# Rule 4.8 Avoidable hinders: how the wording changed (American four-wall)

38 rulebooks state this rule, from 1 April 2005 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 |
| --- | --- | --- |
| 1 April 2005 | USHA One-Wall Rules, 1 April 2005 | 8 first recorded |
| 15 April 2005 | USHA Four-Wall Rules, 16 January 2005 | 10 first recorded |
| June 2006 | USHA Four-Wall Rule Changes, June 2006 | 10 unchanged |
| June 2006 | American one-wall, small ball, June 2006 | 8 unchanged |
| June 2006 | USHA One-Wall Rules, June 2006 | 8 unchanged |
| May 2007 | USHA Four-Wall Rule Changes, May 2007 | 10 unchanged |
| 13 October 2007 | American three-wall, 13 October 2007 | 1 first recorded, 9 unchanged |
| June 2008 | USHA One-Wall Rules, June 2008 | 8 unchanged |
| 2012 | USHA Four-Wall Rules, 2012 | 9 unchanged, 1 punctuation only |
| 2014 | USHA Four-Wall Rules, 2014 | 10 unchanged |
| January 2014 | USHA One-Wall Rules, January 2014 | 8 unchanged |
| 6 February 2015 | USHA Four-Wall Rules, 6 February 2015 | 10 unchanged |
| 6 February 2015 | USHA One-Wall Addendum, 6 February 2015 | 7 unchanged, 1 punctuation only |
| 6 February 2015 | USHA Three-Wall Addendum, 6 February 2015 | 1 first recorded, 9 unchanged |
| 22 January 2017 | USHA Four-Wall Rules, 22 January 2017 | 10 unchanged |
| 22 January 2017 | USHA One-Wall Addendum, 22 January 2017 | 8 unchanged |
| 22 January 2017 | USHA Three-Wall Addendum, 22 January 2017 | 10 unchanged |
| 27 January 2019 | USHA Four-Wall Rules, 27 January 2019 | 10 unchanged |
| 27 January 2019 | USHA One-Wall Rules, 27 January 2019 | 7 unchanged, 1 punctuation only |
| 12 July 2019 | American four-wall, 12 July 2019 | 10 unchanged |
| 12 July 2019 | American one-wall, small ball, 12 July 2019 | 8 unchanged |
| 26 January 2020 | USHA Four-Wall Rules, 26 January 2020 | 10 unchanged |
| 26 January 2020 | USHA One-Wall Rules, 26 January 2020 | 8 unchanged |
| 20 September 2020 | USHA One-Wall Rules, September 2020 | 7 unchanged, 1 punctuation only |
| 21 September 2020 | USHA Four-Wall Rules, September 2020 | 10 unchanged |
| 22 January 2021 | USHA Four-Wall Rules, 22 January 2021 | 10 unchanged |
| 22 January 2021 | USHA One-Wall Rules, 22 January 2021 | 8 unchanged |
| 9 December 2021 | USHA Four-Wall Rules, December 2021 | 10 unchanged |
| 23 January 2022 | USHA Four-Wall Rules, 23 January 2022 | 10 unchanged |
| 23 January 2022 | USHA One-Wall Rules, 23 January 2022 | 8 unchanged |
| 27 November 2022 | American four-wall, 27 November 2022 | 10 unchanged |
| 17 January 2024 | American four-wall, 17 January 2024 | 10 unchanged |
| 26 January 2024 | USHA Four-Wall Rules, 26 January 2024 | 10 unchanged |
| 26 January 2024 | USHA One-Wall Rules, 26 January 2024 | 8 unchanged |
| 17 July 2024 | American one-wall, small ball, 17 July 2024 | 8 unchanged |
| 26 January 2025 | USHA Four-Wall Rulebook, 26 January 2025 | 10 unchanged |
| 26 January 2025 | USHA One-Wall Rulebook, 26 January 2025 | 8 unchanged |
| 26 January 2025 | USHA Three-Wall Addendum, 26 January 2025 | 10 unchanged |

## The wording

### Rule 4.8, part 1 of 10

Begins: “Any other talking during the rally by any player…”

- **1 April 2005, USHA One-Wall Rules**: First recorded (automatic).

  > Any other talking during the rally by any player frequently affects the play of the opponent(s).

  Interpretations: 34 interpretations attached.
    - New here: Part 4, Rule 4.8 A: Interpretation No. 13
    - New here: The player standing further from the wall must move out of the way of his opponent even though it may mean moving to an undesirable court position.
    - New here: If a player assumes such a position and there is a collision, or there is interference with the stroke of the player trying to strike the ball, the hinder is avoidable.
    - New here: Part 4, Rule 4.8 B: Interpretation No. 14
    - New here: This call is just the opposite of the "failure to move" avoidable hinder.
    - New here: When a player "creates" a hinder by his/her movement, it is also avoidable.
    - New here: Sometimes a player, in the effort to get into a better court position, will cause contact with an opponent who is about to hit the ball, or a player will move in so close to an opponent who is hitting the ball as to cause a possibility of body contact.
    - New here: In either case, an avoidable hinder should be called.
    - New here: It is also an avoidable hinder if one player, just as his/her partner is hitting the ball, moves directly in front of an opponent creating a hinder, not to be confused with a “legal “ hinder .
    - New here: Part 4, Rule 4.8 C: Interpretation No. 15
    - New here: This avoidable hinder may occur almost anywhere on the court.
    - New here: A player has an offensive setup; in his/her effort to get into a more favorable position, the defensive player moves into the path of the ball and is hit.
    - New here: This is avoidable.
    - New here: In this case, the referee must use judgment and not call an avoidable if he/she feels the ball was “mis-hit” and that the defensive player was moving into a non-hindering position in which he/she would not have been hit if the ball had been hit truly.
    - New here: Part 4, Rule 4.8 D: Interpretation No. 16
    - New here: This avoidable hinder may occur when a player pushes a player, no matter how slightly, who is about to hit the ball, or when a player forcefully pushes a player in the attempt to get into position for his/her shot.
    - New here: An accidental push of a slight nature by an offensive player should not be called avoidable.
    - New here: Part 4, Rule 4.8 E: Interpretation No. 17
    - New here: Generally, this type of avoidable hinder occurs after a player has hit the ball and finds himself/herself out of position.
    - New here: In the effort to move into a better court position, he/she crosses the eventual path of the ball just before the ball reaches the opponent, thereby obstructing the opponent's view of the ball.
    - New here: Part 4, Rule 4.8 F: Interpretation No. 18
    - New here: This avoidable hinder should be called against a player who attempts to move in very close to an opponent in an attempt to cause a distraction.
    - New here: Part 4, Rule 4.8 F.1: Interpretation No. 19
    - New here: In doubles, allowable “brief communication” shall be construed to be any reasonable variation of “yours,” “mine,” or “leave it,” consisting of very few syllables.
    - New here: Part 4, Rule 4.8 G: Interpretation No. 20
    - New here: A player hitting the ball is entitled to stroke the ball without being in danger of contacting an opponent during the stroke.
    - New here: The stroke includes the back-swing as well as the follow-through of the arm.
    - New here: If a player is contacted during any part of the stroke by the player hitting the ball, an avoidable hinder should be called, assuming the player who was hit could have avoided the interference with reasonable effort.
    - New here: This interference might not have affected the shot, but it
    - New here: Part 4, Rule 4.8 H: Interpretation No. 21
    - New here: Improperly worn equipment includes eye protection that requires some type of strap in order to stay on the head.
    - New here: Failure to wear such a strap could be considered improperly worn equipment.
    - New here: Gloves that are not snugly attached might also be improperly worn equipment.
    - New here: Equipment not required could be items such as a baseball cap or jewelry.

- **15 April 2005, USHA Four-Wall Rules**: First recorded (automatic).

  > Any other talking during the rally by any player frequently affects the play of the opponent(s).

  Interpretations: 39 interpretations attached.
    - New here: Part 4, Rule 4.8.A: Interpretation No. 13
    - New here: The legal position a player can assume when the opponent is hitting the ball from behind that player is at an angle to the left or right side of the ball being hit, as long as that position is assumed before the opponent begins his/her stroke.
    - New here: A player must move out of the way of the opponent even though it may mean moving to an undesirable court position.
    - New here: It is no excuse that the player claims he/she did not know where the opponent was.
    - New here: He/she must move.
    - New here: This is also the case when a player gives the opponent a back wall setup.
    - New here: It is the obligation of the defensive player to look over his/her shoulder and, if necessary, move out of the way.
    - New here: A player cannot line up directly in front of the opponent's back-wall shot.
    - New here: If a player assumes such a position and there is a collision, or if the player is struck by the ball, the hinder is avoidable.
    - New here: Part 4, Rule 4.8 B: Interpretation No. 14
    - New here: This call is just the opposite of the "failure to move" avoidable hinder.
    - New here: When a player "creates" a hinder by his/her movement, it is also avoidable.
    - New here: Sometimes a player, in the effort to get into a better court position, will cause contact with an opponent who is about to hit the ball, or a player will move in so close to an opponent who is hitting the ball as to cause a possibility of body contact.
    - New here: In either case, an avoidable hinder should be called.
    - New here: It is also an avoidable hinder if one player, just as his/her partner is hitting the ball, moves directly in front of an opponent creating a hinder.
    - New here: Part 4, Rule 4.8 C: Interpretation No. 15
    - New here: This avoidable hinder may occur almost anywhere on the court, but it usually happens in two particular areas:
    - New here: Part 4, Rule 4.8.D: Interpretation No. 16
    - New here: This avoidable hinder may occur when a player pushes a player, no matter how slightly, who is about to hit the ball, or when a player forcefully pushes a player in the attempt to get into position for his/her shot.
    - New here: An accidental push of a slight nature by an offensive player should not be called avoidable.
    - New here: Part 4, Rule 4.8.E: Interpretation No. 17
    - New here: Generally, this type of avoidable hinder occurs after a player has hit the ball and finds himself/herself out of position or pinned against a side wall.
    - New here: In the effort to move into a better court position, he/she crosses the eventual path of the ball just before the ball reaches the opponent, thereby obstructing the opponent's view of the ball.
    - New here: Part 4, Rule 4.8.F: Interpretation No. 18
    - New here: This avoidable hinder should be called against a player who attempts to move in very close to an opponent in an attempt to cause a distraction.
    - New here: Part 4, Rule 4.8.F.1: Interpretation No. 19
    - New here: In doubles, allowable “brief communication” shall be construed to be any reasonable variation of “yours,” “mine,” or “leave it,” consisting of very few syllables.
    - New here: Part 4, Rule 4.8.G: Interpretation No. 20
    - New here: A player hitting the ball is entitled to stroke the ball without being in danger of contacting an opponent during the stroke.
    - New here: The stroke includes the back-swing as well as the follow-through of the arm.
    - New here: If a player is contacted during any part of the stroke by the player hitting the ball, an avoidable hinder should be called, assuming the player who was hit could have avoided the interference with reasonable effort.
    - New here: This interference might not have affected the shot, but it doesn't matter if the ball reaches the front wall or not.
    - New here: This avoidable hinder must be called for safety reasons.
    - New here: Playing too close can cause serious injury, and the referee should forfeit the offending player if this type of positioning continues.
    - New here: Part 4, Rule 4.8.H: Interpretation No. 21
    - New here: Improperly worn equipment includes eye protection that requires some type of strap in order to stay on the head.
    - New here: Failure to wear such a strap could be considered improperly worn equipment.
    - New here: Gloves that are not snugly attached might also be improperly worn equipment.
    - New here: Equipment not required could be items such as a baseball cap or jewelry.

- **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: 39 interpretations attached; 39 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: 34 interpretations attached; 34 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: 34 interpretations attached; 34 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: 39 interpretations attached; 39 carried over unchanged.

- **13 October 2007, American three-wall**: Unchanged (automatic). Compared with USHA Four-Wall Rules, 16 January 2005.

  Same words as the rulebook compared with.

  Interpretations: 39 interpretations attached; 39 carried over unchanged.

- **June 2008, USHA One-Wall Rules**: Unchanged (automatic). Compared with USHA One-Wall Rules, June 2006.

  Same words as the rulebook compared with.

  Interpretations: 37 interpretations attached; 33 carried over unchanged; 1 earlier one no longer attached.
    - New here: This interference might not have affected the shot, but it doesn't matter if the ball reaches the wall or not.
    - New here: This avoidable hinder must be called for safety reasons.
    - New here: Playing too close can cause serious injury, and the referee should forfeit the offending player if this type of positioning continues.
    - New here: This does not affect the rules on legal hinders.

- **2012, USHA Four-Wall Rules**: Unchanged (automatic). Compared with USHA Four-Wall Rule Changes, May 2007.

  Same words as the rulebook compared with.

  Interpretations: 39 interpretations attached; 34 carried over unchanged; 5 earlier ones no longer attached.
    - New here: A player cannot line up directly in front of the opponent’s back-wall shot.
    - New here: This call is just the opposite of the “failure to move” avoidable hinder.
    - New here: When a player “creates” a hinder by his/her movement, it is also avoidable.
    - New here: In the effort to move into a better court position, he/she crosses the eventual path of the ball just before the ball reaches the opponent, thereby obstructing the opponent’s view of the ball.
    - New here: This interference might not have affected the shot, but it doesn’t matter if the ball reaches the front wall or not.

- **2014, USHA Four-Wall Rules**: Unchanged (automatic). Compared with USHA Four-Wall Rules, 2012.

  Same words as the rulebook compared with.

  Interpretations: 39 interpretations attached; 39 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: 37 interpretations attached; 37 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: 39 interpretations attached; 38 carried over unchanged; 1 earlier one no longer attached.
    - New here: A player cannot line up directly in front of the opponent’s shot on a straight path to the front wall, parallel to the side walls.

- **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: 36 interpretations attached; 26 carried over unchanged; 11 earlier ones no longer attached.
    - New here: This call is just the opposite of the “failure to move” avoidable hinder.
    - New here: When a player “creates” a hinder by his/her movement, it is also avoidable.
    - New here: It is also an avoidable hinder if one player, just as his/her partner is hitting the ball, moves directly in front of an opponent creating a hinder, not to be confused with a “legal “ hinder.
    - New here: Part 4, Rule 4.8.D: Interpretation No. 16
    - New here: In the effort to move into a better court position, he/she crosses the eventual path of the ball just before the ball reaches the opponent, thereby obstructing the opponent’s view of the ball.
    - New here: Part 4, Rule 4.8.F: Interpretation No. 18
    - New here: Part 4, Rule 4.8.F.1: Interpretation No. 19
    - New here: Part 4, Rule 4.8.G: Interpretation No. 20
    - New here: This interference might not have affected the shot, but it doesn’t matter if the ball reaches the front wall or not.
    - New here: Part 4, Rule 4.8.H: Interpretation No. 21

- **6 February 2015, USHA Three-Wall Addendum**: Unchanged (automatic). Compared with USHA Four-Wall Rules, 6 February 2015.

  Same words as the rulebook compared with.

  Interpretations: 39 interpretations attached; 39 carried over unchanged.

- **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: 39 interpretations attached; 39 carried over unchanged.

- **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: 36 interpretations attached; 36 carried over unchanged.

- **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: 39 interpretations attached; 39 carried over unchanged.

- **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: 39 interpretations attached; 39 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: 37 interpretations attached; 29 carried over unchanged; 7 earlier ones no longer attached.
    - New here: It is also an avoidable hinder if one player, just as his/her partner is hitting the ball, moves directly in front of an opponent creating a hinder, not to be confused with a “legal “ hinder .
    - New here: Part 4, Rule 4.8 D: Interpretation No. 16
    - New here: Part 4, Rule 4.8 F: Interpretation No. 18
    - New here: Part 4, Rule 4.8 F.1: Interpretation No. 19
    - New here: Part 4, Rule 4.8 G: Interpretation No. 20
    - New here: This interference might not have affected the shot, but it doesn’t matter if the ball reaches the wall or not.
    - New here: This does not affect the rules on legal hinders.
    - New here: Part 4, Rule 4.8 H: Interpretation No. 21

- **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: 39 interpretations attached; 39 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: 37 interpretations attached; 37 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: 40 interpretations attached; 38 carried over unchanged; 1 earlier one no longer attached.
    - New here: An incidental push of a slight nature by an offensive player should not be called avoidable.
    - New here: See Rule 4.7.A.3.

