# Rule 4.1 Serve: how the wording changed (American four-wall) 41 rulebooks state this rule, from 31 January 1999 to 26 January 2025. No rewording or change was found. ## How to read this - Added words are marked [+ like this +]; removed words [- like this -]. - Each rulebook says what kind of change it is: unchanged, punctuation only, moved, reworded or changed. - A program matched each clause with the one before it. Automatic matches were made by the program alone; machine-reviewed ones were also checked by a second program. A person has not checked either. ## Rulebook by rulebook | Date | Rulebook | Clauses, by kind of change | | --- | --- | --- | | 31 January 1999 | USHA Four-Wall Rules, 31 January 1999 | 2 unchanged | | 31 January 1999 | American four-wall, 31 January 1999 | 2 first recorded | | 19 January 2005 | USHA Three-Wall Addendum, December 2004 | 2 unchanged | | 1 April 2005 | USHA One-Wall Rules, 1 April 2005 | 2 first recorded | | 15 April 2005 | USHA Four-Wall Rules, 16 January 2005 | 2 unchanged | | June 2006 | USHA Four-Wall Rule Changes, June 2006 | 2 unchanged | | June 2006 | American one-wall, small ball, June 2006 | 2 unchanged | | June 2006 | USHA One-Wall Rules, June 2006 | 2 unchanged | | May 2007 | USHA Four-Wall Rule Changes, May 2007 | 2 unchanged | | 13 October 2007 | American three-wall, 13 October 2007 | 2 unchanged | | June 2008 | USHA One-Wall Rules, June 2008 | 2 unchanged | | 2012 | USHA Four-Wall Rules, 2012 | 2 unchanged | | 2014 | USHA Four-Wall Rules, 2014 | 2 unchanged | | January 2014 | USHA One-Wall Rules, January 2014 | 2 unchanged | | 6 February 2015 | USHA Four-Wall Rules, 6 February 2015 | 2 unchanged | | 6 February 2015 | USHA One-Wall Addendum, 6 February 2015 | 2 unchanged | | 6 February 2015 | USHA Three-Wall Addendum, 6 February 2015 | 2 unchanged | | 22 January 2017 | USHA Four-Wall Rules, 22 January 2017 | 2 unchanged | | 22 January 2017 | USHA One-Wall Addendum, 22 January 2017 | 2 unchanged | | 22 January 2017 | USHA Three-Wall Addendum, 22 January 2017 | 2 unchanged | | 27 January 2019 | USHA Four-Wall Rules, 27 January 2019 | 2 unchanged | | 27 January 2019 | USHA One-Wall Rules, 27 January 2019 | 2 unchanged | | 12 July 2019 | American four-wall, 12 July 2019 | 2 unchanged | | 12 July 2019 | American one-wall, small ball, 12 July 2019 | 2 unchanged | | 26 January 2020 | USHA Four-Wall Rules, 26 January 2020 | 2 unchanged | | 26 January 2020 | USHA One-Wall Rules, 26 January 2020 | 2 unchanged | | 20 September 2020 | USHA One-Wall Rules, September 2020 | 2 unchanged | | 21 September 2020 | USHA Four-Wall Rules, September 2020 | 2 unchanged | | 22 January 2021 | USHA Four-Wall Rules, 22 January 2021 | 2 unchanged | | 22 January 2021 | USHA One-Wall Rules, 22 January 2021 | 2 unchanged | | 9 December 2021 | USHA Four-Wall Rules, December 2021 | 2 unchanged | | 23 January 2022 | USHA Four-Wall Rules, 23 January 2022 | 2 unchanged | | 23 January 2022 | USHA One-Wall Rules, 23 January 2022 | 2 unchanged | | 27 November 2022 | American four-wall, 27 November 2022 | 2 unchanged | | 17 January 2024 | American four-wall, 17 January 2024 | 2 unchanged | | 26 January 2024 | USHA Four-Wall Rules, 26 January 2024 | 2 unchanged | | 26 January 2024 | USHA One-Wall Rules, 26 January 2024 | 2 unchanged | | 17 July 2024 | American one-wall, small ball, 17 July 2024 | 2 unchanged | | 26 January 2025 | USHA Four-Wall Rulebook, 26 January 2025 | 2 unchanged | | 26 January 2025 | USHA One-Wall Rulebook, 26 January 2025 | 2 unchanged | | 26 January 2025 | USHA Three-Wall Addendum, 26 January 2025 | 2 unchanged | ## The wording ### Rule 4.1, part 1 of 2 Begins: “If a tiebreaker is necessary, the team scoring the…” - **31 January 1999, USHA Four-Wall Rules**: Unchanged (automatic). Compared with American four-wall, 31 January 1999. Same words as the rulebook compared with. Interpretations: 7 interpretations attached; 7 carried over unchanged. - **31 January 1999, American four-wall**: First recorded (automatic). > If a tiebreaker is necessary, the team scoring the higher total of points in the first two games shall choose. Interpretations: 7 interpretations attached. - New here: After the rally is over, the referee should immediately call "point" or "sideout". - New here: The receiver then has 10 seconds to assume his ready position, but the server should only have "reasonable time" to get set. - New here: The server should not be allowed to stall by slowly retrieving the ball. - New here: As soon as the receiver is "ready" and the server has had reasonable time to retrieve the ball, the referee should call the score, at which time the server has 10 seconds in which to make contact with his service attempt. - New here: If the receiver is in his ready position and the referee believes that the server is taking too much time retrieving the ball and assuming his serving