
was out of play. If an out call
is
made on a ball that the receiver could not return
and the caller's partner
believes
the ball was in, the point should be awarded to the
server.
Also, etiquette says that players
may
assist their opponents with "out" calls in the
opponents' court, if requested.
9l) Serving from the Wrong Court: If
the server
serves from behind the wrong
side
of the court and the mistake is not discovered before
the
service is completed (see Rule
9d), the point stands as played, but thereafter
the
server must
serve
from the correct side of the court according to the
score. If
such service from the incorrect
position is a fault, it is a completed point and a loss
of point
to the server. If the incorrect
position of the server is detected prior to delivering
the
service, or after a good service is
delivered, but no attempt is made by the receiver to
return the
ball, there is no penalty and
the
server should move to the correct position and deliver
the
service. There may be an instance
where
the server is serving from the same side twice in a row,
if the
mistake is realized after the
point
has concluded and the game has not ended.
9m) Foot Fault: The server shall,
throughout
delivery of the service, up to the
moment of impact of paddle and ball (a) not change
position by
walking or running (b) not touch
the
baseline or the court with either foot, (c) not touch
the area
outside the imaginary extension
of
the sideline with either foot, (d) not touch the
imaginary
extension of the center mark with
either
foot.
RULE 10. Receiving
10a) Receiving Position: The receiver
may stand
wherever he/she pleases on
his/her
own side of the net, on or off the court. Likewise, the
receiver's partner may take any
position
they choose on their own side of the net, on or off the
court.
10b) Receiving Order: Whoever returns
the first
serve of the first and second
game
of each set is deemed to be the deuce player. In other
words,
the deuce and ad players are
determined by who returns the first serve in each set
and not by
where they are standing to
return.
Thereafter in that set, the receiving order must remain
as
established by the first return.
10c) Receiving Team Must Be Ready: As
stated in
Rule
9e,
the server must not deliver the service until the
receiving team
is ready. If the receiver makes
any
attempt to return the ball, the receiver is deemed to be
ready.
Also, if the receiver attempts
to
return the ball, it is deemed that the receiver's
partner
also is ready. If the receiver
claims
not
to be ready as a service is being delivered, the service
shall
be played again, provided the
receiver does not attempt to return the ball. In such
case, the
receiver may not claim a fault
should the service land in the net or outside the
service court.
10d) No Volleys on Returns: The
receiver may
not volley the service (i.e.,
strike
the ball before it has bounced). If he/she does so, the
receiver
loses the point outright.
10e) Receiving Out of Turn: If the
receiving
team receives from the wrong side
of
their court (as established in their first receiving
game of the
set), they must continue to
receive
serve for the entire game from the "wrong
side," but
must revert to the original sides
of
their
court in the next game in which they are receivers.
RULE 11. Point in Play
Once a ball is put into play by service, it remains in play until the point is decided, unless a fault or a let is called. The ball is in play until: (i) it hits the screen on the fly, or (ii) it bounces on the deck out of bounds, or (iii) it bounces a second time after first bouncing in bounds, or (iv) it goes over the screen.
Note: If the ball in play touches a court fixture (as defined in Rule 2, excluding lighting fixtures and umpire chairs), including the top of the cross beam, after it has hit the deck within the boundaries of the court, the ball remains in play and may be returned, so long as it has not hit the deck a second time within the court or the playing area.RULE 12. Out Calls/Line Calls
A ball in play (other than a service) is out if it does not land within the court on the correct side of the net after either crossing the net or touching the post, net, net hand crank, net cord, band, or center strap. Since all parts of the lines bounding the court are deemed to be within the court, a ball that touches any part of a line is good. The usual procedure is for the receiving team to make line calls on its own side of the net (i.e., you call lines on your side; the opponents call lines on their side). Etiquette says that players may assist their opponents with "out" calls in the opponents' court, if requested.
12a) Partners Disagree on Out Calls: If during play, a player makes an out call on a ball that the player could otherwise return, play should stop. If the partner disagrees and believes the ball was in, a let should be played. If a ball is not clearly seen by either player as in or out, or an out call is made on a ball that neither player could retrieve and the caller's partner believes the ball was in, the point should be awarded to the opponents. The same holds true on serves (see Rule 9k). For further discussion, see Appendix C: The Eitquette of Platform Tennis/Line Calls.
RULE 13. Let Calls During Play
In all cases where a let is called, the point is to be
replayed.