- **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: 38 interpretations attached; 36 carried over unchanged; 1 earlier one no longer attached.
    - New here: An incidental push of a slight nature by an offensive player should not be called avoidable.
    - New here: See Rule 4.7.A.3.

- **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: 38 interpretations attached; 38 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: 40 interpretations attached; 40 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: 40 interpretations attached; 40 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: 37 interpretations attached; 36 carried over unchanged; 2 earlier ones no longer attached.
    - New here: An incidental push of a slight nature by an offensive player should not be called avoidable. (See Rule 4.7.A.3).

- **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: 40 interpretations attached; 40 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: 40 interpretations attached; 40 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: 37 interpretations attached; 37 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: 40 interpretations attached; 40 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: 40 interpretations attached; 40 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: 40 interpretations attached; 40 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: 37 interpretations attached; 36 carried over unchanged; 1 earlier one no longer attached.
    - New here: An incidental push of a slight nature by an offensive player should not be called avoidable. (See Rule 4.7.A.3)

- **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: 37 interpretations attached; 37 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: 40 interpretations attached; 40 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: 36 interpretations attached; 36 carried over unchanged; 1 earlier one no longer attached.

- **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: 40 interpretations attached; 38 carried over unchanged; 1 earlier one no longer attached.
    - New here: An incidental push of a slight nature by an offensive player should not be called avoidable.
    - New here: See Rule 4.7.A.3.

### Rule 4.8, part 2 of 10

Begins: “If the referee determines that such talking is a…”

- **1 April 2005, USHA One-Wall Rules**: First recorded (automatic).

  > If the referee determines that such talking is a distraction, an avoidable hinder shall be assessed.

  Interpretations: 34 interpretations attached.
    - New here: Part 4, Rule 4.8 A: Interpretation No. 13
    - New here: The player standing further from the wall must move out of the way of his opponent even though it may mean moving to an undesirable court position.
    - New here: If a player assumes such a position and there is a collision, or there is interference with the stroke of the player trying to strike the ball, the hinder is avoidable.
    - New here: Part 4, Rule 4.8 B: Interpretation No. 14
    - New here: This call is just the opposite of the "failure to move" avoidable hinder.
    - New here: When a player "creates" a hinder by his/her movement, it is also avoidable.
    - New here: Sometimes a player, in the effort to get into a better court position, will cause contact with an opponent who is about to hit the ball, or a player will move in so close to an opponent who is hitting the ball as to cause a possibility of body contact.
    - New here: In either case, an avoidable hinder should be called.
    - New here: It is also an avoidable hinder if one player, just as his/her partner is hitting the ball, moves directly in front of an opponent creating a hinder, not to be confused with a “legal “ hinder .
    - New here: Part 4, Rule 4.8 C: Interpretation No. 15
    - New here: This avoidable hinder may occur almost anywhere on the court.
    - New here: A player has an offensive setup; in his/her effort to get into a more favorable position, the defensive player moves into the path of the ball and is hit.
    - New here: This is avoidable.
    - New here: In this case, the referee must use judgment and not call an avoidable if he/she feels the ball was “mis-hit” and that the defensive player was moving into a non-hindering position in which he/she would not have been hit if the ball had been hit truly.
    - New here: Part 4, Rule 4.8 D: Interpretation No. 16
    - New here: This avoidable hinder may occur when a player pushes a player, no matter how slightly, who is about to hit the ball, or when a player forcefully pushes a player in the attempt to get into position for his/her shot.
    - New here: An accidental push of a slight nature by an offensive player should not be called avoidable.
    - New here: Part 4, Rule 4.8 E: Interpretation No. 17
    - New here: Generally, this type of avoidable hinder occurs after a player has hit the ball and finds himself/herself out of position.
    - New here: In the effort to move into a better court position, he/she crosses the eventual path of the ball just before the ball reaches the opponent, thereby obstructing the opponent's view of the ball.
    - New here: Part 4, Rule 4.8 F: Interpretation No. 18
    - New here: This avoidable hinder should be called against a player who attempts to move in very close to an opponent in an attempt to cause a distraction.
    - New here: Part 4, Rule 4.8 F.1: Interpretation No. 19
    - New here: In doubles, allowable “brief communication” shall be construed to be any reasonable variation of “yours,” “mine,” or “leave it,” consisting of very few syllables.
    - New here: Part 4, Rule 4.8 G: Interpretation No. 20
    - New here: A player hitting the ball is entitled to stroke the ball without being in danger of contacting an opponent during the stroke.
    - New here: The stroke includes the back-swing as well as the follow-through of the arm.
    - New here: If a player is contacted during any part of the stroke by the player hitting the ball, an avoidable hinder should be called, assuming the player who was hit could have avoided the interference with reasonable effort.
    - New here: This interference might not have affected the shot, but it
    - New here: Part 4, Rule 4.8 H: Interpretation No. 21
    - New here: Improperly worn equipment includes eye protection that requires some type of strap in order to stay on the head.
    - New here: Failure to wear such a strap could be considered improperly worn equipment.
    - New here: Gloves that are not snugly attached might also be improperly worn equipment.
    - New here: Equipment not required could be items such as a baseball cap or jewelry.

- **15 April 2005, USHA Four-Wall Rules**: First recorded (automatic).

  > If the referee determines that such talking is a distraction, an avoidable hinder shall be assessed.

  Interpretations: 39 interpretations attached.
    - New here: Part 4, Rule 4.8.A: Interpretation No. 13
    - New here: The legal position a player can assume when the opponent is hitting the ball from behind that player is at an angle to the left or right side of the ball being hit, as long as that position is assumed before the opponent begins his/her stroke.
    - New here: A player must move out of the way of the opponent even though it may mean moving to an undesirable court position.
    - New here: It is no excuse that the player claims he/she did not know where the opponent was.
    - New here: He/she must move.
    - New here: This is also the case when a player gives the opponent a back wall setup.
    - New here: It is the obligation of the defensive player to look over his/her shoulder and, if necessary, move out of the way.
    - New here: A player cannot line up directly in front of the opponent's back-wall shot.
    - New here: If a player assumes such a position and there is a collision, or if the player is struck by the ball, the hinder is avoidable.
    - New here: Part 4, Rule 4.8 B: Interpretation No. 14
    - New here: This call is just the opposite of the "failure to move" avoidable hinder.
    - New here: When a player "creates" a hinder by his/her movement, it is also avoidable.
    - New here: Sometimes a player, in the effort to get into a better court position, will cause contact with an opponent who is about to hit the ball, or a player will move in so close to an opponent who is hitting the ball as to cause a possibility of body contact.
    - New here: In either case, an avoidable hinder should be called.
    - New here: It is also an avoidable hinder if one player, just as his/her partner is hitting the ball, moves directly in front of an opponent creating a hinder.
    - New here: Part 4, Rule 4.8 C: Interpretation No. 15
    - New here: This avoidable hinder may occur almost anywhere on the court, but it usually happens in two particular areas:
    - New here: Part 4, Rule 4.8.D: Interpretation No. 16
    - New here: This avoidable hinder may occur when a player pushes a player, no matter how slightly, who is about to hit the ball, or when a player forcefully pushes a player in the attempt to get into position for his/her shot.
    - New here: An accidental push of a slight nature by an offensive player should not be called avoidable.
    - New here: Part 4, Rule 4.8.E: Interpretation No. 17
    - New here: Generally, this type of avoidable hinder occurs after a player has hit the ball and finds himself/herself out of position or pinned against a side wall.
    - New here: In the effort to move into a better court position, he/she crosses the eventual path of the ball just before the ball reaches the opponent, thereby obstructing the opponent's view of the ball.
    - New here: Part 4, Rule 4.8.F: Interpretation No. 18
    - New here: This avoidable hinder should be called against a player who attempts to move in very close to an opponent in an attempt to cause a distraction.
    - New here: Part 4, Rule 4.8.F.1: Interpretation No. 19
    - New here: In doubles, allowable “brief communication” shall be construed to be any reasonable variation of “yours,” “mine,” or “leave it,” consisting of very few syllables.
    - New here: Part 4, Rule 4.8.G: Interpretation No. 20
    - New here: A player hitting the ball is entitled to stroke the ball without being in danger of contacting an opponent during the stroke.
    - New here: The stroke includes the back-swing as well as the follow-through of the arm.
    - New here: If a player is contacted during any part of the stroke by the player hitting the ball, an avoidable hinder should be called, assuming the player who was hit could have avoided the interference with reasonable effort.
    - New here: This interference might not have affected the shot, but it doesn't matter if the ball reaches the front wall or not.
    - New here: This avoidable hinder must be called for safety reasons.
    - New here: Playing too close can cause serious injury, and the referee should forfeit the offending player if this type of positioning continues.
    - New here: Part 4, Rule 4.8.H: Interpretation No. 21
    - New here: Improperly worn equipment includes eye protection that requires some type of strap in order to stay on the head.
    - New here: Failure to wear such a strap could be considered improperly worn equipment.
    - New here: Gloves that are not snugly attached might also be improperly worn equipment.
    - New here: Equipment not required could be items such as a baseball cap or jewelry.

- **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: 39 interpretations attached; 39 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: 34 interpretations attached; 34 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: 34 interpretations attached; 34 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: 39 interpretations attached; 39 carried over unchanged.

- **13 October 2007, American three-wall**: Unchanged (automatic). Compared with USHA Four-Wall Rules, 16 January 2005.

  Same words as the rulebook compared with.

  Interpretations: 39 interpretations attached; 39 carried over unchanged.

- **June 2008, USHA One-Wall Rules**: Unchanged (automatic). Compared with USHA One-Wall Rules, June 2006.

  Same words as the rulebook compared with.

  Interpretations: 37 interpretations attached; 33 carried over unchanged; 1 earlier one no longer attached.
    - New here: This interference might not have affected the shot, but it doesn't matter if the ball reaches the wall or not.
    - New here: This avoidable hinder must be called for safety reasons.
    - New here: Playing too close can cause serious injury, and the referee should forfeit the offending player if this type of positioning continues.
    - New here: This does not affect the rules on legal hinders.

- **2012, USHA Four-Wall Rules**: Unchanged (automatic). Compared with USHA Four-Wall Rule Changes, May 2007.

  Same words as the rulebook compared with.

  Interpretations: 39 interpretations attached; 34 carried over unchanged; 5 earlier ones no longer attached.
    - New here: A player cannot line up directly in front of the opponent’s back-wall shot.
    - New here: This call is just the opposite of the “failure to move” avoidable hinder.
    - New here: When a player “creates” a hinder by his/her movement, it is also avoidable.
    - New here: In the effort to move into a better court position, he/she crosses the eventual path of the ball just before the ball reaches the opponent, thereby obstructing the opponent’s view of the ball.
    - New here: This interference might not have affected the shot, but it doesn’t matter if the ball reaches the front wall or not.

- **2014, USHA Four-Wall Rules**: Unchanged (automatic). Compared with USHA Four-Wall Rules, 2012.

  Same words as the rulebook compared with.

  Interpretations: 39 interpretations attached; 39 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: 37 interpretations attached; 37 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: 39 interpretations attached; 38 carried over unchanged; 1 earlier one no longer attached.
    - New here: A player cannot line up directly in front of the opponent’s shot on a straight path to the front wall, parallel to the side walls.

- **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: 36 interpretations attached; 26 carried over unchanged; 11 earlier ones no longer attached.
    - New here: This call is just the opposite of the “failure to move” avoidable hinder.
    - New here: When a player “creates” a hinder by his/her movement, it is also avoidable.
    - New here: It is also an avoidable hinder if one player, just as his/her partner is hitting the ball, moves directly in front of an opponent creating a hinder, not to be confused with a “legal “ hinder.
    - New here: Part 4, Rule 4.8.D: Interpretation No. 16
    - New here: In the effort to move into a better court position, he/she crosses the eventual path of the ball just before the ball reaches the opponent, thereby obstructing the opponent’s view of the ball.
    - New here: Part 4, Rule 4.8.F: Interpretation No. 18
    - New here: Part 4, Rule 4.8.F.1: Interpretation No. 19
    - New here: Part 4, Rule 4.8.G: Interpretation No. 20
    - New here: This interference might not have affected the shot, but it doesn’t matter if the ball reaches the front wall or not.
    - New here: Part 4, Rule 4.8.H: Interpretation No. 21

- **6 February 2015, USHA Three-Wall Addendum**: Unchanged (automatic). Compared with USHA Four-Wall Rules, 6 February 2015.

  Same words as the rulebook compared with.

  Interpretations: 39 interpretations attached; 39 carried over unchanged.

- **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: 39 interpretations attached; 39 carried over unchanged.

- **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: 36 interpretations attached; 36 carried over unchanged.

- **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: 39 interpretations attached; 39 carried over unchanged.

- **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: 39 interpretations attached; 39 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: 37 interpretations attached; 29 carried over unchanged; 7 earlier ones no longer attached.
    - New here: It is also an avoidable hinder if one player, just as his/her partner is hitting the ball, moves directly in front of an opponent creating a hinder, not to be confused with a “legal “ hinder .
    - New here: Part 4, Rule 4.8 D: Interpretation No. 16
    - New here: Part 4, Rule 4.8 F: Interpretation No. 18
    - New here: Part 4, Rule 4.8 F.1: Interpretation No. 19
    - New here: Part 4, Rule 4.8 G: Interpretation No. 20
    - New here: This interference might not have affected the shot, but it doesn’t matter if the ball reaches the wall or not.
    - New here: This does not affect the rules on legal hinders.
    - New here: Part 4, Rule 4.8 H: Interpretation No. 21

- **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: 39 interpretations attached; 39 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: 37 interpretations attached; 37 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: 40 interpretations attached; 38 carried over unchanged; 1 earlier one no longer attached.
    - New here: An incidental push of a slight nature by an offensive player should not be called avoidable.
    - New here: See Rule 4.7.A.3.

- **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: 38 interpretations attached; 36 carried over unchanged; 1 earlier one no longer attached.
    - New here: An incidental push of a slight nature by an offensive player should not be called avoidable.
    - New here: See Rule 4.7.A.3.

- **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: 38 interpretations attached; 38 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: 40 interpretations attached; 40 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: 40 interpretations attached; 40 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: 37 interpretations attached; 36 carried over unchanged; 2 earlier ones no longer attached.
    - New here: An incidental push of a slight nature by an offensive player should not be called avoidable. (See Rule 4.7.A.3).

- **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: 40 interpretations attached; 40 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: 40 interpretations attached; 40 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: 37 interpretations attached; 37 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: 40 interpretations attached; 40 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: 40 interpretations attached; 40 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: 40 interpretations attached; 40 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: 37 interpretations attached; 36 carried over unchanged; 1 earlier one no longer attached.
    - New here: An incidental push of a slight nature by an offensive player should not be called avoidable. (See Rule 4.7.A.3)

- **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: 37 interpretations attached; 37 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: 40 interpretations attached; 40 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: 36 interpretations attached; 36 carried over unchanged; 1 earlier one no longer attached.

- **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: 40 interpretations attached; 38 carried over unchanged; 1 earlier one no longer attached.
    - New here: An incidental push of a slight nature by an offensive player should not be called avoidable.
    - New here: See Rule 4.7.A.3.

### Rule 4.8, part 3 of 10

Begins: “In order to deter unnecessary conflict between opponents on…”

- **1 April 2005, USHA One-Wall Rules**: First recorded (automatic).

  > In order to deter unnecessary conflict between opponents on this issue, referees should be liberal in assessing this avoidable hinder.