position, the referee should call the score. - New here: The server will then have 10 seconds in which to serve. - New here: If the receiver is not in his ready position after 10 seconds have elapsed from the time the referee calls point or sideout, the referee should call the score and the server may serve immediately or may take up to 10 seconds, whether or not the receiver is ready. - **19 January 2005, USHA Three-Wall Addendum**: Unchanged (automatic). Compared with American four-wall, 31 January 1999. Same words as the rulebook compared with. Interpretations: 7 interpretations attached; 7 carried over unchanged. - **1 April 2005, USHA One-Wall Rules**: First recorded (automatic). > If a tiebreaker is necessary, the team scoring the higher total of points in the first two games shall choose. Interpretations: 7 interpretations attached. - New here: Part 4, Rule 4.1 E: Interpretation No. 4 - New here: After the rally is over, the referee should immediately call "point" or "side out." The receiver then has 10 seconds to assume his/her ready position, but the server should only have "reasonable time" to get set. - New here: The server should not be allowed to stall by slowly retrieving the ball. - New here: As soon as the receiver is "ready" and the server has had reasonable time to retrieve the ball, the referee should call the score, at which time the server has 10 seconds in which to hit the ball. - New here: If the receiver is in his/her ready position and the referee believes that the server is taking too much time retrieving the ball and assuming the serving position, the referee should call the score. - New here: The server will then have 10 seconds in which to serve. - New here: If the receiver is not in his/her ready position after 10 seconds have elapsed from the time the referee calls “point” or “side out,” the referee should call the score and the server may serve immediately or may take up to 10 seconds, whether or not the receiver is ready. - **15 April 2005, USHA Four-Wall Rules**: Unchanged (automatic). Compared with American four-wall, 31 January 1999. Same words as the rulebook compared with. Interpretations: 7 interpretations attached; 2 carried over unchanged; 5 earlier ones no longer attached. - New here: Part 4, Rule 4.1.E: Interpretation No. 4 - New here: After the rally is over, the referee should immediately call "point" or "sideout." The receiver then has 10 seconds to assume his/her ready position, but the server should only have "reasonable time" to get set. - New here: As soon as the receiver is "ready" and the server has had reasonable time to retrieve the ball, the referee should call the score, at which time the server has 10 seconds in which to hit the ball. - New here: If the receiver is in his/her ready position and the referee believes that the server is taking too much time retrieving the ball and assuming the serving position, the referee should call the score. - New here: If the receiver is not in his/her ready position after 10 seconds have elapsed from the time the referee calls “point” or “sideout,” the referee should call the score and the server may serve immediately or may take up to 10 seconds, whether or not the receiver is ready. - **June 2006, USHA Four-Wall Rule Changes**: Unchanged (automatic). Compared with USHA Four-Wall Rules, 16 January 2005. Same words as the rulebook compared with. Interpretations: 7 interpretations attached; 7 carried over unchanged. - **June 2006, American one-wall, small ball**: Unchanged (automatic). Compared with USHA One-Wall Rules, 1 April 2005. Same words as the rulebook compared with. Interpretations: 7 interpretations attached; 7 carried over unchanged. - **June 2006, USHA One-Wall Rules**: Unchanged (automatic). Compared with USHA One-Wall Rules, 1 April 2005. Same words as the rulebook compared with. Interpretations: 7 interpretations attached; 7 carried over unchanged. - **May 2007, USHA Four-Wall Rule Changes**: Unchanged (automatic). Compared with USHA Four-Wall Rule Changes, June 2006. Same words as the rulebook compared with. Interpretations: 7 interpretations attached; 7 carried over unchanged. - **13 October 2007, American three-wall**: Unchanged (automatic). Compared with American four-wall, 31 January 1999. Same words as the rulebook compared with. Interpretations: 7 interpretations attached; 2 carried over unchanged; 5 earlier ones no longer attached. - New here: Part 4, Rule 4.1.E: Interpretation No. 4 - New here: After the rally is over, the referee should immediately call "point" or "sideout." The receiver then has 10 seconds to assume his/her ready position, but the server should only have "reasonable time" to get set. - New here: As soon as the receiver is "ready" and the server has had reasonable time to retrieve the ball, the referee should call the score, at which time the server has 10 seconds in