13a) Overhangs: A ball in play is a let
if it
hits an overhanging obstruction
such
as a tree limb.
13b) Broken Ball: A ball in play is a
let if
the ball becomes broken in the
course
of a point.
13c) Accidental Occurrences: A ball in
play is
a let if play is interrupted by
an
accidental occurrence, such as a ball from another court
bouncing into the court, or a door
opening
during the point.
Note: If a player loses an item of
clothing
(i.e., hat, glasses, accessory),
the
opposing team has the option to call a let. This
call
must be made immediately, or the
point
will stand as concluded. It is not reasonable to opt not
to call
a let, strike the ball for loss
of
point, and then ask for a let to be called.
13d) Screen Malfunction: A ball in play
is a
let if the ball leaves the court
through a hole in the screen, or gets stuck in the
screen.
RULE 14. Loss of Point
14a) Two Bounces: It is a loss of point
if, as
the receiving team, the ball
bounces
a second time, provided the first bounce was within the
court.
Comment:
Sometimes it is difficult to determine whether a player
attempting to retrieve a ball,
especially a
drop shot that has bounced once and is about to bounce
again,
actually strikes the ball before
it
bounces the second time. Propriety dictates that the
player
attempting to hit the ball is honor
bound to call "not up" if the player feels the
ball
did in fact bounce twice. A player
who
has any
doubt should ask the nearest opponent, after the point
has been
decided, "Was it up?"
If
the
opponent says no, the point should be conceded.
14b) Out of Bounds: It is a loss of
point if a
player returns/hits the ball in
such
a way that it hits the deck on the other side of the net
outside
the sidelines or baseline.
14c) Ball Hits Objects: It is a loss of
point
if a player returns/hits the ball
in
such a way that it hits any object, other than an
opposing
player, on the other side of the net
outside the sidelines or baseline.
14d) Ball Out Off of Court Fixtures: It
is a
loss of point if the ball hits
the
net, the post, net hand crank, cord, band, or center
strap and
does not then land within the
court
on the other side of the net.
14e)
Standing Out of Bounds:
It is a loss of point if a player
volleys the ball and fails to hit the ball in the court,
even
when standing out of bounds.
Comment:
A player standing out of bounds volleys at his/her own
risk.
It is
not proper to volley the ball and
simultaneously call it out, for if the ball is volleyed
it is in
play.
14f) Double Strike: It
is a
loss of point if a player
deliberately
carries or catches the ball in play on the paddle or
deliberately touches it with the paddle
more
than once.
Note:
Any ball struck more than once using a continuous
motion
is legal.
14g) Only One Hitter: In the course of
making a
return, only one player may hit
the
ball. If both players, either simultaneously or
consecutively,
hit the ball, it is an illegal
return
and loss of point. Mere clashing of paddles does not
constitute
an illegal return, provided that
only one player strikes the ball.
14h)
Reaching Over Net: It is
a loss of point if a player
strikes
the ball before it has crossed over to his side of the
net
(i.e., reaches over the net to strike
the
ball, making contact on the opponents' side of the
net.) For
exceptions, see Rule
15e and 15f.
14i)
Ball Hitting Person/Paddle: It is a
loss of
point if a
ball
in play touches any part of a player, including the
hand(s)
holding the paddle, or his/her
clothing.
It is also a loss of point if the ball is barely grazed
with
one’s own paddle.
Note:
It does not matter whether the player is inside or
outside the
court, whether he/she is hit
squarely
or his/her clothing or paddle is merely grazed, or
whether the
contact is accidental or
purposeful.
(See Appendix C: The Etiquette
of Platform Tennis/Own
Calls.)
14j) Person Touching Court Fixtures: It
is a
loss of point if a player or
anything
the player wears or carries, touches the post, net, net
hand
crank, cord, band, or center strap,
or
the court surface on the opponents' side of the net,
within
the boundary lines, while the
ball
is
in play. (See Rule
11.)
14k) Net Pushed into Player: It is a
loss of
point for the net player if the
opponent hits the ball into the net in such a way that
it pushes
the net against the
player's
paddle
or person. It does not matter that the ball was not
going over
the net. It is a loss of point
because the net player made contact with the net while
the ball
was still in play.
14l) Thrown Paddle: It
is a
loss of point if a paddle strikes
the
ball when it is not in a player’s hand.
14m) Ball Over Enclosure: It is a loss
of point
if a player bounces the ball
over
the screen and out of the enclosure, into netting above
the
cross bar, or into
a
lighting fixture or light pole, whether or not the ball
rebounds
back into the court. This rule
applies for all shots, including serves, overheads, and
lobs.