  Interpretations: 34 interpretations attached.
    - New here: Part 4, Rule 4.8 A: Interpretation No. 13
    - New here: The player standing further from the wall must move out of the way of his opponent even though it may mean moving to an undesirable court position.
    - New here: If a player assumes such a position and there is a collision, or there is interference with the stroke of the player trying to strike the ball, the hinder is avoidable.
    - New here: Part 4, Rule 4.8 B: Interpretation No. 14
    - New here: This call is just the opposite of the "failure to move" avoidable hinder.
    - New here: When a player "creates" a hinder by his/her movement, it is also avoidable.
    - New here: Sometimes a player, in the effort to get into a better court position, will cause contact with an opponent who is about to hit the ball, or a player will move in so close to an opponent who is hitting the ball as to cause a possibility of body contact.
    - New here: In either case, an avoidable hinder should be called.
    - New here: It is also an avoidable hinder if one player, just as his/her partner is hitting the ball, moves directly in front of an opponent creating a hinder, not to be confused with a “legal “ hinder .
    - New here: Part 4, Rule 4.8 C: Interpretation No. 15
    - New here: This avoidable hinder may occur almost anywhere on the court.
    - New here: A player has an offensive setup; in his/her effort to get into a more favorable position, the defensive player moves into the path of the ball and is hit.
    - New here: This is avoidable.
    - New here: In this case, the referee must use judgment and not call an avoidable if he/she feels the ball was “mis-hit” and that the defensive player was moving into a non-hindering position in which he/she would not have been hit if the ball had been hit truly.
    - New here: Part 4, Rule 4.8 D: Interpretation No. 16
    - New here: This avoidable hinder may occur when a player pushes a player, no matter how slightly, who is about to hit the ball, or when a player forcefully pushes a player in the attempt to get into position for his/her shot.
    - New here: An accidental push of a slight nature by an offensive player should not be called avoidable.
    - New here: Part 4, Rule 4.8 E: Interpretation No. 17
    - New here: Generally, this type of avoidable hinder occurs after a player has hit the ball and finds himself/herself out of position.
    - New here: In the effort to move into a better court position, he/she crosses the eventual path of the ball just before the ball reaches the opponent, thereby obstructing the opponent's view of the ball.
    - New here: Part 4, Rule 4.8 F: Interpretation No. 18
    - New here: This avoidable hinder should be called against a player who attempts to move in very close to an opponent in an attempt to cause a distraction.
    - New here: Part 4, Rule 4.8 F.1: Interpretation No. 19
    - New here: In doubles, allowable “brief communication” shall be construed to be any reasonable variation of “yours,” “mine,” or “leave it,” consisting of very few syllables.
    - New here: Part 4, Rule 4.8 G: Interpretation No. 20
    - New here: A player hitting the ball is entitled to stroke the ball without being in danger of contacting an opponent during the stroke.
    - New here: The stroke includes the back-swing as well as the follow-through of the arm.
    - New here: If a player is contacted during any part of the stroke by the player hitting the ball, an avoidable hinder should be called, assuming the player who was hit could have avoided the interference with reasonable effort.
    - New here: This interference might not have affected the shot, but it
    - New here: Part 4, Rule 4.8 H: Interpretation No. 21
    - New here: Improperly worn equipment includes eye protection that requires some type of strap in order to stay on the head.
    - New here: Failure to wear such a strap could be considered improperly worn equipment.
    - New here: Gloves that are not snugly attached might also be improperly worn equipment.
    - New here: Equipment not required could be items such as a baseball cap or jewelry.

- **15 April 2005, USHA Four-Wall Rules**: First recorded (automatic).

  > In order to deter unnecessary conflict between opponents on this issue, referees should be liberal in assessing this avoidable hinder.

  Interpretations: 39 interpretations attached.
    - New here: Part 4, Rule 4.8.A: Interpretation No. 13
    - New here: The legal position a player can assume when the opponent is hitting the ball from behind that player is at an angle to the left or right side of the ball being hit, as long as that position is assumed before the opponent begins his/her stroke.
    - New here: A player must move out of the way of the opponent even though it may mean moving to an undesirable court position.
    - New here: It is no excuse that the player claims he/she did not know where the opponent was.
    - New here: He/she must move.
    - New here: This is also the case when a player gives the opponent a back wall setup.
    - New here: It is the obligation of the defensive player to look over his/her shoulder and, if necessary, move out of the way.
    - New here: A player cannot line up directly in front of the opponent's back-wall shot.
    - New here: If a player assumes such a position and there is a collision, or if the player is struck by the ball, the hinder is avoidable.
    - New here: Part 4, Rule 4.8 B: Interpretation No. 14
    - New here: This call is just the opposite of the "failure to move" avoidable hinder.
    - New here: When a player "creates" a hinder by his/her movement, it is also avoidable.
    - New here: Sometimes a player, in the effort to get into a better court position, will cause contact with an opponent who is about to hit the ball, or a player will move in so close to an opponent who is hitting the ball as to cause a possibility of body contact.
    - New here: In either case, an avoidable hinder should be called.
    - New here: It is also an avoidable hinder if one player, just as his/her partner is hitting the ball, moves directly in front of an opponent creating a hinder.
    - New here: Part 4, Rule 4.8 C: Interpretation No. 15
    - New here: This avoidable hinder may occur almost anywhere on the court, but it usually happens in two particular areas:
    - New here: Part 4, Rule 4.8.D: Interpretation No. 16
    - New here: This avoidable hinder may occur when a player pushes a player, no matter how slightly, who is about to hit the ball, or when a player forcefully pushes a player in the attempt to get into position for his/her shot.
    - New here: An accidental push of a slight nature by an offensive player should not be called avoidable.
    - New here: Part 4, Rule 4.8.E: Interpretation No. 17
    - New here: Generally, this type of avoidable hinder occurs after a player has hit the ball and finds himself/herself out of position or pinned against a side wall.
    - New here: In the effort to move into a better court position, he/she crosses the eventual path of the ball just before the ball reaches the opponent, thereby obstructing the opponent's view of the ball.
    - New here: Part 4, Rule 4.8.F: Interpretation No. 18
    - New here: This avoidable hinder should be called against a player who attempts to move in very close to an opponent in an attempt to cause a distraction.
    - New here: Part 4, Rule 4.8.F.1: Interpretation No. 19
    - New here: In doubles, allowable “brief communication” shall be construed to be any reasonable variation of “yours,” “mine,” or “leave it,” consisting of very few syllables.
    - New here: Part 4, Rule 4.8.G: Interpretation No. 20
    - New here: A player hitting the ball is entitled to stroke the ball without being in danger of contacting an opponent during the stroke.
    - New here: The stroke includes the back-swing as well as the follow-through of the arm.
    - New here: If a player is contacted during any part of the stroke by the player hitting the ball, an avoidable hinder should be called, assuming the player who was hit could have avoided the interference with reasonable effort.
    - New here: This interference might not have affected the shot, but it doesn't matter if the ball reaches the front wall or not.
    - New here: This avoidable hinder must be called for safety reasons.
    - New here: Playing too close can cause serious injury, and the referee should forfeit the offending player if this type of positioning continues.
    - New here: Part 4, Rule 4.8.H: Interpretation No. 21
    - New here: Improperly worn equipment includes eye protection that requires some type of strap in order to stay on the head.
    - New here: Failure to wear such a strap could be considered improperly worn equipment.
    - New here: Gloves that are not snugly attached might also be improperly worn equipment.
    - New here: Equipment not required could be items such as a baseball cap or jewelry.

- **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: 39 interpretations attached; 39 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: 34 interpretations attached; 34 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: 34 interpretations attached; 34 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: 39 interpretations attached; 39 carried over unchanged.

- **13 October 2007, American three-wall**: Unchanged (automatic). Compared with USHA Four-Wall Rules, 16 January 2005.

  Same words as the rulebook compared with.

  Interpretations: 39 interpretations attached; 39 carried over unchanged.

- **June 2008, USHA One-Wall Rules**: Unchanged (automatic). Compared with USHA One-Wall Rules, June 2006.

  Same words as the rulebook compared with.

  Interpretations: 37 interpretations attached; 33 carried over unchanged; 1 earlier one no longer attached.
    - New here: This interference might not have affected the shot, but it doesn't matter if the ball reaches the wall or not.
    - New here: This avoidable hinder must be called for safety reasons.
    - New here: Playing too close can cause serious injury, and the referee should forfeit the offending player if this type of positioning continues.
    - New here: This does not affect the rules on legal hinders.

- **2012, USHA Four-Wall Rules**: Unchanged (automatic). Compared with USHA Four-Wall Rule Changes, May 2007.

  Same words as the rulebook compared with.

  Interpretations: 39 interpretations attached; 34 carried over unchanged; 5 earlier ones no longer attached.
    - New here: A player cannot line up directly in front of the opponent’s back-wall shot.
    - New here: This call is just the opposite of the “failure to move” avoidable hinder.
    - New here: When a player “creates” a hinder by his/her movement, it is also avoidable.
    - New here: In the effort to move into a better court position, he/she crosses the eventual path of the ball just before the ball reaches the opponent, thereby obstructing the opponent’s view of the ball.
    - New here: This interference might not have affected the shot, but it doesn’t matter if the ball reaches the front wall or not.

- **2014, USHA Four-Wall Rules**: Unchanged (automatic). Compared with USHA Four-Wall Rules, 2012.

  Same words as the rulebook compared with.

  Interpretations: 39 interpretations attached; 39 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: 37 interpretations attached; 37 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: 39 interpretations attached; 38 carried over unchanged; 1 earlier one no longer attached.
    - New here: A player cannot line up directly in front of the opponent’s shot on a straight path to the front wall, parallel to the side walls.

- **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: 36 interpretations attached; 26 carried over unchanged; 11 earlier ones no longer attached.
    - New here: This call is just the opposite of the “failure to move” avoidable hinder.
    - New here: When a player “creates” a hinder by his/her movement, it is also avoidable.
    - New here: It is also an avoidable hinder if one player, just as his/her partner is hitting the ball, moves directly in front of an opponent creating a hinder, not to be confused with a “legal “ hinder.
    - New here: Part 4, Rule 4.8.D: Interpretation No. 16
    - New here: In the effort to move into a better court position, he/she crosses the eventual path of the ball just before the ball reaches the opponent, thereby obstructing the opponent’s view of the ball.
    - New here: Part 4, Rule 4.8.F: Interpretation No. 18
    - New here: Part 4, Rule 4.8.F.1: Interpretation No. 19
    - New here: Part 4, Rule 4.8.G: Interpretation No. 20
    - New here: This interference might not have affected the shot, but it doesn’t matter if the ball reaches the front wall or not.
    - New here: Part 4, Rule 4.8.H: Interpretation No. 21

- **6 February 2015, USHA Three-Wall Addendum**: Unchanged (automatic). Compared with USHA Four-Wall Rules, 6 February 2015.

  Same words as the rulebook compared with.

  Interpretations: 39 interpretations attached; 39 carried over unchanged.

- **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: 39 interpretations attached; 39 carried over unchanged.

- **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: 36 interpretations attached; 36 carried over unchanged.

- **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: 39 interpretations attached; 39 carried over unchanged.

- **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: 39 interpretations attached; 39 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: 37 interpretations attached; 29 carried over unchanged; 7 earlier ones no longer attached.
    - New here: It is also an avoidable hinder if one player, just as his/her partner is hitting the ball, moves directly in front of an opponent creating a hinder, not to be confused with a “legal “ hinder .
    - New here: Part 4, Rule 4.8 D: Interpretation No. 16
    - New here: Part 4, Rule 4.8 F: Interpretation No. 18
    - New here: Part 4, Rule 4.8 F.1: Interpretation No. 19
    - New here: Part 4, Rule 4.8 G: Interpretation No. 20
    - New here: This interference might not have affected the shot, but it doesn’t matter if the ball reaches the wall or not.
    - New here: This does not affect the rules on legal hinders.
    - New here: Part 4, Rule 4.8 H: Interpretation No. 21

- **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: 39 interpretations attached; 39 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: 37 interpretations attached; 37 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: 40 interpretations attached; 38 carried over unchanged; 1 earlier one no longer attached.
    - New here: An incidental push of a slight nature by an offensive player should not be called avoidable.
    - New here: See Rule 4.7.A.3.

- **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: 38 interpretations attached; 36 carried over unchanged; 1 earlier one no longer attached.
    - New here: An incidental push of a slight nature by an offensive player should not be called avoidable.
    - New here: See Rule 4.7.A.3.

- **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: 38 interpretations attached; 38 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: 40 interpretations attached; 40 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: 40 interpretations attached; 40 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: 37 interpretations attached; 36 carried over unchanged; 2 earlier ones no longer attached.
    - New here: An incidental push of a slight nature by an offensive player should not be called avoidable. (See Rule 4.7.A.3).

- **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: 40 interpretations attached; 40 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: 40 interpretations attached; 40 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: 37 interpretations attached; 37 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: 40 interpretations attached; 40 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: 40 interpretations attached; 40 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: 40 interpretations attached; 40 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: 37 interpretations attached; 36 carried over unchanged; 1 earlier one no longer attached.
    - New here: An incidental push of a slight nature by an offensive player should not be called avoidable. (See Rule 4.7.A.3)

- **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: 37 interpretations attached; 37 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: 40 interpretations attached; 40 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: 36 interpretations attached; 36 carried over unchanged; 1 earlier one no longer attached.

- **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: 40 interpretations attached; 38 carried over unchanged; 1 earlier one no longer attached.
    - New here: An incidental push of a slight nature by an offensive player should not be called avoidable.
    - New here: See Rule 4.7.A.3.

### Rule 4.8, part 4 of 10

Begins: “Sometimes an offensive player may make a call that…”

- **1 April 2005, USHA One-Wall Rules**: First recorded (automatic).

  > Sometimes an offensive player may make a call that is otherwise reserved for the referee, such as “short serve” “out,” or “hinder.” Play shall immediately be stopped and the referee shall consider this to be an appeal for concurrence.

  Interpretations: 34 interpretations attached.
    - New here: Part 4, Rule 4.8 A: Interpretation No. 13
    - New here: The player standing further from the wall must move out of the way of his opponent even though it may mean moving to an undesirable court position.
    - New here: If a player assumes such a position and there is a collision, or there is interference with the stroke of the player trying to strike the ball, the hinder is avoidable.
    - New here: Part 4, Rule 4.8 B: Interpretation No. 14
    - New here: This call is just the opposite of the "failure to move" avoidable hinder.
    - New here: When a player "creates" a hinder by his/her movement, it is also avoidable.
    - New here: Sometimes a player, in the effort to get into a better court position, will cause contact with an opponent who is about to hit the ball, or a player will move in so close to an opponent who is hitting the ball as to cause a possibility of body contact.
    - New here: In either case, an avoidable hinder should be called.
    - New here: It is also an avoidable hinder if one player, just as his/her partner is hitting the ball, moves directly in front of an opponent creating a hinder, not to be confused with a “legal “ hinder .
    - New here: Part 4, Rule 4.8 C: Interpretation No. 15
    - New here: This avoidable hinder may occur almost anywhere on the court.
    - New here: A player has an offensive setup; in his/her effort to get into a more favorable position, the defensive player moves into the path of the ball and is hit.
    - New here: This is avoidable.
    - New here: In this case, the referee must use judgment and not call an avoidable if he/she feels the ball was “mis-hit” and that the defensive player was moving into a non-hindering position in which he/she would not have been hit if the ball had been hit truly.
    - New here: Part 4, Rule 4.8 D: Interpretation No. 16
    - New here: This avoidable hinder may occur when a player pushes a player, no matter how slightly, who is about to hit the ball, or when a player forcefully pushes a player in the attempt to get into position for his/her shot.
    - New here: An accidental push of a slight nature by an offensive player should not be called avoidable.
    - New here: Part 4, Rule 4.8 E: Interpretation No. 17
    - New here: Generally, this type of avoidable hinder occurs after a player has hit the ball and finds himself/herself out of position.
    - New here: In the effort to move into a better court position, he/she crosses the eventual path of the ball just before the ball reaches the opponent, thereby obstructing the opponent's view of the ball.
    - New here: Part 4, Rule 4.8 F: Interpretation No. 18
    - New here: This avoidable hinder should be called against a player who attempts to move in very close to an opponent in an attempt to cause a distraction.
    - New here: Part 4, Rule 4.8 F.1: Interpretation No. 19
    - New here: In doubles, allowable “brief communication” shall be construed to be any reasonable variation of “yours,” “mine,” or “leave it,” consisting of very few syllables.
    - New here: Part 4, Rule 4.8 G: Interpretation No. 20
    - New here: A player hitting the ball is entitled to stroke the ball without being in danger of contacting an opponent during the stroke.
    - New here: The stroke includes the back-swing as well as the follow-through of the arm.
    - New here: If a player is contacted during any part of the stroke by the player hitting the ball, an avoidable hinder should be called, assuming the player who was hit could have avoided the interference with reasonable effort.
    - New here: This interference might not have affected the shot, but it
    - New here: Part 4, Rule 4.8 H: Interpretation No. 21
    - New here: Improperly worn equipment includes eye protection that requires some type of strap in order to stay on the head.
    - New here: Failure to wear such a strap could be considered improperly worn equipment.
    - New here: Gloves that are not snugly attached might also be improperly worn equipment.
    - New here: Equipment not required could be items such as a baseball cap or jewelry.