which to hit the ball. - New here: If the receiver is in his/her ready position and the referee believes that the server is taking too much time retrieving the ball and assuming the serving position, the referee should call the score. - New here: If the receiver is not in his/her ready position after 10 seconds have elapsed from the time the referee calls “point” or “sideout,” the referee should call the score and the server may serve immediately or may take up to 10 seconds, whether or not the receiver is ready. - **June 2008, USHA One-Wall Rules**: Unchanged (automatic). Compared with USHA One-Wall Rules, June 2006. Same words as the rulebook compared with. Interpretations: 7 interpretations attached; 7 carried over unchanged. - **2012, USHA Four-Wall Rules**: Unchanged (automatic). Compared with USHA Four-Wall Rule Changes, May 2007. Same words as the rulebook compared with. Interpretations: 7 interpretations attached; 5 carried over unchanged; 2 earlier ones no longer attached. - New here: After the rally is over, the referee should immediately call “point” or “sideout.” The receiver then has 10 seconds to assume his/her ready position, but the server should only have “reasonable time” to get set. - New here: As soon as the receiver is “ready” and the server has had reasonable time to retrieve the ball, the referee should call the score, at which time the server has 10 seconds in which to hit the ball. - **2014, USHA Four-Wall Rules**: Unchanged (automatic). Compared with USHA Four-Wall Rules, 2012. Same words as the rulebook compared with. Interpretations: 7 interpretations attached; 7 carried over unchanged. - **January 2014, USHA One-Wall Rules**: Unchanged (automatic). Compared with USHA One-Wall Rules, June 2008. Same words as the rulebook compared with. Interpretations: 7 interpretations attached; 7 carried over unchanged. - **6 February 2015, USHA Four-Wall Rules**: Unchanged (automatic). Compared with USHA Four-Wall Rules, 2014. Same words as the rulebook compared with. Interpretations: 7 interpretations attached; 7 carried over unchanged. - **6 February 2015, USHA One-Wall Addendum**: Unchanged (automatic). Compared with USHA One-Wall Rules, January 2014. Same words as the rulebook compared with. Interpretations: 7 interpretations attached; 3 carried over unchanged; 4 earlier ones no longer attached. - New here: Part 4, Rule 4.1.E: Interpretation No. 4 - New here: After the rally is over, the referee should immediately call “point” or “sideout.” The receiver then has 10 seconds to assume his/her ready position, but the server should only have “reasonable time” to get set. - New here: As soon as the receiver is “ready” and the server has had reasonable time to retrieve the ball, the referee should call the score, at which time the server has 10 seconds in which to hit the ball. - New here: If the receiver is not in his/her ready position after 10 seconds have elapsed from the time the referee calls “point” or “sideout,” the referee should call the score and the server may serve immediately or may take up to 10 seconds, whether or not the receiver is ready. - **6 February 2015, USHA Three-Wall Addendum**: Unchanged (automatic). Compared with USHA Three-Wall Addendum, December 2004. Same words as the rulebook compared with. Interpretations: 7 interpretations attached; 2 carried over unchanged; 5 earlier ones no longer attached. - New here: Part 4, Rule 4.1.E: Interpretation No. 4 - New here: After the rally is over, the referee should immediately call “point” or “sideout.” The receiver then has 10 seconds to assume his/her ready position, but the server should only have “reasonable time” to get set. - New here: As soon as the receiver is “ready” and the server has had reasonable time to retrieve the ball, the referee should call the score, at which time the server has 10 seconds in which to hit the ball. - New here: If the receiver is in his/her ready position and the referee believes that the server is taking too much time retrieving the ball and assuming the serving position, the referee should call the score. - New here: If the receiver is not in his/her ready position after 10 seconds have elapsed from the time the referee calls “point” or “sideout,” the referee should call the score and the server may serve immediately or may take up to 10 seconds, whether or not the receiver is ready. - **22 January 2017, USHA Four-Wall Rules**: Unchanged (automatic). Compared with USHA Four-Wall Rules, 6 February 2015. Same words as the rulebook compared with. Interpretations: 6 interpretations attached; 5 carried over unchanged; 2 earlier ones no longer attached. - New here: Part 4, Rule 4.1.E: Interpretation No. 4: After the rally is over, the referee should immediately call “point” or “sideout.” The receiver then has 10 seconds to assume his/her ready position, but the server should only have “reasonable time” to get set. - **22 January 2017, USHA One-Wall Addendum**: Unchanged (automatic). Compared with USHA One-Wall Addendum, 6 February 2015. Same words as the rulebook compared with. Interpretations: 6 interpretations attached; 5 carried over unchanged; 2 earlier ones no longer attached. - New here: Part 4, Rule 4.1.E: Interpretation No. 4: After the rally is over, the referee should immediately call “point” or “sideout.” The receiver then has 10 seconds to assume his/her ready position, but the server should only have “reasonable time” to get set. - **22 January 2017, USHA Three-Wall Addendum**: Unchanged (automatic). Compared with USHA Three-Wall Addendum, 6 February 2015. Same words as the rulebook compared with. Interpretations: 6 interpretations attached; 5 carried over unchanged; 2 earlier ones no longer attached. - New here: Part 4, Rule 4.1.E: Interpretation No. 4: After the rally is over, the referee should immediately call “point” or “sideout.” The receiver then has 10 seconds to assume his/her ready position, but the server should only have “reasonable time” to get set. - **27 January 2019, USHA Four-Wall Rules**: Unchanged (automatic). Compared with USHA Four-Wall Rules, 22 January 2017. Same words as the rulebook compared with. Interpretations: 6 interpretations attached; 6 carried over unchanged. - **27 January 2019, USHA One-Wall Rules**: Unchanged (automatic). Compared with USHA One-Wall Addendum, 22 January 2017. Same words as the rulebook compared with. Interpretations: 7 interpretations attached; 4 carried over unchanged; 2 earlier ones no longer attached. - New here: Part 4, Rule 4.1 E: Interpretation No. 4 - New here: After the rally is over, the referee should immediately call “point” or “side out.” The receiver then has 10 seconds to assume his/her ready position, but the server should only have “reasonable time” to get set. - New here: If the receiver is not in his/her ready position after 10 seconds have elapsed from the time the referee calls “point” or “side out,” the referee should call the score and the server may serve immediately or may take up to 10 seconds, whether or not the receiver is ready. - **12 July 2019, American four-wall**: Unchanged (automatic). Compared with USHA Four-Wall Rules, 27 January 2019. Same words as the rulebook compared with. Interpretations: 6 interpretations attached; 6 carried over unchanged. - **12 July 2019, American one-wall, small ball**: Unchanged (automatic). Compared with USHA One-Wall Rules, 27 January 2019. Same words as the rulebook compared with. Interpretations: 7 interpretations attached; 7 carried over unchanged. - **26 January 2020, USHA Four-Wall Rules**: Unchanged (automatic). Compared with American four-wall, 12 July 2019. Same words as the rulebook compared with. Interpretations: 6 interpretations attached; 6 carried over unchanged. - **26 January 2020, USHA One-Wall Rules**: Unchanged (automatic). Compared with American one-wall, small ball, 12 July 2019. Same words as the rulebook compared with. Interpretations: 7 interpretations attached; 7 carried over unchanged. - **20 September 2020, USHA One-Wall Rules**: Unchanged (automatic). Compared with USHA One-Wall Rules, 26 January 2020. Same words as the rulebook compared with. Interpretations: 7 interpretations attached; 7 carried over unchanged. - **21 September 2020, USHA Four-Wall Rules**: Unchanged (automatic). Compared with USHA Four-Wall Rules, 26 January 2020. Same words as the rulebook compared with. Interpretations: 6 interpretations attached; 6 carried over unchanged. - **22 January 2021, USHA Four-Wall Rules**: Unchanged (automatic). Compared with USHA Four-Wall Rules, September 2020. Same words as the rulebook compared with. Interpretations: 6 interpretations attached; 6 carried over unchanged. - **22 January 2021, USHA One-Wall Rules**: Unchanged (automatic). Compared with USHA One-Wall Rules, September 2020. Same words as the rulebook compared with. Interpretations: 7 interpretations attached; 7 carried over unchanged. - **9 December 2021, USHA Four-Wall Rules**: Unchanged (automatic). Compared with USHA Four-Wall Rules, 22 January 2021. Same words as the rulebook compared with. Interpretations: 6 interpretations attached; 6 carried over unchanged. - **23 January 2022, USHA Four-Wall Rules**: Unchanged (automatic). Compared with USHA Four-Wall Rules, December 2021. Same words as the rulebook compared with. Interpretations: 6 interpretations attached; 6 carried over unchanged. - **23 January 2022, USHA One-Wall Rules**: Unchanged (automatic). Compared with USHA One-Wall Rules, 22 January 2021. Same words as the rulebook compared with. Interpretations: 7 interpretations attached; 7 carried over unchanged. - **27 November 2022, American four-wall**: Unchanged (automatic). Compared with USHA Four-Wall Rules, 23 January 2022. Same words as the rulebook