14n)
Back Screen Rebound: It
is a loss of point if a player
strikes a ball that lands in the court, then rebounds
off the
back screen or corner, and lands
back
on the striker's side of the net (in or out of
bounds)
without being touched by an opponent.
(This
rule does not apply to the serve. See Rule
9f.)
14o) Catching a Ball: It is a loss of
point if
a player catches a ball that
appears to be going out of bounds and claims the point.
The ball
must bounce out of bounds
before
called out.
14p)
Ball Between Net and Post: It is a loss
of
point if the
ball
is hit through the open space between the net and the
post.
14q) Umpire and Chair: It is a loss of
point if
a player’s ball hits the
umpire’s
chair, the umpire, or anything attached to the chair.
14r) Light Fixture/Light Pole: It is a
loss of
point for the striker if the
ball
hits a lighting fixture or pole.
14s) Balls Off Screens: If
a ball
in play or on the service hits the deck in the correct
court and then touches any part of the back or side
screens, or both screens, or the horizontal top, rails,
or the snow boards, it may be played, so long as it does
not bounce on the deck a second time before being hit by
the player. A ball taken off the screen must be returned
into the opponents' court. It may not be struck back
indirectly by being hit from paddle to screen and then
into the opponents' court.
RULE 15. Not a Loss of Point
15a) Side Screen Rebound: It is not a
loss of
point if a player hits a ball
that
lands inbounds, hits the side screen only, and then
immediately
comes back to the hitter’s
side.
15b) Running Past Net Post: It is not a
loss of
point if, in rushing forward
to
retrieve a shot, a player's momentum carries him/her
past
the net post onto the
opponents'
side of
the net (unless the player actually steps inside the
opponents' court or interferes with one
of
the
opponents. Mere physical contact with an opponent is not
loss of
point unless such contact
hinders
the opponent.)
15c)
Continuous Motion: It is
not a loss of point if a player
strikes a ball more than once using a continuous
motion.
(See Rule
14f
and Appendix C: The Etiquette
of Platform Tennis/Own
Calls.)
15d) Person Touching Court Fixtures: It
is not
a loss of point if a player, or
anything the player wears or carries, touches the post,
net, net
hand crank, cord, band, or
center
strap, or the court surface on the opponents' side
of the
net, within the boundary lines,
after the point has been concluded.
15e) Reaching Over Net: It is not a
loss of
point if the ball, served or
returned,
hits the deck within the correct court and rebounds or
is blown
back over the net, and one of
the
players on the opposing team reaches over the net and
plays the
ball, provided that neither the
player nor any part of the player's clothing or
equipment
touches the post, net, net hand
crank,
net
cord, band, center strap, or the deck within the
opponents'
court, and that the stroke is
otherwise
good.
15f)
Paddle Crossing Net: It
is not a loss of point if a
player's
paddle passes over the net after the player has
returned
the ball, provided that the ball
has
crossed to the player's side of the net before being
struck
by the player and that the
stroke is
otherwise good.
15g)
Ball Played Outside Net:
It is not a loss of point if the
ball is returned outside the post, either above or below
the
level of the top of the net,
whether or
not it touches the post or net hand crank, provided it
then hits
the deck within the court.
RULE 16. Hindrance
Players should not hinder another player in making a
stroke.
16a)
Colliding with Partner/Court Fixture:
If a
player bumps
into
his/her own partner or is interfered by a court fixture,
it
is not
grounds for a let.
16b)
Deliberate Action: In the
situations covered by Rule
15e
and 15f, if
the opponent
deliberately
hinders the player attempting to strike the ball, the
player is
entitled to the point by reason
of
hindrance, whether such hindrance is verbal or physical.
However, if it is agreed that such
hindrance was unintentional or something outside the
player’s own control (not including a
permanent
fixture), a let should be called. Normal
communication between partners in the flow of play
should not be considered deliberate. A deliberate
hindrance must be called immediately as it occurs.
RULE 17. Continuous Play/Time Allowances
Play shall be continuous from the first service of the
first game
until the conclusion of the
match.
17a)
Playing to Sensible Pace of Server: The
receiver shall
play
to the sensible pace of the server and shall be ready to
receive
within reasonable time of the
server being ready.