- **15 April 2005, USHA Four-Wall Rules**: First recorded (automatic).

  > Sometimes an offensive player may make a call that is otherwise reserved for the referee, such as “short serve” “out,” or “hinder.” Play shall immediately be stopped and the referee shall consider this to be an appeal for concurrence.

  Interpretations: 39 interpretations attached.
    - New here: Part 4, Rule 4.8.A: Interpretation No. 13
    - New here: The legal position a player can assume when the opponent is hitting the ball from behind that player is at an angle to the left or right side of the ball being hit, as long as that position is assumed before the opponent begins his/her stroke.
    - New here: A player must move out of the way of the opponent even though it may mean moving to an undesirable court position.
    - New here: It is no excuse that the player claims he/she did not know where the opponent was.
    - New here: He/she must move.
    - New here: This is also the case when a player gives the opponent a back wall setup.
    - New here: It is the obligation of the defensive player to look over his/her shoulder and, if necessary, move out of the way.
    - New here: A player cannot line up directly in front of the opponent's back-wall shot.
    - New here: If a player assumes such a position and there is a collision, or if the player is struck by the ball, the hinder is avoidable.
    - New here: Part 4, Rule 4.8 B: Interpretation No. 14
    - New here: This call is just the opposite of the "failure to move" avoidable hinder.
    - New here: When a player "creates" a hinder by his/her movement, it is also avoidable.
    - New here: Sometimes a player, in the effort to get into a better court position, will cause contact with an opponent who is about to hit the ball, or a player will move in so close to an opponent who is hitting the ball as to cause a possibility of body contact.
    - New here: In either case, an avoidable hinder should be called.
    - New here: It is also an avoidable hinder if one player, just as his/her partner is hitting the ball, moves directly in front of an opponent creating a hinder.
    - New here: Part 4, Rule 4.8 C: Interpretation No. 15
    - New here: This avoidable hinder may occur almost anywhere on the court, but it usually happens in two particular areas:
    - New here: Part 4, Rule 4.8.D: Interpretation No. 16
    - New here: This avoidable hinder may occur when a player pushes a player, no matter how slightly, who is about to hit the ball, or when a player forcefully pushes a player in the attempt to get into position for his/her shot.
    - New here: An accidental push of a slight nature by an offensive player should not be called avoidable.
    - New here: Part 4, Rule 4.8.E: Interpretation No. 17
    - New here: Generally, this type of avoidable hinder occurs after a player has hit the ball and finds himself/herself out of position or pinned against a side wall.
    - New here: In the effort to move into a better court position, he/she crosses the eventual path of the ball just before the ball reaches the opponent, thereby obstructing the opponent's view of the ball.
    - New here: Part 4, Rule 4.8.F: Interpretation No. 18
    - New here: This avoidable hinder should be called against a player who attempts to move in very close to an opponent in an attempt to cause a distraction.
    - New here: Part 4, Rule 4.8.F.1: Interpretation No. 19
    - New here: In doubles, allowable “brief communication” shall be construed to be any reasonable variation of “yours,” “mine,” or “leave it,” consisting of very few syllables.
    - New here: Part 4, Rule 4.8.G: Interpretation No. 20
    - New here: A player hitting the ball is entitled to stroke the ball without being in danger of contacting an opponent during the stroke.
    - New here: The stroke includes the back-swing as well as the follow-through of the arm.
    - New here: If a player is contacted during any part of the stroke by the player hitting the ball, an avoidable hinder should be called, assuming the player who was hit could have avoided the interference with reasonable effort.
    - New here: This interference might not have affected the shot, but it doesn't matter if the ball reaches the front wall or not.
    - New here: This avoidable hinder must be called for safety reasons.
    - New here: Playing too close can cause serious injury, and the referee should forfeit the offending player if this type of positioning continues.
    - New here: Part 4, Rule 4.8.H: Interpretation No. 21
    - New here: Improperly worn equipment includes eye protection that requires some type of strap in order to stay on the head.
    - New here: Failure to wear such a strap could be considered improperly worn equipment.
    - New here: Gloves that are not snugly attached might also be improperly worn equipment.
    - New here: Equipment not required could be items such as a baseball cap or jewelry.

- **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: 39 interpretations attached; 39 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: 34 interpretations attached; 34 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: 34 interpretations attached; 34 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: 39 interpretations attached; 39 carried over unchanged.

- **13 October 2007, American three-wall**: Unchanged (automatic). Compared with USHA Four-Wall Rules, 16 January 2005.

  Same words as the rulebook compared with.

  Interpretations: 39 interpretations attached; 39 carried over unchanged.

- **June 2008, USHA One-Wall Rules**: Unchanged (automatic). Compared with USHA One-Wall Rules, June 2006.

  Same words as the rulebook compared with.

  Interpretations: 37 interpretations attached; 33 carried over unchanged; 1 earlier one no longer attached.
    - New here: This interference might not have affected the shot, but it doesn't matter if the ball reaches the wall or not.
    - New here: This avoidable hinder must be called for safety reasons.
    - New here: Playing too close can cause serious injury, and the referee should forfeit the offending player if this type of positioning continues.
    - New here: This does not affect the rules on legal hinders.

- **2012, USHA Four-Wall Rules**: Unchanged (automatic). Compared with USHA Four-Wall Rule Changes, May 2007.

  Same words as the rulebook compared with.

  Interpretations: 39 interpretations attached; 34 carried over unchanged; 5 earlier ones no longer attached.
    - New here: A player cannot line up directly in front of the opponent’s back-wall shot.
    - New here: This call is just the opposite of the “failure to move” avoidable hinder.
    - New here: When a player “creates” a hinder by his/her movement, it is also avoidable.
    - New here: In the effort to move into a better court position, he/she crosses the eventual path of the ball just before the ball reaches the opponent, thereby obstructing the opponent’s view of the ball.
    - New here: This interference might not have affected the shot, but it doesn’t matter if the ball reaches the front wall or not.

- **2014, USHA Four-Wall Rules**: Unchanged (automatic). Compared with USHA Four-Wall Rules, 2012.

  Same words as the rulebook compared with.

  Interpretations: 39 interpretations attached; 39 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: 37 interpretations attached; 37 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: 39 interpretations attached; 38 carried over unchanged; 1 earlier one no longer attached.
    - New here: A player cannot line up directly in front of the opponent’s shot on a straight path to the front wall, parallel to the side walls.

- **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: 36 interpretations attached; 26 carried over unchanged; 11 earlier ones no longer attached.
    - New here: This call is just the opposite of the “failure to move” avoidable hinder.
    - New here: When a player “creates” a hinder by his/her movement, it is also avoidable.
    - New here: It is also an avoidable hinder if one player, just as his/her partner is hitting the ball, moves directly in front of an opponent creating a hinder, not to be confused with a “legal “ hinder.
    - New here: Part 4, Rule 4.8.D: Interpretation No. 16
    - New here: In the effort to move into a better court position, he/she crosses the eventual path of the ball just before the ball reaches the opponent, thereby obstructing the opponent’s view of the ball.
    - New here: Part 4, Rule 4.8.F: Interpretation No. 18
    - New here: Part 4, Rule 4.8.F.1: Interpretation No. 19
    - New here: Part 4, Rule 4.8.G: Interpretation No. 20
    - New here: This interference might not have affected the shot, but it doesn’t matter if the ball reaches the front wall or not.
    - New here: Part 4, Rule 4.8.H: Interpretation No. 21

- **6 February 2015, USHA Three-Wall Addendum**: Unchanged (automatic). Compared with USHA Four-Wall Rules, 6 February 2015.

  Same words as the rulebook compared with.

  Interpretations: 39 interpretations attached; 39 carried over unchanged.

- **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: 39 interpretations attached; 39 carried over unchanged.

- **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: 36 interpretations attached; 36 carried over unchanged.

- **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: 39 interpretations attached; 39 carried over unchanged.

- **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: 39 interpretations attached; 39 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: 37 interpretations attached; 29 carried over unchanged; 7 earlier ones no longer attached.
    - New here: It is also an avoidable hinder if one player, just as his/her partner is hitting the ball, moves directly in front of an opponent creating a hinder, not to be confused with a “legal “ hinder .
    - New here: Part 4, Rule 4.8 D: Interpretation No. 16
    - New here: Part 4, Rule 4.8 F: Interpretation No. 18
    - New here: Part 4, Rule 4.8 F.1: Interpretation No. 19
    - New here: Part 4, Rule 4.8 G: Interpretation No. 20
    - New here: This interference might not have affected the shot, but it doesn’t matter if the ball reaches the wall or not.
    - New here: This does not affect the rules on legal hinders.
    - New here: Part 4, Rule 4.8 H: Interpretation No. 21

- **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: 39 interpretations attached; 39 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: 37 interpretations attached; 37 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: 40 interpretations attached; 38 carried over unchanged; 1 earlier one no longer attached.
    - New here: An incidental push of a slight nature by an offensive player should not be called avoidable.
    - New here: See Rule 4.7.A.3.

- **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: 38 interpretations attached; 36 carried over unchanged; 1 earlier one no longer attached.
    - New here: An incidental push of a slight nature by an offensive player should not be called avoidable.
    - New here: See Rule 4.7.A.3.

- **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: 38 interpretations attached; 38 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: 40 interpretations attached; 40 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: 40 interpretations attached; 40 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: 37 interpretations attached; 36 carried over unchanged; 2 earlier ones no longer attached.
    - New here: An incidental push of a slight nature by an offensive player should not be called avoidable. (See Rule 4.7.A.3).

- **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: 40 interpretations attached; 40 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: 40 interpretations attached; 40 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: 37 interpretations attached; 37 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: 40 interpretations attached; 40 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: 40 interpretations attached; 40 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: 40 interpretations attached; 40 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: 37 interpretations attached; 36 carried over unchanged; 1 earlier one no longer attached.
    - New here: An incidental push of a slight nature by an offensive player should not be called avoidable. (See Rule 4.7.A.3)

- **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: 37 interpretations attached; 37 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: 40 interpretations attached; 40 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: 36 interpretations attached; 36 carried over unchanged; 1 earlier one no longer attached.

- **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: 40 interpretations attached; 38 carried over unchanged; 1 earlier one no longer attached.
    - New here: An incidental push of a slight nature by an offensive player should not be called avoidable.
    - New here: See Rule 4.7.A.3.

### Rule 4.8, part 5 of 10

Begins: “If the appeal is upheld, the player’s call shall…”

- **1 April 2005, USHA One-Wall Rules**: First recorded (automatic).

  > If the appeal is upheld, the player’s call shall stand.

  Interpretations: 34 interpretations attached.
    - New here: Part 4, Rule 4.8 A: Interpretation No. 13
    - New here: The player standing further from the wall must move out of the way of his opponent even though it may mean moving to an undesirable court position.
    - New here: If a player assumes such a position and there is a collision, or there is interference with the stroke of the player trying to strike the ball, the hinder is avoidable.
    - New here: Part 4, Rule 4.8 B: Interpretation No. 14
    - New here: This call is just the opposite of the "failure to move" avoidable hinder.
    - New here: When a player "creates" a hinder by his/her movement, it is also avoidable.
    - New here: Sometimes a player, in the effort to get into a better court position, will cause contact with an opponent who is about to hit the ball, or a player will move in so close to an opponent who is hitting the ball as to cause a possibility of body contact.
    - New here: In either case, an avoidable hinder should be called.
    - New here: It is also an avoidable hinder if one player, just as his/her partner is hitting the ball, moves directly in front of an opponent creating a hinder, not to be confused with a “legal “ hinder .
    - New here: Part 4, Rule 4.8 C: Interpretation No. 15
    - New here: This avoidable hinder may occur almost anywhere on the court.
    - New here: A player has an offensive setup; in his/her effort to get into a more favorable position, the defensive player moves into the path of the ball and is hit.
    - New here: This is avoidable.
    - New here: In this case, the referee must use judgment and not call an avoidable if he/she feels the ball was “mis-hit” and that the defensive player was moving into a non-hindering position in which he/she would not have been hit if the ball had been hit truly.
    - New here: Part 4, Rule 4.8 D: Interpretation No. 16
    - New here: This avoidable hinder may occur when a player pushes a player, no matter how slightly, who is about to hit the ball, or when a player forcefully pushes a player in the attempt to get into position for his/her shot.
    - New here: An accidental push of a slight nature by an offensive player should not be called avoidable.
    - New here: Part 4, Rule 4.8 E: Interpretation No. 17
    - New here: Generally, this type of avoidable hinder occurs after a player has hit the ball and finds himself/herself out of position.
    - New here: In the effort to move into a better court position, he/she crosses the eventual path of the ball just before the ball reaches the opponent, thereby obstructing the opponent's view of the ball.
    - New here: Part 4, Rule 4.8 F: Interpretation No. 18
    - New here: This avoidable hinder should be called against a player who attempts to move in very close to an opponent in an attempt to cause a distraction.
    - New here: Part 4, Rule 4.8 F.1: Interpretation No. 19
    - New here: In doubles, allowable “brief communication” shall be construed to be any reasonable variation of “yours,” “mine,” or “leave it,” consisting of very few syllables.
    - New here: Part 4, Rule 4.8 G: Interpretation No. 20
    - New here: A player hitting the ball is entitled to stroke the ball without being in danger of contacting an opponent during the stroke.
    - New here: The stroke includes the back-swing as well as the follow-through of the arm.
    - New here: If a player is contacted during any part of the stroke by the player hitting the ball, an avoidable hinder should be called, assuming the player who was hit could have avoided the interference with reasonable effort.
    - New here: This interference might not have affected the shot, but it
    - New here: Part 4, Rule 4.8 H: Interpretation No. 21
    - New here: Improperly worn equipment includes eye protection that requires some type of strap in order to stay on the head.
    - New here: Failure to wear such a strap could be considered improperly worn equipment.
    - New here: Gloves that are not snugly attached might also be improperly worn equipment.
    - New here: Equipment not required could be items such as a baseball cap or jewelry.

- **15 April 2005, USHA Four-Wall Rules**: First recorded (automatic).

  > If the appeal is upheld, the player’s call shall stand.