compared with. Interpretations: 6 interpretations attached; 6 carried over unchanged. - **17 January 2024, American four-wall**: Unchanged (automatic). Compared with American four-wall, 27 November 2022. Same words as the rulebook compared with. Interpretations: 6 interpretations attached; 6 carried over unchanged. - **26 January 2024, USHA Four-Wall Rules**: Unchanged (automatic). Compared with American four-wall, 17 January 2024. Same words as the rulebook compared with. Interpretations: 6 interpretations attached; 6 carried over unchanged. - **26 January 2024, USHA One-Wall Rules**: Unchanged (automatic). Compared with USHA One-Wall Rules, 23 January 2022. Same words as the rulebook compared with. Interpretations: 7 interpretations attached; 7 carried over unchanged. - **17 July 2024, American one-wall, small ball**: Unchanged (automatic). Compared with USHA One-Wall Rules, 26 January 2024. Same words as the rulebook compared with. Interpretations: 7 interpretations attached; 7 carried over unchanged. - **26 January 2025, USHA Four-Wall Rulebook**: Unchanged (automatic). Compared with USHA Four-Wall Rules, 26 January 2024. Same words as the rulebook compared with. Interpretations: 6 interpretations attached; 6 carried over unchanged. - **26 January 2025, USHA One-Wall Rulebook**: Unchanged (automatic). Compared with American one-wall, small ball, 17 July 2024. Same words as the rulebook compared with. Interpretations: 7 interpretations attached; 7 carried over unchanged. - **26 January 2025, USHA Three-Wall Addendum**: Unchanged (automatic). Compared with USHA Three-Wall Addendum, 22 January 2017. Same words as the rulebook compared with. Interpretations: 6 interpretations attached; 6 carried over unchanged. ### Rule 4.1, part 2 of 2 Begins: “If both teams score an equal number of points…” - **31 January 1999, USHA Four-Wall Rules**: Unchanged (automatic). Compared with American four-wall, 31 January 1999. Same words as the rulebook compared with. Interpretations: 7 interpretations attached; 7 carried over unchanged. - **31 January 1999, American four-wall**: First recorded (automatic). > If both teams score an equal number of points in the first two games, another coin toss will be made to determine which team has the choice. Interpretations: 7 interpretations attached. - New here: After the rally is over, the referee should immediately call "point" or "sideout". - New here: The receiver then has 10 seconds to assume his ready position, but the server should only have "reasonable time" to get set. - New here: The server should not be allowed to stall by slowly retrieving the ball. - New here: As soon as the receiver is "ready" and the server has had reasonable time to retrieve the ball, the referee should call the score, at which time the server has 10 seconds in which to make contact with his service attempt. - New here: If the receiver is in his ready position and the referee believes that the server is taking too much time retrieving the ball and assuming his serving position, the referee should call the score. - New here: The server will then have 10 seconds in which to serve. - New here: If the receiver is not in his ready position after 10 seconds have elapsed from the time the referee calls point or sideout, the referee should call the score and the server may serve immediately or may take up to 10 seconds, whether or not the receiver is ready. - **19 January 2005, USHA Three-Wall Addendum**: Unchanged (automatic). Compared with American four-wall, 31 January 1999. Same words as the rulebook compared with. Interpretations: 7 interpretations attached; 7 carried over unchanged. - **1 April 2005, USHA One-Wall Rules**: First recorded (automatic). > If both teams score an equal number of points in the first two games, another coin toss will be made to determine which team has the choice. Interpretations: 7 interpretations attached. - New here: Part 4, Rule 4.1 E: Interpretation No. 4 - New here: After the rally is over, the referee should immediately call "point" or "side out." The receiver then has 10 seconds to assume his/her ready position, but the server should only have "reasonable time" to get set. - New here: The server should not be allowed to stall by slowly retrieving the ball. - New here: As soon as the receiver is "ready" and the server has had reasonable time to retrieve the ball, the referee should call the score, at which time the server has 10 seconds in which to hit the ball. - New here: If the receiver is in his/her ready position and the referee believes that the server is taking too much time retrieving the ball and assuming the serving position, the referee should call the score. - New here: The server will then have 10 seconds in which to serve. - New here: If the receiver is not in his/her ready position after 10 seconds have elapsed from the time the referee calls “point” or “side out,” the referee should call the score and the server may serve immediately or may take up to 10 seconds, whether or not the receiver is ready. - **15 April 2005, USHA Four-Wall Rules**: Unchanged (automatic). Compared with American four-wall, 31 January 1999. Same words as the rulebook compared with. Interpretations: 7 interpretations attached; 2 carried over unchanged; 5 earlier ones no longer attached. - New here: Part 4, Rule 4.1.E: Interpretation No. 4 - New here: After the rally is over, the referee should immediately call "point" or "sideout." The receiver then has 10 seconds to assume his/her ready position, but the server should only have "reasonable time" to get set. - New here: As soon as the receiver is "ready" and the server has had reasonable time to retrieve the ball, the referee should call the score, at which time the server has 10 seconds in which to hit the ball. - New here: If the receiver is in his/her ready position and the referee believes that the server is taking too much time retrieving the ball and assuming the serving position, the referee should call the score. - New here: If the receiver is not in his/her ready position after 10 seconds have elapsed from the time the referee calls “point” or “sideout,” the referee should call the score and the server may serve immediately or may take up to 10 seconds, whether or not the receiver is ready. - **June 2006, USHA Four-Wall Rule Changes**: Unchanged (automatic). Compared with USHA Four-Wall Rules, 16 January 2005. Same words as the rulebook compared with. Interpretations: 7 interpretations attached; 7 carried over unchanged. - **June 2006, American one-wall, small ball**: Unchanged (automatic). Compared with USHA One-Wall Rules, 1 April 2005. Same words as the rulebook compared with. Interpretations: 7 interpretations attached; 7 carried over unchanged. - **June 2006, USHA One-Wall Rules**: Unchanged (automatic). Compared with USHA One-Wall Rules, 1 April 2005. Same words as the rulebook compared with. Interpretations: 7 interpretations attached; 7 carried over unchanged. - **May 2007, USHA Four-Wall Rule Changes**: Unchanged (automatic). Compared with USHA Four-Wall Rule Changes, June 2006. Same words as the rulebook compared with. Interpretations: 7 interpretations attached; 7 carried over unchanged. - **13 October 2007, American three-wall**: Unchanged (automatic). Compared with American four-wall, 31 January 1999. Same words as the rulebook compared with. Interpretations: 7 interpretations attached; 2 carried over unchanged; 5 earlier ones no longer attached. - New here: Part 4, Rule 4.1.E: Interpretation No. 4 - New here: After the rally is over, the referee should immediately call "point" or "sideout." The receiver then has 10 seconds to assume his/her ready position, but the server should only have "reasonable time" to get set. - New here: As soon as the receiver is "ready" and the server has had reasonable time to retrieve the ball, the referee should call the score, at which time the server has 10 seconds in which to hit the ball. - New here: If the receiver is in his/her ready position and the referee believes that the server is taking too much time retrieving the ball and assuming the serving position, the referee should call the score. - New here: If the receiver is not in his/her ready position after 10 seconds have elapsed from the time the referee calls “point” or “sideout,” the referee should call the score and the server may serve immediately or may take up to 10 seconds, whether or not the receiver is ready. - **June 2008, USHA One-Wall Rules**: Unchanged (automatic). Compared with USHA One-Wall Rules, June 2006. Same words as the rulebook compared with. Interpretations: 7 interpretations attached; 7 carried over unchanged. - **2012, USHA Four-Wall Rules**: Unchanged (automatic). Compared with USHA Four-Wall Rule Changes, May 2007. Same words as the rulebook compared with. Interpretations: 7 interpretations attached; 5 carried over unchanged; 2 earlier ones no longer attached. - New here: After the rally is over, the referee should immediately call “point” or “sideout.” The receiver then has 10 seconds to assume his/her ready position, but the server should only have “reasonable time” to get set. - New here: As soon as the receiver is “ready” and the server has had reasonable time to retrieve the ball, the referee should call the score, at which time the server has 10 seconds in which to hit the ball. - **2014, USHA Four-Wall Rules**: Unchanged (automatic). Compared with USHA Four-Wall Rules, 2012. Same words as the rulebook compared with. Interpretations: 7 interpretations attached; 7 carried over unchanged. - **January 2014, USHA One-Wall Rules**: Unchanged (automatic). Compared with USHA One-Wall Rules, June 2008. Same words as the rulebook compared with. Interpretations: 7 interpretations