17b) Time Permitted
- i) Changing sides:
When
changing sides on the odd games, a
maximum
of 1 minute is allowed for players to towel off, change
equipment, rest, etc.
ii) Between points: During a service game, the server is permitted a maximum of 20 seconds between the finish of play on a point and the delivery of the next service.
iii) Between sets: A maximum of 2 minutes is allowed between sets. However, after discussion with opponents and/or umpire, up to 5 minutes is allowed for a restroom break or special circumstances.
iv) Injury time: In the event of injury, up to a 10-minute suspension in play may be authorized. A default will be mandatory if play is not resumed immediately after the suspension.
v) Equipment adjustment: If a player's clothing, footwear, or equipment becomes out of adjustment in such a way that it is impossible or undesirable for the player to continue, up to a 10-minute suspension in play may be authorized.
17c)
Suspension of Play: Play shall
never be
suspended,
delayed, or interfered with for the purpose of
enabling a
player to recover his/her strength or
to
receive instruction or advice. No allowance may be
made for
natural loss of physical
condition
such as cramps, faintness, or loss of wind.
17d)
Considerations: Consideration may
be given
by the
tournament official or umpire for accidental loss of
physical ability or condition (such as
a
collision or unplayable weather.)
RULE 18. Singles
The rules for singles are the same as for doubles except for the following: In singles, the game is played within the standard singles court using the singles sidelines (see diagram of Court Dimensions), two services are allowed, and no-ad scoring is used.
RULE 19.National Ranking Tournament Rules and Procedures
The official rules of platform tennis should be used by all platform tennis players. There are specific and additional rules for National Ranking Tournaments (NRTs), including APTA Tour events. Please refer to National Ranking Tournament (NRT) Rules and Procedures for additional information on these events.
Appendices
A. Ball Performance Standards
Construction The ball shall be made
of
rubber with a flocking.
Bounce The ball shall not have a
bounce of
more than 51 inches to the top
of
the ball when dropped from a height of 78 inches
onto a
granite surface plate that is a
minimum
of 12 inches (30.5 cm) by 12 inches (30.5 cm) by 4
inches
(10.2 cm). The test will be
performed
at an ambient temperature of 70 degrees F plus or
minus 5
degrees. A four-ball average
bounce
height will determine the result.
Size The ball shall be 2.4-2.5
inches in
diameter.
Weight The ball shall weigh between
2.4-2.7
oz.
Color Green and yellow balls are
the only
balls approved for APTA
sanctioned
tournaments. Pink and orange balls may be used in
non-APTA-sanctioned tournaments.
B. Paddle Specifications
Size The paddle can measure 18
inches in
overall length and 12 inches in
width.
The paddle is placed on a flat surface before the
measurement. Using the 24” Digital
Caliper,
the maximum paddle length and width are measured.
These
measurements include any edge guard
and
handle butt cap.
Weight There is a maximum weight of
500
grams.
Color No paddle racquet face can
have
yellow/green graphics. Existing
paddles
produced before June 1st, 2023, with green/yellow
graphics
of ANY amount, will be subject to
the
approval of the Rules Committee before they can be
used in
APTA sanctioned events.
Surface The hitting surface of the
paddle
must be substantially planar. A
separate texturing material is allowed.
Alterations No structural change
may be
made to a paddle except for the
addition of protective tape, lead tape, and grip
wrap.
Model Designation The manufacturer
must
have a marked brand and model name
or
model number on the paddle and must also include the
APTA-approved seal or text.
Deflection Test The paddle head is
positioned on top of two 5” x
1⁄2” x 1⁄2”
parallel blocks. The center of the paddle should be
centered
between the parallel blocks.
The
1-inch diameter compression foot is positioned
directly
above the center of the paddle. A
preload will be applied to the paddle to ensure
consistent
contact between the paddle
surface
and the 1-inch diameter tip. The tip will be lowered
towards
the paddle at a rate of 0.1
–inches/min until a preload of 5.0 lb. is
achieved. At
this point, the compressive
extension and
load will be “zeroed.” The tip will be
lowered
at a 3 kg/min rate until a load
of 3
kg (6.614
lb) is achieved. At this point, the compressive
extension
reading is recorded and represents
the
paddle deflection at this location. Steps are
repeated until
three (3) readings are obtained
at
the center of the paddle. This is repeated at two
additional
locations. The 2nd and 3rd
locations are located 2 ± 0.50 inches from
the center
of the paddle head. A paddle
will
pass
this test with a maximum deflection of .15
inches.