  Interpretations: 39 interpretations attached.
    - New here: Part 4, Rule 4.8.A: Interpretation No. 13
    - New here: The legal position a player can assume when the opponent is hitting the ball from behind that player is at an angle to the left or right side of the ball being hit, as long as that position is assumed before the opponent begins his/her stroke.
    - New here: A player must move out of the way of the opponent even though it may mean moving to an undesirable court position.
    - New here: It is no excuse that the player claims he/she did not know where the opponent was.
    - New here: He/she must move.
    - New here: This is also the case when a player gives the opponent a back wall setup.
    - New here: It is the obligation of the defensive player to look over his/her shoulder and, if necessary, move out of the way.
    - New here: A player cannot line up directly in front of the opponent's back-wall shot.
    - New here: If a player assumes such a position and there is a collision, or if the player is struck by the ball, the hinder is avoidable.
    - New here: Part 4, Rule 4.8 B: Interpretation No. 14
    - New here: This call is just the opposite of the "failure to move" avoidable hinder.
    - New here: When a player "creates" a hinder by his/her movement, it is also avoidable.
    - New here: Sometimes a player, in the effort to get into a better court position, will cause contact with an opponent who is about to hit the ball, or a player will move in so close to an opponent who is hitting the ball as to cause a possibility of body contact.
    - New here: In either case, an avoidable hinder should be called.
    - New here: It is also an avoidable hinder if one player, just as his/her partner is hitting the ball, moves directly in front of an opponent creating a hinder.
    - New here: Part 4, Rule 4.8 C: Interpretation No. 15
    - New here: This avoidable hinder may occur almost anywhere on the court, but it usually happens in two particular areas:
    - New here: Part 4, Rule 4.8.D: Interpretation No. 16
    - New here: This avoidable hinder may occur when a player pushes a player, no matter how slightly, who is about to hit the ball, or when a player forcefully pushes a player in the attempt to get into position for his/her shot.
    - New here: An accidental push of a slight nature by an offensive player should not be called avoidable.
    - New here: Part 4, Rule 4.8.E: Interpretation No. 17
    - New here: Generally, this type of avoidable hinder occurs after a player has hit the ball and finds himself/herself out of position or pinned against a side wall.
    - New here: In the effort to move into a better court position, he/she crosses the eventual path of the ball just before the ball reaches the opponent, thereby obstructing the opponent's view of the ball.
    - New here: Part 4, Rule 4.8.F: Interpretation No. 18
    - New here: This avoidable hinder should be called against a player who attempts to move in very close to an opponent in an attempt to cause a distraction.
    - New here: Part 4, Rule 4.8.F.1: Interpretation No. 19
    - New here: In doubles, allowable “brief communication” shall be construed to be any reasonable variation of “yours,” “mine,” or “leave it,” consisting of very few syllables.
    - New here: Part 4, Rule 4.8.G: Interpretation No. 20
    - New here: A player hitting the ball is entitled to stroke the ball without being in danger of contacting an opponent during the stroke.
    - New here: The stroke includes the back-swing as well as the follow-through of the arm.
    - New here: If a player is contacted during any part of the stroke by the player hitting the ball, an avoidable hinder should be called, assuming the player who was hit could have avoided the interference with reasonable effort.
    - New here: This interference might not have affected the shot, but it doesn't matter if the ball reaches the front wall or not.
    - New here: This avoidable hinder must be called for safety reasons.
    - New here: Playing too close can cause serious injury, and the referee should forfeit the offending player if this type of positioning continues.
    - New here: Part 4, Rule 4.8.H: Interpretation No. 21
    - New here: Improperly worn equipment includes eye protection that requires some type of strap in order to stay on the head.
    - New here: Failure to wear such a strap could be considered improperly worn equipment.
    - New here: Gloves that are not snugly attached might also be improperly worn equipment.
    - New here: Equipment not required could be items such as a baseball cap or jewelry.

- **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: 39 interpretations attached; 39 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: 34 interpretations attached; 34 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: 34 interpretations attached; 34 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: 39 interpretations attached; 39 carried over unchanged.

- **13 October 2007, American three-wall**: Unchanged (automatic). Compared with USHA Four-Wall Rules, 16 January 2005.

  Same words as the rulebook compared with.

  Interpretations: 39 interpretations attached; 39 carried over unchanged.

- **June 2008, USHA One-Wall Rules**: Unchanged (automatic). Compared with USHA One-Wall Rules, June 2006.

  Same words as the rulebook compared with.

  Interpretations: 37 interpretations attached; 33 carried over unchanged; 1 earlier one no longer attached.
    - New here: This interference might not have affected the shot, but it doesn't matter if the ball reaches the wall or not.
    - New here: This avoidable hinder must be called for safety reasons.
    - New here: Playing too close can cause serious injury, and the referee should forfeit the offending player if this type of positioning continues.
    - New here: This does not affect the rules on legal hinders.

- **2012, USHA Four-Wall Rules**: Unchanged (automatic). Compared with USHA Four-Wall Rule Changes, May 2007.

  Same words as the rulebook compared with.

  Interpretations: 39 interpretations attached; 34 carried over unchanged; 5 earlier ones no longer attached.
    - New here: A player cannot line up directly in front of the opponent’s back-wall shot.
    - New here: This call is just the opposite of the “failure to move” avoidable hinder.
    - New here: When a player “creates” a hinder by his/her movement, it is also avoidable.
    - New here: In the effort to move into a better court position, he/she crosses the eventual path of the ball just before the ball reaches the opponent, thereby obstructing the opponent’s view of the ball.
    - New here: This interference might not have affected the shot, but it doesn’t matter if the ball reaches the front wall or not.

- **2014, USHA Four-Wall Rules**: Unchanged (automatic). Compared with USHA Four-Wall Rules, 2012.

  Same words as the rulebook compared with.

  Interpretations: 39 interpretations attached; 39 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: 37 interpretations attached; 37 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: 39 interpretations attached; 38 carried over unchanged; 1 earlier one no longer attached.
    - New here: A player cannot line up directly in front of the opponent’s shot on a straight path to the front wall, parallel to the side walls.

- **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: 36 interpretations attached; 26 carried over unchanged; 11 earlier ones no longer attached.
    - New here: This call is just the opposite of the “failure to move” avoidable hinder.
    - New here: When a player “creates” a hinder by his/her movement, it is also avoidable.
    - New here: It is also an avoidable hinder if one player, just as his/her partner is hitting the ball, moves directly in front of an opponent creating a hinder, not to be confused with a “legal “ hinder.
    - New here: Part 4, Rule 4.8.D: Interpretation No. 16
    - New here: In the effort to move into a better court position, he/she crosses the eventual path of the ball just before the ball reaches the opponent, thereby obstructing the opponent’s view of the ball.
    - New here: Part 4, Rule 4.8.F: Interpretation No. 18
    - New here: Part 4, Rule 4.8.F.1: Interpretation No. 19
    - New here: Part 4, Rule 4.8.G: Interpretation No. 20
    - New here: This interference might not have affected the shot, but it doesn’t matter if the ball reaches the front wall or not.
    - New here: Part 4, Rule 4.8.H: Interpretation No. 21

- **6 February 2015, USHA Three-Wall Addendum**: Unchanged (automatic). Compared with USHA Four-Wall Rules, 6 February 2015.

  Same words as the rulebook compared with.

  Interpretations: 39 interpretations attached; 39 carried over unchanged.

- **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: 39 interpretations attached; 39 carried over unchanged.

- **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: 36 interpretations attached; 36 carried over unchanged.

- **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: 39 interpretations attached; 39 carried over unchanged.

- **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: 39 interpretations attached; 39 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: 37 interpretations attached; 29 carried over unchanged; 7 earlier ones no longer attached.
    - New here: It is also an avoidable hinder if one player, just as his/her partner is hitting the ball, moves directly in front of an opponent creating a hinder, not to be confused with a “legal “ hinder .
    - New here: Part 4, Rule 4.8 D: Interpretation No. 16
    - New here: Part 4, Rule 4.8 F: Interpretation No. 18
    - New here: Part 4, Rule 4.8 F.1: Interpretation No. 19
    - New here: Part 4, Rule 4.8 G: Interpretation No. 20
    - New here: This interference might not have affected the shot, but it doesn’t matter if the ball reaches the wall or not.
    - New here: This does not affect the rules on legal hinders.
    - New here: Part 4, Rule 4.8 H: Interpretation No. 21

- **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: 39 interpretations attached; 39 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: 37 interpretations attached; 37 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: 40 interpretations attached; 38 carried over unchanged; 1 earlier one no longer attached.
    - New here: An incidental push of a slight nature by an offensive player should not be called avoidable.
    - New here: See Rule 4.7.A.3.

- **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: 38 interpretations attached; 36 carried over unchanged; 1 earlier one no longer attached.
    - New here: An incidental push of a slight nature by an offensive player should not be called avoidable.
    - New here: See Rule 4.7.A.3.

- **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: 38 interpretations attached; 38 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: 40 interpretations attached; 40 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: 40 interpretations attached; 40 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: 37 interpretations attached; 36 carried over unchanged; 2 earlier ones no longer attached.
    - New here: An incidental push of a slight nature by an offensive player should not be called avoidable. (See Rule 4.7.A.3).

- **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: 40 interpretations attached; 40 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: 40 interpretations attached; 40 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: 37 interpretations attached; 37 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: 40 interpretations attached; 40 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: 40 interpretations attached; 40 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: 40 interpretations attached; 40 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: 37 interpretations attached; 36 carried over unchanged; 1 earlier one no longer attached.
    - New here: An incidental push of a slight nature by an offensive player should not be called avoidable. (See Rule 4.7.A.3)

- **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: 37 interpretations attached; 37 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: 40 interpretations attached; 40 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: 36 interpretations attached; 36 carried over unchanged; 1 earlier one no longer attached.

- **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: 40 interpretations attached; 38 carried over unchanged; 1 earlier one no longer attached.
    - New here: An incidental push of a slight nature by an offensive player should not be called avoidable.
    - New here: See Rule 4.7.A.3.

### Rule 4.8, part 6 of 10

Begins: “Otherwise, the player shall be assessed an avoidable distraction…”

- **1 April 2005, USHA One-Wall Rules**: First recorded (automatic).

  > Otherwise, the player shall be assessed an avoidable distraction hinder and lose the rally.

  Interpretations: 34 interpretations attached.
    - New here: Part 4, Rule 4.8 A: Interpretation No. 13
    - New here: The player standing further from the wall must move out of the way of his opponent even though it may mean moving to an undesirable court position.
    - New here: If a player assumes such a position and there is a collision, or there is interference with the stroke of the player trying to strike the ball, the hinder is avoidable.
    - New here: Part 4, Rule 4.8 B: Interpretation No. 14
    - New here: This call is just the opposite of the "failure to move" avoidable hinder.
    - New here: When a player "creates" a hinder by his/her movement, it is also avoidable.
    - New here: Sometimes a player, in the effort to get into a better court position, will cause contact with an opponent who is about to hit the ball, or a player will move in so close to an opponent who is hitting the ball as to cause a possibility of body contact.
    - New here: In either case, an avoidable hinder should be called.
    - New here: It is also an avoidable hinder if one player, just as his/her partner is hitting the ball, moves directly in front of an opponent creating a hinder, not to be confused with a “legal “ hinder .
    - New here: Part 4, Rule 4.8 C: Interpretation No. 15
    - New here: This avoidable hinder may occur almost anywhere on the court.
    - New here: A player has an offensive setup; in his/her effort to get into a more favorable position, the defensive player moves into the path of the ball and is hit.
    - New here: This is avoidable.
    - New here: In this case, the referee must use judgment and not call an avoidable if he/she feels the ball was “mis-hit” and that the defensive player was moving into a non-hindering position in which he/she would not have been hit if the ball had been hit truly.
    - New here: Part 4, Rule 4.8 D: Interpretation No. 16
    - New here: This avoidable hinder may occur when a player pushes a player, no matter how slightly, who is about to hit the ball, or when a player forcefully pushes a player in the attempt to get into position for his/her shot.
    - New here: An accidental push of a slight nature by an offensive player should not be called avoidable.
    - New here: Part 4, Rule 4.8 E: Interpretation No. 17
    - New here: Generally, this type of avoidable hinder occurs after a player has hit the ball and finds himself/herself out of position.
    - New here: In the effort to move into a better court position, he/she crosses the eventual path of the ball just before the ball reaches the opponent, thereby obstructing the opponent's view of the ball.
    - New here: Part 4, Rule 4.8 F: Interpretation No. 18
    - New here: This avoidable hinder should be called against a player who attempts to move in very close to an opponent in an attempt to cause a distraction.
    - New here: Part 4, Rule 4.8 F.1: Interpretation No. 19
    - New here: In doubles, allowable “brief communication” shall be construed to be any reasonable variation of “yours,” “mine,” or “leave it,” consisting of very few syllables.
    - New here: Part 4, Rule 4.8 G: Interpretation No. 20
    - New here: A player hitting the ball is entitled to stroke the ball without being in danger of contacting an opponent during the stroke.
    - New here: The stroke includes the back-swing as well as the follow-through of the arm.
    - New here: If a player is contacted during any part of the stroke by the player hitting the ball, an avoidable hinder should be called, assuming the player who was hit could have avoided the interference with reasonable effort.
    - New here: This interference might not have affected the shot, but it
    - New here: Part 4, Rule 4.8 H: Interpretation No. 21
    - New here: Improperly worn equipment includes eye protection that requires some type of strap in order to stay on the head.
    - New here: Failure to wear such a strap could be considered improperly worn equipment.
    - New here: Gloves that are not snugly attached might also be improperly worn equipment.
    - New here: Equipment not required could be items such as a baseball cap or jewelry.

- **15 April 2005, USHA Four-Wall Rules**: First recorded (automatic).

  > Otherwise, the player shall be assessed an avoidable distraction hinder and lose the rally.

  Interpretations: 39 interpretations attached.
    - New here: Part 4, Rule 4.8.A: Interpretation No. 13
    - New here: The legal position a player can assume when the opponent is hitting the ball from behind that player is at an angle to the left or right side of the ball being hit, as long as that position is assumed before the opponent begins his/her stroke.
    - New here: A player must move out of the way of the opponent even though it may mean moving to an undesirable court position.
    - New here: It is no excuse that the player claims he/she did not know where the opponent was.
    - New here: He/she must move.
    - New here: This is also the case when a player gives the opponent a back wall setup.
    - New here: It is the obligation of the defensive player to look over his/her shoulder and, if necessary, move out of the way.
    - New here: A player cannot line up directly in front of the opponent's back-wall shot.
    - New here: If a player assumes such a position and there is a collision, or if the player is struck by the ball, the hinder is avoidable.
    - New here: Part 4, Rule 4.8 B: Interpretation No. 14
    - New here: This call is just the opposite of the "failure to move" avoidable hinder.
    - New here: When a player "creates" a hinder by his/her movement, it is also avoidable.
    - New here: Sometimes a player, in the effort to get into a better court position, will cause contact with an opponent who is about to hit the ball, or a player will move in so close to an opponent who is hitting the ball as to cause a possibility of body contact.
    - New here: In either case, an avoidable hinder should be called.
    - New here: It is also an avoidable hinder if one player, just as his/her partner is hitting the ball, moves directly in front of an opponent creating a hinder.
    - New here: Part 4, Rule 4.8 C: Interpretation No. 15
    - New here: This avoidable hinder may occur almost anywhere on the court, but it usually happens in two particular areas:
    - New here: Part 4, Rule 4.8.D: Interpretation No. 16
    - New here: This avoidable hinder may occur when a player pushes a player, no matter how slightly, who is about to hit the ball, or when a player forcefully pushes a player in the attempt to get into position for his/her shot.
    - New here: An accidental push of a slight nature by an offensive player should not be called avoidable.
    - New here: Part 4, Rule 4.8.E: Interpretation No. 17
    - New here: Generally, this type of avoidable hinder occurs after a player has hit the ball and finds himself/herself out of position or pinned against a side wall.
    - New here: In the effort to move into a better court position, he/she crosses the eventual path of the ball just before the ball reaches the opponent, thereby obstructing the opponent's view of the ball.
    - New here: Part 4, Rule 4.8.F: Interpretation No. 18
    - New here: This avoidable hinder should be called against a player who attempts to move in very close to an opponent in an attempt to cause a distraction.
    - New here: Part 4, Rule 4.8.F.1: Interpretation No. 19
    - New here: In doubles, allowable “brief communication” shall be construed to be any reasonable variation of “yours,” “mine,” or “leave it,” consisting of very few syllables.
    - New here: Part 4, Rule 4.8.G: Interpretation No. 20
    - New here: A player hitting the ball is entitled to stroke the ball without being in danger of contacting an opponent during the stroke.
    - New here: The stroke includes the back-swing as well as the follow-through of the arm.
    - New here: If a player is contacted during any part of the stroke by the player hitting the ball, an avoidable hinder should be called, assuming the player who was hit could have avoided the interference with reasonable effort.
    - New here: This interference might not have affected the shot, but it doesn't matter if the ball reaches the front wall or not.
    - New here: This avoidable hinder must be called for safety reasons.
    - New here: Playing too close can cause serious injury, and the referee should forfeit the offending player if this type of positioning continues.
    - New here: Part 4, Rule 4.8.H: Interpretation No. 21
    - New here: Improperly worn equipment includes eye protection that requires some type of strap in order to stay on the head.
    - New here: Failure to wear such a strap could be considered improperly worn equipment.
    - New here: Gloves that are not snugly attached might also be improperly worn equipment.
    - New here: Equipment not required could be items such as a baseball cap or jewelry.