attached; 7 carried over unchanged. - **6 February 2015, USHA Four-Wall Rules**: Unchanged (automatic). Compared with USHA Four-Wall Rules, 2014. Same words as the rulebook compared with. Interpretations: 7 interpretations attached; 7 carried over unchanged. - **6 February 2015, USHA One-Wall Addendum**: Unchanged (automatic). Compared with USHA One-Wall Rules, January 2014. Same words as the rulebook compared with. Interpretations: 7 interpretations attached; 3 carried over unchanged; 4 earlier ones no longer attached. - New here: Part 4, Rule 4.1.E: Interpretation No. 4 - New here: After the rally is over, the referee should immediately call “point” or “sideout.” The receiver then has 10 seconds to assume his/her ready position, but the server should only have “reasonable time” to get set. - New here: As soon as the receiver is “ready” and the server has had reasonable time to retrieve the ball, the referee should call the score, at which time the server has 10 seconds in which to hit the ball. - New here: If the receiver is not in his/her ready position after 10 seconds have elapsed from the time the referee calls “point” or “sideout,” the referee should call the score and the server may serve immediately or may take up to 10 seconds, whether or not the receiver is ready. - **6 February 2015, USHA Three-Wall Addendum**: Unchanged (automatic). Compared with USHA Three-Wall Addendum, December 2004. Same words as the rulebook compared with. Interpretations: 7 interpretations attached; 2 carried over unchanged; 5 earlier ones no longer attached. - New here: Part 4, Rule 4.1.E: Interpretation No. 4 - New here: After the rally is over, the referee should immediately call “point” or “sideout.” The receiver then has 10 seconds to assume his/her ready position, but the server should only have “reasonable time” to get set. - New here: As soon as the receiver is “ready” and the server has had reasonable time to retrieve the ball, the referee should call the score, at which time the server has 10 seconds in which to hit the ball. - New here: If the receiver is in his/her ready position and the referee believes that the server is taking too much time retrieving the ball and assuming the serving position, the referee should call the score. - New here: If the receiver is not in his/her ready position after 10 seconds have elapsed from the time the referee calls “point” or “sideout,” the referee should call the score and the server may serve immediately or may take up to 10 seconds, whether or not the receiver is ready. - **22 January 2017, USHA Four-Wall Rules**: Unchanged (automatic). Compared with USHA Four-Wall Rules, 6 February 2015. Same words as the rulebook compared with. Interpretations: 6 interpretations attached; 5 carried over unchanged; 2 earlier ones no longer attached. - New here: Part 4, Rule 4.1.E: Interpretation No. 4: After the rally is over, the referee should immediately call “point” or “sideout.” The receiver then has 10 seconds to assume his/her ready position, but the server should only have “reasonable time” to get set. - **22 January 2017, USHA One-Wall Addendum**: Unchanged (automatic). Compared with USHA One-Wall Addendum, 6 February 2015. Same words as the rulebook compared with. Interpretations: 6 interpretations attached; 5 carried over unchanged; 2 earlier ones no longer attached. - New here: Part 4, Rule 4.1.E: Interpretation No. 4: After the rally is over, the referee should immediately call “point” or “sideout.” The receiver then has 10 seconds to assume his/her ready position, but the server should only have “reasonable time” to get set. - **22 January 2017, USHA Three-Wall Addendum**: Unchanged (automatic). Compared with USHA Three-Wall Addendum, 6 February 2015. Same words as the rulebook compared with. Interpretations: 6 interpretations attached; 5 carried over unchanged; 2 earlier ones no longer attached. - New here: Part 4, Rule 4.1.E: Interpretation No. 4: After the rally is over, the referee should immediately call “point” or “sideout.” The receiver then has 10 seconds to assume his/her ready position, but the server should only have “reasonable time” to get set. - **27 January 2019, USHA Four-Wall Rules**: Unchanged (automatic). Compared with USHA Four-Wall Rules, 22 January 2017. Same words as the rulebook compared with. Interpretations: 6 interpretations attached; 6 carried over unchanged. - **27 January 2019, USHA One-Wall Rules**: Unchanged (automatic). Compared with USHA One-Wall Addendum, 22 January 2017. Same words as the rulebook compared with. Interpretations: 7 interpretations attached; 4 carried over unchanged; 2 earlier ones no longer attached. - New here: Part 4, Rule 4.1 E: Interpretation No. 4 - New here: After the rally is over, the referee should immediately call “point” or “side out.” The receiver then has 10 seconds to assume his/her ready position, but