Equipment Approval and Authorization
The
evaluation and approval of
equipment
authorized for sanctioned play shall be made by the
Rules
Committee. Approval of a specified
model paddle or ball may be revoked by the Board of
Directors if the specified equipment is
found to have been materially changed by the
manufacturer or
if the equipment materially
degrades or changes under normal use to alter the
nature of
the sport significantly.
C. The Etiquette of Platform Tennis
Platform tennis, often referred to as “paddle
tennis,” is a
keenly
competitive
sport and one in which, by tradition, good
sportsmanship,
integrity, and respect are key
elements. It is a game that is played for fun, in
addition
to offering an active tournament
circuit. The game is played in accordance with the
Official Rules of Platform Tennis
as published by the American Platform Tennis
Association.
Etiquette is an area
where, unlike rules, there may be different interpretations, and differences of opinion, or judgment may be
dissimilar. It is recognized that etiquette does have its “gray areas.” This section offers
suggested guidelines of on-court behavior. It is expected that the tradition of the game will be maintained
through a continued high degree of sportsmanship and mutual respect. Furthermore, these guidelines will
assist in furthering that goal by presenting worthwhile suggestions on personal behavior while playing this
rewarding game.
Line Calls/No Umpire: In matches
where
there is no umpire, the general
rule
is that each side should call the ball in or out on
their own side honestly and without regard to the
score. Balls should be only called out when there is
certainty;
any doubt should result in no call and play should continue.
It is good sportsmanship for players to call against themselves any ball that is clearly out on the opponents’ side of the court, if not called by the opponents. Etiquette dictates that the opponents’ line calls are to be respected and considered final and, in general, questioning an opponent’s line call is not considered good etiquette. If however, under circumstances where a player has a very clear view, and is quite certain that a ball called out was in, a player may inquire as to whether the person making the call was certain. If the calling team feels it was possible the ball may have been in, it is good etiquette to offer to play a let. If the line calling team is still absolutely certain of their call, the decision of the line-calling team is final.
Foot Fault: It is poor
sportsmanship to
exhibit anger toward an opponent
when a
foot fault is called in good faith. It is also poor
sportsmanship to call foot faults in an
effort to gain a mental edge. It is
preferable to
alert your opponent during warm up
that
he or she is foot faulting or early in a match
rather than
waiting until a critical moment
later
on in the match. (See Rule
9m
on
definition of foot fault.)
Own Calls: It is the player’s
responsibility to call the following
rule
violations on himself/herself: Two Bounces (Rule 14a), Reaching
Over
the
Net (Rule 14h), Ball
Hitting
Person/Paddle (Rule
14i), Person Touching Court Fixtures (Rule 14j), and Balls
off Screens (Rule 14s).
It is not good
etiquette for the opponent to make these calls. They may politely ask if the violation happened, but the
determination of whether or not the violation happened is that player’s to make, and his or her
integrity and decision in the matter should be respected.
Return the Ball to Server: It is
good
etiquette to do your part by picking
up
the ball and getting it to the server in an easy and
accommodating manner. Either give it to
your opponent’s net player, who can give it to
the
server, or gently bounce the ball
to
the
server at the next service position, waiting a
moment before
delivering the ball if the
server’s
back is turned.
Intentional Distractions: Players
should
not intentionally distract their
opponents. Any talking or sudden movements made
before or
while the server begins his/her
service motion, which has been deemed to be done
solely to
distract the server, violates the
spirit of sportsmanship. This includes, but is not
limited
to, talking, making loud noises,
waving arms or paddles, dancing or jumping, or
stomping of
feet. Normal communication between partners in
the flow of play should not be considered a
deliberate distraction.
When coaching your
partner to let a ball drop rather than hit it, try to use commands such as “bounce it” or
“drop it” rather than “out” so as not to confuse your opponents. If your opponent's communication distracts you but could be considered "normal," warn your opponent.
As a courtesy,
don’t deliberately wear clothing with the intent of making the ball more difficult for opponents to
see (i.e., bright yellow or green clothing, or colors that match the ball color).
Note:
Fake
poaching is not considered an intentional
distraction.
On Losing: It is much more
difficult to be
a gracious loser than a gracious
winner. One should be gracious in either
case—but try
particularly hard to be so in
losing.
Congratulate your opponents, shake hands, wish them
well,
live with it, and strive to
improve,
so you can be a gracious winner. Play all of the
back draws
with a positive attitude.
In closing, good sportsmanship is expected during all levels of competition.
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