- **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: 39 interpretations attached; 39 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: 34 interpretations attached; 34 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: 34 interpretations attached; 34 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: 39 interpretations attached; 39 carried over unchanged.

- **13 October 2007, American three-wall**: Unchanged (automatic). Compared with USHA Four-Wall Rules, 16 January 2005.

  Same words as the rulebook compared with.

  Interpretations: 39 interpretations attached; 39 carried over unchanged.

- **June 2008, USHA One-Wall Rules**: Unchanged (automatic). Compared with USHA One-Wall Rules, June 2006.

  Same words as the rulebook compared with.

  Interpretations: 37 interpretations attached; 33 carried over unchanged; 1 earlier one no longer attached.
    - New here: This interference might not have affected the shot, but it doesn't matter if the ball reaches the wall or not.
    - New here: This avoidable hinder must be called for safety reasons.
    - New here: Playing too close can cause serious injury, and the referee should forfeit the offending player if this type of positioning continues.
    - New here: This does not affect the rules on legal hinders.

- **2012, USHA Four-Wall Rules**: Unchanged (automatic). Compared with USHA Four-Wall Rule Changes, May 2007.

  Same words as the rulebook compared with.

  Interpretations: 39 interpretations attached; 34 carried over unchanged; 5 earlier ones no longer attached.
    - New here: A player cannot line up directly in front of the opponent’s back-wall shot.
    - New here: This call is just the opposite of the “failure to move” avoidable hinder.
    - New here: When a player “creates” a hinder by his/her movement, it is also avoidable.
    - New here: In the effort to move into a better court position, he/she crosses the eventual path of the ball just before the ball reaches the opponent, thereby obstructing the opponent’s view of the ball.
    - New here: This interference might not have affected the shot, but it doesn’t matter if the ball reaches the front wall or not.

- **2014, USHA Four-Wall Rules**: Unchanged (automatic). Compared with USHA Four-Wall Rules, 2012.

  Same words as the rulebook compared with.

  Interpretations: 39 interpretations attached; 39 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: 37 interpretations attached; 37 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: 39 interpretations attached; 38 carried over unchanged; 1 earlier one no longer attached.
    - New here: A player cannot line up directly in front of the opponent’s shot on a straight path to the front wall, parallel to the side walls.

- **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: 36 interpretations attached; 26 carried over unchanged; 11 earlier ones no longer attached.
    - New here: This call is just the opposite of the “failure to move” avoidable hinder.
    - New here: When a player “creates” a hinder by his/her movement, it is also avoidable.
    - New here: It is also an avoidable hinder if one player, just as his/her partner is hitting the ball, moves directly in front of an opponent creating a hinder, not to be confused with a “legal “ hinder.
    - New here: Part 4, Rule 4.8.D: Interpretation No. 16
    - New here: In the effort to move into a better court position, he/she crosses the eventual path of the ball just before the ball reaches the opponent, thereby obstructing the opponent’s view of the ball.
    - New here: Part 4, Rule 4.8.F: Interpretation No. 18
    - New here: Part 4, Rule 4.8.F.1: Interpretation No. 19
    - New here: Part 4, Rule 4.8.G: Interpretation No. 20
    - New here: This interference might not have affected the shot, but it doesn’t matter if the ball reaches the front wall or not.
    - New here: Part 4, Rule 4.8.H: Interpretation No. 21

- **6 February 2015, USHA Three-Wall Addendum**: Unchanged (automatic). Compared with USHA Four-Wall Rules, 6 February 2015.

  Same words as the rulebook compared with.

  Interpretations: 39 interpretations attached; 39 carried over unchanged.

- **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: 39 interpretations attached; 39 carried over unchanged.

- **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: 36 interpretations attached; 36 carried over unchanged.

- **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: 39 interpretations attached; 39 carried over unchanged.

- **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: 39 interpretations attached; 39 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: 37 interpretations attached; 29 carried over unchanged; 7 earlier ones no longer attached.
    - New here: It is also an avoidable hinder if one player, just as his/her partner is hitting the ball, moves directly in front of an opponent creating a hinder, not to be confused with a “legal “ hinder .
    - New here: Part 4, Rule 4.8 D: Interpretation No. 16
    - New here: Part 4, Rule 4.8 F: Interpretation No. 18
    - New here: Part 4, Rule 4.8 F.1: Interpretation No. 19
    - New here: Part 4, Rule 4.8 G: Interpretation No. 20
    - New here: This interference might not have affected the shot, but it doesn’t matter if the ball reaches the wall or not.
    - New here: This does not affect the rules on legal hinders.
    - New here: Part 4, Rule 4.8 H: Interpretation No. 21

- **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: 39 interpretations attached; 39 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: 37 interpretations attached; 37 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: 40 interpretations attached; 38 carried over unchanged; 1 earlier one no longer attached.
    - New here: An incidental push of a slight nature by an offensive player should not be called avoidable.
    - New here: See Rule 4.7.A.3.

- **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: 38 interpretations attached; 36 carried over unchanged; 1 earlier one no longer attached.
    - New here: An incidental push of a slight nature by an offensive player should not be called avoidable.
    - New here: See Rule 4.7.A.3.

- **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: 38 interpretations attached; 38 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: 40 interpretations attached; 40 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: 40 interpretations attached; 40 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: 37 interpretations attached; 36 carried over unchanged; 2 earlier ones no longer attached.
    - New here: An incidental push of a slight nature by an offensive player should not be called avoidable. (See Rule 4.7.A.3).

- **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: 40 interpretations attached; 40 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: 40 interpretations attached; 40 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: 37 interpretations attached; 37 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: 40 interpretations attached; 40 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: 40 interpretations attached; 40 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: 40 interpretations attached; 40 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: 37 interpretations attached; 36 carried over unchanged; 1 earlier one no longer attached.
    - New here: An incidental push of a slight nature by an offensive player should not be called avoidable. (See Rule 4.7.A.3)

- **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: 37 interpretations attached; 37 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: 40 interpretations attached; 40 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: 36 interpretations attached; 36 carried over unchanged; 1 earlier one no longer attached.

- **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: 40 interpretations attached; 38 carried over unchanged; 1 earlier one no longer attached.
    - New here: An incidental push of a slight nature by an offensive player should not be called avoidable.
    - New here: See Rule 4.7.A.3.

### Rule 4.8, part 7 of 10

Begins: “Under no circumstances may a player say anything while…”

- **1 April 2005, USHA One-Wall Rules**: First recorded (automatic).

  > Under no circumstances may a player say anything while an opponent is playing the ball.

  Interpretations: 34 interpretations attached.
    - New here: Part 4, Rule 4.8 A: Interpretation No. 13
    - New here: The player standing further from the wall must move out of the way of his opponent even though it may mean moving to an undesirable court position.
    - New here: If a player assumes such a position and there is a collision, or there is interference with the stroke of the player trying to strike the ball, the hinder is avoidable.
    - New here: Part 4, Rule 4.8 B: Interpretation No. 14
    - New here: This call is just the opposite of the "failure to move" avoidable hinder.
    - New here: When a player "creates" a hinder by his/her movement, it is also avoidable.
    - New here: Sometimes a player, in the effort to get into a better court position, will cause contact with an opponent who is about to hit the ball, or a player will move in so close to an opponent who is hitting the ball as to cause a possibility of body contact.
    - New here: In either case, an avoidable hinder should be called.
    - New here: It is also an avoidable hinder if one player, just as his/her partner is hitting the ball, moves directly in front of an opponent creating a hinder, not to be confused with a “legal “ hinder .
    - New here: Part 4, Rule 4.8 C: Interpretation No. 15
    - New here: This avoidable hinder may occur almost anywhere on the court.
    - New here: A player has an offensive setup; in his/her effort to get into a more favorable position, the defensive player moves into the path of the ball and is hit.
    - New here: This is avoidable.
    - New here: In this case, the referee must use judgment and not call an avoidable if he/she feels the ball was “mis-hit” and that the defensive player was moving into a non-hindering position in which he/she would not have been hit if the ball had been hit truly.
    - New here: Part 4, Rule 4.8 D: Interpretation No. 16
    - New here: This avoidable hinder may occur when a player pushes a player, no matter how slightly, who is about to hit the ball, or when a player forcefully pushes a player in the attempt to get into position for his/her shot.
    - New here: An accidental push of a slight nature by an offensive player should not be called avoidable.
    - New here: Part 4, Rule 4.8 E: Interpretation No. 17
    - New here: Generally, this type of avoidable hinder occurs after a player has hit the ball and finds himself/herself out of position.
    - New here: In the effort to move into a better court position, he/she crosses the eventual path of the ball just before the ball reaches the opponent, thereby obstructing the opponent's view of the ball.
    - New here: Part 4, Rule 4.8 F: Interpretation No. 18
    - New here: This avoidable hinder should be called against a player who attempts to move in very close to an opponent in an attempt to cause a distraction.
    - New here: Part 4, Rule 4.8 F.1: Interpretation No. 19
    - New here: In doubles, allowable “brief communication” shall be construed to be any reasonable variation of “yours,” “mine,” or “leave it,” consisting of very few syllables.
    - New here: Part 4, Rule 4.8 G: Interpretation No. 20
    - New here: A player hitting the ball is entitled to stroke the ball without being in danger of contacting an opponent during the stroke.
    - New here: The stroke includes the back-swing as well as the follow-through of the arm.
    - New here: If a player is contacted during any part of the stroke by the player hitting the ball, an avoidable hinder should be called, assuming the player who was hit could have avoided the interference with reasonable effort.
    - New here: This interference might not have affected the shot, but it
    - New here: Part 4, Rule 4.8 H: Interpretation No. 21
    - New here: Improperly worn equipment includes eye protection that requires some type of strap in order to stay on the head.
    - New here: Failure to wear such a strap could be considered improperly worn equipment.
    - New here: Gloves that are not snugly attached might also be improperly worn equipment.
    - New here: Equipment not required could be items such as a baseball cap or jewelry.

- **15 April 2005, USHA Four-Wall Rules**: First recorded (automatic).

  > Under no circumstances may a player say anything while an opponent is playing the ball.

  Interpretations: 39 interpretations attached.
    - New here: Part 4, Rule 4.8.A: Interpretation No. 13
    - New here: The legal position a player can assume when the opponent is hitting the ball from behind that player is at an angle to the left or right side of the ball being hit, as long as that position is assumed before the opponent begins his/her stroke.
    - New here: A player must move out of the way of the opponent even though it may mean moving to an undesirable court position.
    - New here: It is no excuse that the player claims he/she did not know where the opponent was.
    - New here: He/she must move.
    - New here: This is also the case when a player gives the opponent a back wall setup.
    - New here: It is the obligation of the defensive player to look over his/her shoulder and, if necessary, move out of the way.
    - New here: A player cannot line up directly in front of the opponent's back-wall shot.
    - New here: If a player assumes such a position and there is a collision, or if the player is struck by the ball, the hinder is avoidable.
    - New here: Part 4, Rule 4.8 B: Interpretation No. 14
    - New here: This call is just the opposite of the "failure to move" avoidable hinder.
    - New here: When a player "creates" a hinder by his/her movement, it is also avoidable.
    - New here: Sometimes a player, in the effort to get into a better court position, will cause contact with an opponent who is about to hit the ball, or a player will move in so close to an opponent who is hitting the ball as to cause a possibility of body contact.
    - New here: In either case, an avoidable hinder should be called.
    - New here: It is also an avoidable hinder if one player, just as his/her partner is hitting the ball, moves directly in front of an opponent creating a hinder.
    - New here: Part 4, Rule 4.8 C: Interpretation No. 15
    - New here: This avoidable hinder may occur almost anywhere on the court, but it usually happens in two particular areas:
    - New here: Part 4, Rule 4.8.D: Interpretation No. 16
    - New here: This avoidable hinder may occur when a player pushes a player, no matter how slightly, who is about to hit the ball, or when a player forcefully pushes a player in the attempt to get into position for his/her shot.
    - New here: An accidental push of a slight nature by an offensive player should not be called avoidable.
    - New here: Part 4, Rule 4.8.E: Interpretation No. 17
    - New here: Generally, this type of avoidable hinder occurs after a player has hit the ball and finds himself/herself out of position or pinned against a side wall.
    - New here: In the effort to move into a better court position, he/she crosses the eventual path of the ball just before the ball reaches the opponent, thereby obstructing the opponent's view of the ball.
    - New here: Part 4, Rule 4.8.F: Interpretation No. 18
    - New here: This avoidable hinder should be called against a player who attempts to move in very close to an opponent in an attempt to cause a distraction.
    - New here: Part 4, Rule 4.8.F.1: Interpretation No. 19
    - New here: In doubles, allowable “brief communication” shall be construed to be any reasonable variation of “yours,” “mine,” or “leave it,” consisting of very few syllables.
    - New here: Part 4, Rule 4.8.G: Interpretation No. 20
    - New here: A player hitting the ball is entitled to stroke the ball without being in danger of contacting an opponent during the stroke.
    - New here: The stroke includes the back-swing as well as the follow-through of the arm.
    - New here: If a player is contacted during any part of the stroke by the player hitting the ball, an avoidable hinder should be called, assuming the player who was hit could have avoided the interference with reasonable effort.
    - New here: This interference might not have affected the shot, but it doesn't matter if the ball reaches the front wall or not.
    - New here: This avoidable hinder must be called for safety reasons.
    - New here: Playing too close can cause serious injury, and the referee should forfeit the offending player if this type of positioning continues.
    - New here: Part 4, Rule 4.8.H: Interpretation No. 21
    - New here: Improperly worn equipment includes eye protection that requires some type of strap in order to stay on the head.
    - New here: Failure to wear such a strap could be considered improperly worn equipment.
    - New here: Gloves that are not snugly attached might also be improperly worn equipment.
    - New here: Equipment not required could be items such as a baseball cap or jewelry.

- **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: 39 interpretations attached; 39 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: 34 interpretations attached; 34 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: 34 interpretations attached; 34 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: 39 interpretations attached; 39 carried over unchanged.

- **13 October 2007, American three-wall**: First recorded (automatic).

  > Under no circumstances may a player say anything while an opponent is playing the ball.