the server should only have “reasonable time” to get set. - New here: If the receiver is not in his/her ready position after 10 seconds have elapsed from the time the referee calls “point” or “side out,” the referee should call the score and the server may serve immediately or may take up to 10 seconds, whether or not the receiver is ready. - **12 July 2019, American four-wall**: Unchanged (automatic). Compared with USHA Four-Wall Rules, 27 January 2019. Same words as the rulebook compared with. Interpretations: 6 interpretations attached; 6 carried over unchanged. - **12 July 2019, American one-wall, small ball**: Unchanged (automatic). Compared with USHA One-Wall Rules, 27 January 2019. Same words as the rulebook compared with. Interpretations: 7 interpretations attached; 7 carried over unchanged. - **26 January 2020, USHA Four-Wall Rules**: Unchanged (automatic). Compared with American four-wall, 12 July 2019. Same words as the rulebook compared with. Interpretations: 6 interpretations attached; 6 carried over unchanged. - **26 January 2020, USHA One-Wall Rules**: Unchanged (automatic). Compared with American one-wall, small ball, 12 July 2019. Same words as the rulebook compared with. Interpretations: 7 interpretations attached; 7 carried over unchanged. - **20 September 2020, USHA One-Wall Rules**: Unchanged (automatic). Compared with USHA One-Wall Rules, 26 January 2020. Same words as the rulebook compared with. Interpretations: 7 interpretations attached; 7 carried over unchanged. - **21 September 2020, USHA Four-Wall Rules**: Unchanged (automatic). Compared with USHA Four-Wall Rules, 26 January 2020. Same words as the rulebook compared with. Interpretations: 6 interpretations attached; 6 carried over unchanged. - **22 January 2021, USHA Four-Wall Rules**: Unchanged (automatic). Compared with USHA Four-Wall Rules, September 2020. Same words as the rulebook compared with. Interpretations: 6 interpretations attached; 6 carried over unchanged. - **22 January 2021, USHA One-Wall Rules**: Unchanged (automatic). Compared with USHA One-Wall Rules, September 2020. Same words as the rulebook compared with. Interpretations: 7 interpretations attached; 7 carried over unchanged. - **9 December 2021, USHA Four-Wall Rules**: Unchanged (automatic). Compared with USHA Four-Wall Rules, 22 January 2021. Same words as the rulebook compared with. Interpretations: 6 interpretations attached; 6 carried over unchanged. - **23 January 2022, USHA Four-Wall Rules**: Unchanged (automatic). Compared with USHA Four-Wall Rules, December 2021. Same words as the rulebook compared with. Interpretations: 6 interpretations attached; 6 carried over unchanged. - **23 January 2022, USHA One-Wall Rules**: Unchanged (automatic). Compared with USHA One-Wall Rules, 22 January 2021. Same words as the rulebook compared with. Interpretations: 7 interpretations attached; 7 carried over unchanged. - **27 November 2022, American four-wall**: Unchanged (automatic). Compared with USHA Four-Wall Rules, 23 January 2022. Same words as the rulebook compared with. Interpretations: 6 interpretations attached; 6 carried over unchanged. - **17 January 2024, American four-wall**: Unchanged (automatic). Compared with American four-wall, 27 November 2022. Same words as the rulebook compared with. Interpretations: 6 interpretations attached; 6 carried over unchanged. - **26 January 2024, USHA Four-Wall Rules**: Unchanged (automatic). Compared with American four-wall, 17 January 2024. Same words as the rulebook compared with. Interpretations: 6 interpretations attached; 6 carried over unchanged. - **26 January 2024, USHA One-Wall Rules**: Unchanged (automatic). Compared with USHA One-Wall Rules, 23 January 2022. Same words as the rulebook compared with. Interpretations: 7 interpretations attached; 7 carried over unchanged. - **17 July 2024, American one-wall, small ball**: Unchanged (automatic). Compared with USHA One-Wall Rules, 26 January 2024. Same words as the rulebook compared with. Interpretations: 7 interpretations attached; 7 carried over unchanged. - **26 January 2025, USHA Four-Wall Rulebook**: Unchanged (automatic). Compared with USHA Four-Wall Rules, 26 January 2024. Same words as the rulebook compared with. Interpretations: 6 interpretations attached; 6 carried over unchanged. - **26 January 2025, USHA One-Wall Rulebook**: Unchanged (automatic). Compared with American one-wall, small ball, 17 July 2024. Same words as the rulebook compared with. Interpretations: 7 interpretations attached; 7 carried over unchanged. - **26 January 2025, USHA Three-Wall Addendum**: Unchanged (automatic). Compared with USHA Three-Wall Addendum, 22 January 2017. Same words as the rulebook compared with. Interpretations: 6 interpretations attached; 6 carried over unchanged. All rules: [clause history](https://handball.theperfectship.com/rulebooks/clause-history/).