  Interpretations: 39 interpretations attached.
    - New here: Part 4, Rule 4.8.A: Interpretation No. 13
    - New here: The legal position a player can assume when the opponent is hitting the ball from behind that player is at an angle to the left or right side of the ball being hit, as long as that position is assumed before the opponent begins his/her stroke.
    - New here: A player must move out of the way of the opponent even though it may mean moving to an undesirable court position.
    - New here: It is no excuse that the player claims he/she did not know where the opponent was.
    - New here: He/she must move.
    - New here: This is also the case when a player gives the opponent a back wall setup.
    - New here: It is the obligation of the defensive player to look over his/her shoulder and, if necessary, move out of the way.
    - New here: A player cannot line up directly in front of the opponent's back-wall shot.
    - New here: If a player assumes such a position and there is a collision, or if the player is struck by the ball, the hinder is avoidable.
    - New here: Part 4, Rule 4.8 B: Interpretation No. 14
    - New here: This call is just the opposite of the "failure to move" avoidable hinder.
    - New here: When a player "creates" a hinder by his/her movement, it is also avoidable.
    - New here: Sometimes a player, in the effort to get into a better court position, will cause contact with an opponent who is about to hit the ball, or a player will move in so close to an opponent who is hitting the ball as to cause a possibility of body contact.
    - New here: In either case, an avoidable hinder should be called.
    - New here: It is also an avoidable hinder if one player, just as his/her partner is hitting the ball, moves directly in front of an opponent creating a hinder.
    - New here: Part 4, Rule 4.8 C: Interpretation No. 15
    - New here: This avoidable hinder may occur almost anywhere on the court, but it usually happens in two particular areas:
    - New here: Part 4, Rule 4.8.D: Interpretation No. 16
    - New here: This avoidable hinder may occur when a player pushes a player, no matter how slightly, who is about to hit the ball, or when a player forcefully pushes a player in the attempt to get into position for his/her shot.
    - New here: An accidental push of a slight nature by an offensive player should not be called avoidable.
    - New here: Part 4, Rule 4.8.E: Interpretation No. 17
    - New here: Generally, this type of avoidable hinder occurs after a player has hit the ball and finds himself/herself out of position or pinned against a side wall.
    - New here: In the effort to move into a better court position, he/she crosses the eventual path of the ball just before the ball reaches the opponent, thereby obstructing the opponent's view of the ball.
    - New here: Part 4, Rule 4.8.F: Interpretation No. 18
    - New here: This avoidable hinder should be called against a player who attempts to move in very close to an opponent in an attempt to cause a distraction.
    - New here: Part 4, Rule 4.8.F.1: Interpretation No. 19
    - New here: In doubles, allowable “brief communication” shall be construed to be any reasonable variation of “yours,” “mine,” or “leave it,” consisting of very few syllables.
    - New here: Part 4, Rule 4.8.G: Interpretation No. 20
    - New here: A player hitting the ball is entitled to stroke the ball without being in danger of contacting an opponent during the stroke.
    - New here: The stroke includes the back-swing as well as the follow-through of the arm.
    - New here: If a player is contacted during any part of the stroke by the player hitting the ball, an avoidable hinder should be called, assuming the player who was hit could have avoided the interference with reasonable effort.
    - New here: This interference might not have affected the shot, but it doesn't matter if the ball reaches the front wall or not.
    - New here: This avoidable hinder must be called for safety reasons.
    - New here: Playing too close can cause serious injury, and the referee should forfeit the offending player if this type of positioning continues.
    - New here: Part 4, Rule 4.8.H: Interpretation No. 21
    - New here: Improperly worn equipment includes eye protection that requires some type of strap in order to stay on the head.
    - New here: Failure to wear such a strap could be considered improperly worn equipment.
    - New here: Gloves that are not snugly attached might also be improperly worn equipment.
    - New here: Equipment not required could be items such as a baseball cap or jewelry.

- **June 2008, USHA One-Wall Rules**: Unchanged (automatic). Compared with USHA One-Wall Rules, June 2006.

  Same words as the rulebook compared with.

  Interpretations: 37 interpretations attached; 33 carried over unchanged; 1 earlier one no longer attached.
    - New here: This interference might not have affected the shot, but it doesn't matter if the ball reaches the wall or not.
    - New here: This avoidable hinder must be called for safety reasons.
    - New here: Playing too close can cause serious injury, and the referee should forfeit the offending player if this type of positioning continues.
    - New here: This does not affect the rules on legal hinders.

- **2012, USHA Four-Wall Rules**: Unchanged (automatic). Compared with USHA Four-Wall Rule Changes, May 2007.

  Same words as the rulebook compared with.

  Interpretations: 39 interpretations attached; 34 carried over unchanged; 5 earlier ones no longer attached.
    - New here: A player cannot line up directly in front of the opponent’s back-wall shot.
    - New here: This call is just the opposite of the “failure to move” avoidable hinder.
    - New here: When a player “creates” a hinder by his/her movement, it is also avoidable.
    - New here: In the effort to move into a better court position, he/she crosses the eventual path of the ball just before the ball reaches the opponent, thereby obstructing the opponent’s view of the ball.
    - New here: This interference might not have affected the shot, but it doesn’t matter if the ball reaches the front wall or not.

- **2014, USHA Four-Wall Rules**: Unchanged (automatic). Compared with USHA Four-Wall Rules, 2012.

  Same words as the rulebook compared with.

  Interpretations: 39 interpretations attached; 39 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: 37 interpretations attached; 37 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: 39 interpretations attached; 38 carried over unchanged; 1 earlier one no longer attached.
    - New here: A player cannot line up directly in front of the opponent’s shot on a straight path to the front wall, parallel to the side walls.

- **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: 36 interpretations attached; 26 carried over unchanged; 11 earlier ones no longer attached.
    - New here: This call is just the opposite of the “failure to move” avoidable hinder.
    - New here: When a player “creates” a hinder by his/her movement, it is also avoidable.
    - New here: It is also an avoidable hinder if one player, just as his/her partner is hitting the ball, moves directly in front of an opponent creating a hinder, not to be confused with a “legal “ hinder.
    - New here: Part 4, Rule 4.8.D: Interpretation No. 16
    - New here: In the effort to move into a better court position, he/she crosses the eventual path of the ball just before the ball reaches the opponent, thereby obstructing the opponent’s view of the ball.
    - New here: Part 4, Rule 4.8.F: Interpretation No. 18
    - New here: Part 4, Rule 4.8.F.1: Interpretation No. 19
    - New here: Part 4, Rule 4.8.G: Interpretation No. 20
    - New here: This interference might not have affected the shot, but it doesn’t matter if the ball reaches the front wall or not.
    - New here: Part 4, Rule 4.8.H: Interpretation No. 21

- **6 February 2015, USHA Three-Wall Addendum**: First recorded (automatic).

  > Under no circumstances may a player say anything while an opponent is playing the ball.

  Interpretations: 39 interpretations attached.
    - New here: Part 4, Rule 4.8.A: Interpretation No. 13
    - New here: The legal position a player can assume when the opponent is hitting the ball from behind that player is at an angle to the left or right side of the ball being hit, as long as that position is assumed before the opponent begins his/her stroke.
    - New here: A player must move out of the way of the opponent even though it may mean moving to an undesirable court position.
    - New here: It is no excuse that the player claims he/she did not know where the opponent was.
    - New here: He/she must move.
    - New here: This is also the case when a player gives the opponent a back wall setup.
    - New here: It is the obligation of the defensive player to look over his/her shoulder and, if necessary, move out of the way.
    - New here: A player cannot line up directly in front of the opponent’s shot on a straight path to the front wall, parallel to the side walls.
    - New here: If a player assumes such a position and there is a collision, or if the player is struck by the ball, the hinder is avoidable.
    - New here: Part 4, Rule 4.8 B: Interpretation No. 14
    - New here: This call is just the opposite of the “failure to move” avoidable hinder.
    - New here: When a player “creates” a hinder by his/her movement, it is also avoidable.
    - New here: Sometimes a player, in the effort to get into a better court position, will cause contact with an opponent who is about to hit the ball, or a player will move in so close to an opponent who is hitting the ball as to cause a possibility of body contact.
    - New here: In either case, an avoidable hinder should be called.
    - New here: It is also an avoidable hinder if one player, just as his/her partner is hitting the ball, moves directly in front of an opponent creating a hinder.
    - New here: Part 4, Rule 4.8 C: Interpretation No. 15
    - New here: This avoidable hinder may occur almost anywhere on the court, but it usually happens in two particular areas:
    - New here: Part 4, Rule 4.8.D: Interpretation No. 16
    - New here: This avoidable hinder may occur when a player pushes a player, no matter how slightly, who is about to hit the ball, or when a player forcefully pushes a player in the attempt to get into position for his/her shot.
    - New here: An accidental push of a slight nature by an offensive player should not be called avoidable.
    - New here: Part 4, Rule 4.8.E: Interpretation No. 17
    - New here: Generally, this type of avoidable hinder occurs after a player has hit the ball and finds himself/herself out of position or pinned against a side wall.
    - New here: In the effort to move into a better court position, he/she crosses the eventual path of the ball just before the ball reaches the opponent, thereby obstructing the opponent’s view of the ball.
    - New here: Part 4, Rule 4.8.F: Interpretation No. 18
    - New here: This avoidable hinder should be called against a player who attempts to move in very close to an opponent in an attempt to cause a distraction.
    - New here: Part 4, Rule 4.8.F.1: Interpretation No. 19
    - New here: In doubles, allowable “brief communication” shall be construed to be any reasonable variation of “yours,” “mine,” or “leave it,” consisting of very few syllables.
    - New here: Part 4, Rule 4.8.G: Interpretation No. 20
    - New here: A player hitting the ball is entitled to stroke the ball without being in danger of contacting an opponent during the stroke.
    - New here: The stroke includes the back-swing as well as the follow-through of the arm.
    - New here: If a player is contacted during any part of the stroke by the player hitting the ball, an avoidable hinder should be called, assuming the player who was hit could have avoided the interference with reasonable effort.
    - New here: This interference might not have affected the shot, but it doesn’t matter if the ball reaches the front wall or not.
    - New here: This avoidable hinder must be called for safety reasons.
    - New here: Playing too close can cause serious injury, and the referee should forfeit the offending player if this type of positioning continues.
    - New here: Part 4, Rule 4.8.H: Interpretation No. 21
    - New here: Improperly worn equipment includes eye protection that requires some type of strap in order to stay on the head.
    - New here: Failure to wear such a strap could be considered improperly worn equipment.
    - New here: Gloves that are not snugly attached might also be improperly worn equipment.
    - New here: Equipment not required could be items such as a baseball cap or jewelry.

- **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: 39 interpretations attached; 39 carried over unchanged.

- **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: 36 interpretations attached; 36 carried over unchanged.

- **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: 39 interpretations attached; 39 carried over unchanged.

- **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: 39 interpretations attached; 39 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: 37 interpretations attached; 29 carried over unchanged; 7 earlier ones no longer attached.
    - New here: It is also an avoidable hinder if one player, just as his/her partner is hitting the ball, moves directly in front of an opponent creating a hinder, not to be confused with a “legal “ hinder .
    - New here: Part 4, Rule 4.8 D: Interpretation No. 16
    - New here: Part 4, Rule 4.8 F: Interpretation No. 18
    - New here: Part 4, Rule 4.8 F.1: Interpretation No. 19
    - New here: Part 4, Rule 4.8 G: Interpretation No. 20
    - New here: This interference might not have affected the shot, but it doesn’t matter if the ball reaches the wall or not.
    - New here: This does not affect the rules on legal hinders.
    - New here: Part 4, Rule 4.8 H: Interpretation No. 21

- **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: 39 interpretations attached; 39 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: 37 interpretations attached; 37 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: 40 interpretations attached; 38 carried over unchanged; 1 earlier one no longer attached.
    - New here: An incidental push of a slight nature by an offensive player should not be called avoidable.
    - New here: See Rule 4.7.A.3.

- **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: 38 interpretations attached; 36 carried over unchanged; 1 earlier one no longer attached.
    - New here: An incidental push of a slight nature by an offensive player should not be called avoidable.
    - New here: See Rule 4.7.A.3.

- **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: 38 interpretations attached; 38 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: 40 interpretations attached; 40 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: 40 interpretations attached; 40 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: 37 interpretations attached; 36 carried over unchanged; 2 earlier ones no longer attached.
    - New here: An incidental push of a slight nature by an offensive player should not be called avoidable. (See Rule 4.7.A.3).

- **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: 40 interpretations attached; 40 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: 40 interpretations attached; 40 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: 37 interpretations attached; 37 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: 40 interpretations attached; 40 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: 40 interpretations attached; 40 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: 40 interpretations attached; 40 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: 37 interpretations attached; 36 carried over unchanged; 1 earlier one no longer attached.
    - New here: An incidental push of a slight nature by an offensive player should not be called avoidable. (See Rule 4.7.A.3)

- **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: 37 interpretations attached; 37 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: 40 interpretations attached; 40 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: 36 interpretations attached; 36 carried over unchanged; 1 earlier one no longer attached.

- **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: 40 interpretations attached; 38 carried over unchanged; 1 earlier one no longer attached.
    - New here: An incidental push of a slight nature by an offensive player should not be called avoidable.
    - New here: See Rule 4.7.A.3.

### Rule 4.8, part 8 of 10

Begins: “1) . Talking During the Rally. Aside from appeals…”

- **1 April 2005, USHA One-Wall Rules**: First recorded (automatic).

  > 1) . Talking During the Rally. Aside from appeals and rally ending calls, there is no need for talking during a rally except in doubles, when the team on the offense is allowed to briefly communicate which partner is to hit, or not to hit, the ball.

- **15 April 2005, USHA Four-Wall Rules**: First recorded (automatic).

  > 1).
  > Talking During the Rally.
  > Aside from appeals and rally ending calls, there is no need for talking during a rally except in doubles, when the team on the offense is allowed to briefly communicate which partner is to hit, or not to hit, the ball.

  Interpretations: 39 interpretations attached.
    - New here: Part 4, Rule 4.8.A: Interpretation No. 13
    - New here: The legal position a player can assume when the opponent is hitting the ball from behind that player is at an angle to the left or right side of the ball being hit, as long as that position is assumed before the opponent begins his/her stroke.
    - New here: A player must move out of the way of the opponent even though it may mean moving to an undesirable court position.
    - New here: It is no excuse that the player claims he/she did not know where the opponent was.
    - New here: He/she must move.
    - New here: This is also the case when a player gives the opponent a back wall setup.
    - New here: It is the obligation of the defensive player to look over his/her shoulder and, if necessary, move out of the way.
    - New here: A player cannot line up directly in front of the opponent's back-wall shot.
    - New here: If a player assumes such a position and there is a collision, or if the player is struck by the ball, the hinder is avoidable.
    - New here: Part 4, Rule 4.8 B: Interpretation No. 14
    - New here: This call is just the opposite of the "failure to move" avoidable hinder.
    - New here: When a player "creates" a hinder by his/her movement, it is also avoidable.
    - New here: Sometimes a player, in the effort to get into a better court position, will cause contact with an opponent who is about to hit the ball, or a player will move in so close to an opponent who is hitting the ball as to cause a possibility of body contact.
    - New here: In either case, an avoidable hinder should be called.
    - New here: It is also an avoidable hinder if one player, just as his/her partner is hitting the ball, moves directly in front of an opponent creating a hinder.
    - New here: Part 4, Rule 4.8 C: Interpretation No. 15
    - New here: This avoidable hinder may occur almost anywhere on the court, but it usually happens in two particular areas:
    - New here: Part 4, Rule 4.8.D: Interpretation No. 16
    - New here: This avoidable hinder may occur when a player pushes a player, no matter how slightly, who is about to hit the ball, or when a player forcefully pushes a player in the attempt to get into position for his/her shot.
    - New here: An accidental push of a slight nature by an offensive player should not be called avoidable.
    - New here: Part 4, Rule 4.8.E: Interpretation No. 17
    - New here: Generally, this type of avoidable hinder occurs after a player has hit the ball and finds himself/herself out of position or pinned against a side wall.
    - New here: In the effort to move into a better court position, he/she crosses the eventual path of the ball just before the ball reaches the opponent, thereby obstructing the opponent's view of the ball.
    - New here: Part 4, Rule 4.8.F: Interpretation No. 18
    - New here: This avoidable hinder should be called against a player who attempts to move in very close to an opponent in an attempt to cause a distraction.
    - New here: Part 4, Rule 4.8.F.1: Interpretation No. 19
    - New here: In doubles, allowable “brief communication” shall be construed to be any reasonable variation of “yours,” “mine,” or “leave it,” consisting of very few syllables.
    - New here: Part 4, Rule 4.8.G: Interpretation No. 20
    - New here: A player hitting the ball is entitled to stroke the ball without being in danger of contacting an opponent during the stroke.
    - New here: The stroke includes the back-swing as well as the follow-through of the arm.
    - New here: If a player is contacted during any part of the stroke by the player hitting the ball, an avoidable hinder should be called, assuming the player who was hit could have avoided the interference with reasonable effort.
    - New here: This interference might not have affected the shot, but it doesn't matter if the ball reaches the front wall or not.
    - New here: This avoidable hinder must be called for safety reasons.
    - New here: Playing too close can cause serious injury, and the referee should forfeit the offending player if this type of positioning continues.
    - New here: Part 4, Rule 4.8.H: Interpretation No. 21
    - New here: Improperly worn equipment includes eye protection that requires some type of strap in order to stay on the head.
    - New here: Failure to wear such a strap could be considered improperly worn equipment.
    - New here: Gloves that are not snugly attached might also be improperly worn equipment.
    - New here: Equipment not required could be items such as a baseball cap or jewelry.

- **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: 39 interpretations attached; 39 carried over unchanged.

- June 2006, American one-wall, small ball: Unchanged (automatic). Same words as USHA One-Wall Rules, 1 April 2005.

- June 2006, USHA One-Wall Rules: Unchanged (automatic). Same words as USHA One-Wall Rules, 1 April 2005.

- **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: 39 interpretations attached; 39 carried over unchanged.

- **13 October 2007, American three-wall**: Unchanged (automatic). Compared with USHA Four-Wall Rules, 16 January 2005.

  Same words as the rulebook compared with.

  Interpretations: 39 interpretations attached; 39 carried over unchanged.

- June 2008, USHA One-Wall Rules: Unchanged (automatic). Same words as USHA One-Wall Rules, June 2006.

- **2012, USHA Four-Wall Rules**: Punctuation only (automatic). Compared with USHA Four-Wall Rule Changes, May 2007.

  > [- 1).
  >  -] [+ 1) +] Talking During the Rally. [- 
  >  -] Aside from appeals and rally ending calls, there is no need for talking during a rally except in doubles, when the team on the offense is allowed to briefly communicate which partner is to hit, or not to hit, the ball.
  
  1 word added, 1 removed.

3 more rulebooks with the same words:

  - 2014, USHA Four-Wall Rules: Unchanged (automatic).
  - January 2014, USHA One-Wall Rules: Unchanged (automatic). Same words as USHA One-Wall Rules, June 2008.
  - 6 February 2015, USHA Four-Wall Rules: Unchanged (automatic). Same words as USHA Four-Wall Rules, 2014.

- **6 February 2015, USHA One-Wall Addendum**: Punctuation only (automatic). Compared with USHA One-Wall Rules, January 2014.

  > 1) [- . -] Talking During the Rally. Aside from appeals and rally ending calls, there is no need for talking during a rally except in doubles, when the team on the offense is allowed to briefly communicate which partner is to hit, or not to hit, the ball.
  
  1 word removed.

5 more rulebooks with the same words:

  - 6 February 2015, USHA Three-Wall Addendum: Unchanged (automatic). Same words as USHA Four-Wall Rules, 6 February 2015.
  - 22 January 2017, USHA Four-Wall Rules: Unchanged (automatic). Same words as USHA Four-Wall Rules, 6 February 2015.
  - 22 January 2017, USHA One-Wall Addendum: Unchanged (automatic). Same words as USHA One-Wall Addendum, 6 February 2015.
  - 22 January 2017, USHA Three-Wall Addendum: Unchanged (automatic). Same words as USHA Three-Wall Addendum, 6 February 2015.
  - 27 January 2019, USHA Four-Wall Rules: Unchanged (automatic). Same words as USHA Four-Wall Rules, 22 January 2017.

- **27 January 2019, USHA One-Wall Rules**: Punctuation only (automatic). Compared with USHA One-Wall Addendum, 22 January 2017.

  > 1) [+ . +] Talking During the Rally. Aside from appeals and rally ending calls, there is no need for talking during a rally except in doubles, when the team on the offense is allowed to briefly communicate which partner is to hit, or not to hit, the ball.
  
  1 word added.

4 more rulebooks with the same words:

  - 12 July 2019, American four-wall: Unchanged (automatic). Same words as USHA Four-Wall Rules, 27 January 2019.
  - 12 July 2019, American one-wall, small ball: Unchanged (automatic). Same words as USHA One-Wall Rules, 27 January 2019.
  - 26 January 2020, USHA Four-Wall Rules: Unchanged (automatic). Same words as American four-wall, 12 July 2019.
  - 26 January 2020, USHA One-Wall Rules: Unchanged (automatic). Same words as American one-wall, small ball, 12 July 2019.

- **20 September 2020, USHA One-Wall Rules**: Punctuation only (automatic). Compared with USHA One-Wall Rules, 26 January 2020.

  > [- 1) . -] [+ 1).
  >  +] Talking During the Rally. [+ 
  >  +] Aside from appeals and rally ending calls, there is no need for talking during a rally except in doubles, when the team on the offense is allowed to briefly communicate which partner is to hit, or not to hit, the ball.
  
  1 word added, 2 removed.

  Interpretations: 38 interpretations attached.
    - New here: Part 4, Rule 4.8 A: Interpretation No. 13
    - New here: The player standing further from the wall must move out of the way of his opponent even though it may mean moving to an undesirable court position.
    - New here: If a player assumes such a position and there is a collision, or there is interference with the stroke of the player trying to strike the ball, the hinder is avoidable.
    - New here: Part 4, Rule 4.8 B: Interpretation No. 14
    - New here: This call is just the opposite of the “failure to move” avoidable hinder.
    - New here: When a player “creates” a hinder by his/her movement, it is also avoidable.
    - New here: Sometimes a player, in the effort to get into a better court position, will cause contact with an opponent who is about to hit the ball, or a player will move in so close to an opponent who is hitting the ball as to cause a possibility of body contact.
    - New here: In either case, an avoidable hinder should be called.
    - New here: It is also an avoidable hinder if one player, just as his/her partner is hitting the ball, moves directly in front of an opponent creating a hinder, not to be confused with a “legal “ hinder .
    - New here: Part 4, Rule 4.8 C: Interpretation No. 15
    - New here: This avoidable hinder may occur almost anywhere on the court.
    - New here: A player has an offensive setup; in his/her effort to get into a more favorable position, the defensive player moves into the path of the ball and is hit.
    - New here: This is avoidable.
    - New here: In this case, the referee must use judgment and not call an avoidable if he/she feels the ball was “mis-hit” and that the defensive player was moving into a non-hindering position in which he/she would not have been hit if the ball had been hit truly.
    - New here: Part 4, Rule 4.8 D: Interpretation No. 16
    - New here: This avoidable hinder may occur when a player pushes a player, no matter how slightly, who is about to hit the ball, or when a player forcefully pushes a player in the attempt to get into position for his/her shot.
    - New here: An incidental push of a slight nature by an offensive player should not be called avoidable.
    - New here: See Rule 4.7.A.3.
    - New here: Part 4, Rule 4.8 E: Interpretation No. 17
    - New here: Generally, this type of avoidable hinder occurs after a player has hit the ball and finds himself/herself out of position.
    - New here: In the effort to move into a better court position, he/she crosses the eventual path of the ball just before the ball reaches the opponent, thereby obstructing the opponent’s view of the ball.
    - New here: Part 4, Rule 4.8 F: Interpretation No. 18
    - New here: This avoidable hinder should be called against a player who attempts to move in very close to an opponent in an attempt to cause a distraction.
    - New here: Part 4, Rule 4.8 F.1: Interpretation No. 19
    - New here: In doubles, allowable “brief communication” shall be construed to be any reasonable variation of “yours,” “mine,” or “leave it,” consisting of very few syllables.
    - New here: Part 4, Rule 4.8 G: Interpretation No. 20
    - New here: A player hitting the ball is entitled to stroke the ball without being in danger of contacting an opponent during the stroke.
    - New here: The stroke includes the back-swing as well as the follow-through of the arm.
    - New here: If a player is contacted during any part of the stroke by the player hitting the ball, an avoidable hinder should be called, assuming the player who was hit could have avoided the interference with reasonable effort.
    - New here: This interference might not have affected the shot, but it doesn’t matter if the ball reaches the wall or not.
    - New here: This avoidable hinder must be called for safety reasons.
    - New here: Playing too close can cause serious injury, and the referee should forfeit the offending player if this type of positioning continues.
    - New here: This does not affect the rules on legal hinders.
    - New here: Part 4, Rule 4.8 H: Interpretation No. 21
    - New here: Improperly worn equipment includes eye protection that requires some type of strap in order to stay on the head.
    - New here: Failure to wear such a strap could be considered improperly worn equipment.
    - New here: Gloves that are not snugly attached might also be improperly worn equipment.
    - New here: Equipment not required could be items such as a baseball cap or jewelry.

- 21 September 2020, USHA Four-Wall Rules: Unchanged (automatic). Same words as USHA Four-Wall Rules, 26 January 2020.

- 22 January 2021, USHA Four-Wall Rules: Unchanged (automatic).

- **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: 37 interpretations attached; 36 carried over unchanged; 2 earlier ones no longer attached.
    - New here: An incidental push of a slight nature by an offensive player should not be called avoidable. (See Rule 4.7.A.3).

- 9 December 2021, USHA Four-Wall Rules: Unchanged (automatic). Same words as USHA Four-Wall Rules, 22 January 2021.

- 23 January 2022, USHA Four-Wall Rules: Unchanged (automatic).

- **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: 37 interpretations attached; 37 carried over unchanged.

3 more rulebooks with the same words:

  - 27 November 2022, American four-wall: Unchanged (automatic). Same words as USHA Four-Wall Rules, 23 January 2022.
  - 17 January 2024, American four-wall: Unchanged (automatic).
  - 26 January 2024, USHA Four-Wall Rules: Unchanged (automatic).

- **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: 37 interpretations attached; 36 carried over unchanged; 1 earlier one no longer attached.
    - New here: An incidental push of a slight nature by an offensive player should not be called avoidable. (See Rule 4.7.A.3)

- **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: 37 interpretations attached; 37 carried over unchanged.

- 26 January 2025, USHA Four-Wall Rulebook: Unchanged (automatic). Same words as USHA Four-Wall Rules, 26 January 2024.

- **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: 36 interpretations attached; 36 carried over unchanged; 1 earlier one no longer attached.

- 26 January 2025, USHA Three-Wall Addendum: Unchanged (automatic). Same words as USHA Three-Wall Addendum, 22 January 2017.

### Rule 4.8, part 9 of 10

Begins: “1. A player is hitting a back-wall shot and,…”

- **15 April 2005, USHA Four-Wall Rules**: First recorded (automatic).

  > 1. A player is hitting a back-wall shot and, just as he/she hits the ball, the opponent moves into the path of the ball and is struck by it. This is avoidable. In this case, the referee must use judgment and not call an avoidable if he/she feels the ball was "mis-hit" and that the defensive player was moving into a non-hindering position in which he/she would not have been hit if the ball had been hit truly.

3 more rulebooks with the same words:

  - June 2006, USHA Four-Wall Rule Changes: Unchanged (automatic).
  - May 2007, USHA Four-Wall Rule Changes: Unchanged (automatic).
  - 13 October 2007, American three-wall: Unchanged (automatic). Same words as USHA Four-Wall Rules, 16 January 2005.

- **2012, USHA Four-Wall Rules**: Unchanged (automatic). Compared with USHA Four-Wall Rule Changes, May 2007.

  > 1. A player is hitting a back-wall shot and, just as he/she hits the ball, the opponent moves into the path of the ball and is struck by it. This is avoidable. In this case, the referee must use judgment and not call an avoidable if he/she feels the ball was [- "mis-hit" -] [+ “mis-hit” +] and that the defensive player was moving into a non-hindering position in which he/she would not have been hit if the ball had been hit truly.
  
  1 word added, 1 removed.

17 more rulebooks with the same words:

  - 2014, USHA Four-Wall Rules: Unchanged (automatic).
  - 6 February 2015, USHA Four-Wall Rules: Unchanged (automatic).
  - 6 February 2015, USHA Three-Wall Addendum: Unchanged (automatic).
  - 22 January 2017, USHA Four-Wall Rules: Unchanged (automatic). Same words as USHA Four-Wall Rules, 6 February 2015.
  - 22 January 2017, USHA Three-Wall Addendum: Unchanged (automatic). Same words as USHA Three-Wall Addendum, 6 February 2015.
  - 27 January 2019, USHA Four-Wall Rules: Unchanged (automatic). Same words as USHA Four-Wall Rules, 22 January 2017.
  - 12 July 2019, American four-wall: Unchanged (automatic).
  - 26 January 2020, USHA Four-Wall Rules: Unchanged (automatic).
  - 21 September 2020, USHA Four-Wall Rules: Unchanged (automatic).
  - 22 January 2021, USHA Four-Wall Rules: Unchanged (automatic).
  - 9 December 2021, USHA Four-Wall Rules: Unchanged (automatic).
  - 23 January 2022, USHA Four-Wall Rules: Unchanged (automatic).
  - 27 November 2022, American four-wall: Unchanged (automatic).
  - 17 January 2024, American four-wall: Unchanged (automatic).
  - 26 January 2024, USHA Four-Wall Rules: Unchanged (automatic).
  - 26 January 2025, USHA Four-Wall Rulebook: Unchanged (automatic).
  - 26 January 2025, USHA Three-Wall Addendum: Unchanged (automatic). Same words as USHA Three-Wall Addendum, 22 January 2017.

### Rule 4.8, item 2

Begins: “2. A player has an offensive setup and the…”

- **15 April 2005, USHA Four-Wall Rules**: First recorded (automatic).

  > 2. A player has an offensive setup and the opponent is trapped close to a side wall. In the effort to get into a more favorable position, the defensive player moves into the path of the ball and is hit. This is avoidable.

21 more rulebooks with the same words:

  - June 2006, USHA Four-Wall Rule Changes: Unchanged (automatic).
  - May 2007, USHA Four-Wall Rule Changes: Unchanged (automatic).
  - 13 October 2007, American three-wall: Unchanged (automatic). Same words as USHA Four-Wall Rules, 16 January 2005.
  - 2012, USHA Four-Wall Rules: Unchanged (automatic). Same words as USHA Four-Wall Rule Changes, May 2007.
  - 2014, USHA Four-Wall Rules: Unchanged (automatic).
  - 6 February 2015, USHA Four-Wall Rules: Unchanged (automatic).
  - 6 February 2015, USHA Three-Wall Addendum: Unchanged (automatic).
  - 22 January 2017, USHA Four-Wall Rules: Unchanged (automatic). Same words as USHA Four-Wall Rules, 6 February 2015.
  - 22 January 2017, USHA Three-Wall Addendum: Unchanged (automatic). Same words as USHA Three-Wall Addendum, 6 February 2015.
  - 27 January 2019, USHA Four-Wall Rules: Unchanged (automatic). Same words as USHA Four-Wall Rules, 22 January 2017.
  - 12 July 2019, American four-wall: Unchanged (automatic).
  - 26 January 2020, USHA Four-Wall Rules: Unchanged (automatic).
  - 21 September 2020, USHA Four-Wall Rules: Unchanged (automatic).
  - 22 January 2021, USHA Four-Wall Rules: Unchanged (automatic).
  - 9 December 2021, USHA Four-Wall Rules: Unchanged (automatic).
  - 23 January 2022, USHA Four-Wall Rules: Unchanged (automatic).
  - 27 November 2022, American four-wall: Unchanged (automatic).
  - 17 January 2024, American four-wall: Unchanged (automatic).
  - 26 January 2024, USHA Four-Wall Rules: Unchanged (automatic).
  - 26 January 2025, USHA Four-Wall Rulebook: Unchanged (automatic).
  - 26 January 2025, USHA Three-Wall Addendum: Unchanged (automatic). Same words as USHA Three-Wall Addendum, 22 January 2017.

All rules: [clause history](https://handball.theperfectship.com/rulebooks/clause-history/).