Handball

Clause history · American one-wall, small ball

Rule 4.4 Return of Serve: how the wording changed

50 rulebooks state this rule, from 20 November 1927 to 26 January 2025. The wording was reworded or changed 19 times.

How to read this page

Rulebook by rulebook

The table has one row per rulebook; each date jumps to its wording below.

Every rulebook this rule appears in, in date order, with the kinds of change found
DateRulebookClauses, by kind of change
20 November 1927A.A.U. One-Wall Rules, 20 November 19271 first recorded
1931A.A.U. One-Wall Rules, 19311 punctuation only
20 June 1990USHA Four-Wall Rules, 20 June 19903 first recorded
14 October 1994USHA One-Wall Rules, 14 October 19942 first recorded, 1 changed
31 January 1999USHA Four-Wall Rules, 31 January 19991 punctuation only, 1 reworded, 1 changed
31 January 1999American four-wall, 31 January 19991 punctuation only, 1 reworded, 1 changed
2000USHA One-Wall Rules, 20002 unchanged, 1 punctuation only
9 March 2001USHA One-Wall Rules, March 20013 unchanged
7 October 2001USHA One-Wall Rules, 7 October 20012 unchanged, 1 reworded
8 April 2002USHA One-Wall Rules, 8 April 20023 unchanged
20 August 2002USHA One-Wall Rules, 20 August 20023 unchanged
19 January 2005USHA Three-Wall Addendum, December 20043 unchanged
1 April 2005USHA One-Wall Rules, 1 April 20051 unchanged, 1 punctuation only, 1 changed
15 April 2005USHA Four-Wall Rules, 16 January 20051 unchanged, 1 reworded, 1 changed
June 2006USHA Four-Wall Rule Changes, June 20063 unchanged
June 2006American one-wall, small ball, June 20063 unchanged
June 2006USHA One-Wall Rules, June 20063 unchanged
May 2007USHA Four-Wall Rule Changes, May 20073 unchanged
13 October 2007American three-wall, 13 October 20071 unchanged, 2 reworded
June 2008USHA One-Wall Rules, June 20083 unchanged
2012USHA Four-Wall Rules, 20122 unchanged, 1 changed
2014USHA Four-Wall Rules, 20143 unchanged
January 2014USHA One-Wall Rules, January 20143 unchanged
6 February 2015USHA Four-Wall Rules, 6 February 20152 unchanged, 1 reworded
6 February 2015USHA One-Wall Addendum, 6 February 20151 punctuation only, 1 reworded, 1 changed
6 February 2015USHA Three-Wall Addendum, 6 February 20151 unchanged, 2 reworded
22 January 2017USHA Four-Wall Rules, 22 January 20173 unchanged
22 January 2017USHA One-Wall Addendum, 22 January 20173 unchanged
22 January 2017USHA Three-Wall Addendum, 22 January 20173 unchanged
27 January 2019USHA Four-Wall Rules, 27 January 20193 unchanged
27 January 2019USHA One-Wall Rules, 27 January 20191 unchanged, 1 reworded, 1 changed
12 July 2019American four-wall, 12 July 20193 unchanged
12 July 2019American one-wall, small ball, 12 July 20193 unchanged
26 January 2020USHA Four-Wall Rules, 26 January 20203 unchanged
26 January 2020USHA One-Wall Rules, 26 January 20203 unchanged
20 September 2020USHA One-Wall Rules, September 20203 unchanged
21 September 2020USHA Four-Wall Rules, September 20203 unchanged
22 January 2021USHA Four-Wall Rules, 22 January 20213 unchanged
22 January 2021USHA One-Wall Rules, 22 January 20213 unchanged
9 December 2021USHA Four-Wall Rules, December 20213 unchanged
23 January 2022USHA Four-Wall Rules, 23 January 20223 unchanged
23 January 2022USHA One-Wall Rules, 23 January 20223 unchanged
27 November 2022American four-wall, 27 November 20223 unchanged
17 January 2024American four-wall, 17 January 20243 unchanged
26 January 2024USHA Four-Wall Rules, 26 January 20243 unchanged
26 January 2024USHA One-Wall Rules, 26 January 20243 unchanged
17 July 2024American one-wall, small ball, 17 July 20243 unchanged
26 January 2025USHA Four-Wall Rulebook, 26 January 20253 unchanged
26 January 2025USHA One-Wall Rulebook, 26 January 20253 unchanged
26 January 2025USHA Three-Wall Addendum, 26 January 20253 unchanged

The wording

Each part of the rule is followed on its own, oldest rulebook first. Rulebooks of other codes that borrowed the wording appear in their place by date.

Rule 4.4, item A

Begins: “The receiver must stand back of the service line…”

  1. 20 November 1927 A.A.U. One-Wall Rules

    First recorded automatic

    The receiver must stand back of the service line until the ball passes the short line.

    Read this rule in the rulebook

  2. 1931 A.A.U. One-Wall Rules

    Punctuation only automatic

    Compared with A.A.U. One-Wall Rules, 20 November 1927.

    The receiver must stand back of the service line service-line until the ball passes the short line. short-line.

    2 words added, 4 removed.

    Read this rule in the rulebook

  3. 20 June 1990 USHA Four-Wall Rules (American four-wall)

    First recorded automatic

    A. Receiving position.
    The receiver or receivers must stand at least five feet behind the short line, as indicated by the six-inch restraining line, until the ball is struck by the server.
    Any violation of this rule results in a point for the server. (See Rule 2.1.B.5)

    Read this rule in the rulebook

  4. 14 October 1994 USHA One-Wall Rules

    Changed machine-reviewed

    Compared with A.A.U. One-Wall Rules, 1931.

    A. Receiving position. The receiver or receivers must stand in back of the service-line service line until the ball from the wall passes the short-line. short line. Any violation of this rule results in a point for the server.

    25 words added, 2 removed.

    Read this rule in the rulebook

  5. 31 January 1999 USHA Four-Wall Rules (American four-wall)

    Reworded machine-reviewed

    Compared with USHA Four-Wall Rules, 20 June 1990.

    A. Receiving position.
    The receiver or receivers must stand at least five feet behind the short line, as indicated by the six-inch receiver’s restraining line, lines, until the ball is struck by the server.
    Any violation of this rule results in a point for the server. (See Rule 2.1.B.5)

    2 words added, 2 removed.

    Read this rule in the rulebook

  6. 31 January 1999 American four-wall (American four-wall)

    Reworded machine-reviewed

    Compared with USHA Four-Wall Rules, 20 June 1990.

    A. Receiving position.
    The receiver or receivers must stand at least five feet behind the short line, as indicated by the six-inch receiver’s restraining line, lines, until the ball is struck by the server.
    Any violation of this rule results in a point for the server. (See Rule 2.1.B.5)

    2 words added, 2 removed.

  7. 2000 USHA One-Wall Rules

    Punctuation only automatic

    Compared with USHA One-Wall Rules, 14 October 1994.

    A. Receiving position. The receiver or receivers must stand in back of the service line until the ball from the wall passes the short line. Any violation of this rule results in a point for the server. server (See Rule 2.1B5).

    4 words added, 1 removed.

    Read this rule in the rulebook

  8. 5 more rulebooks with the same words
    • 9 March 2001 USHA One-Wall Rules Unchanged automatic Read the rule
    • 7 October 2001 USHA One-Wall Rules Unchanged automatic Read the rule
    • 8 April 2002 USHA One-Wall Rules Unchanged automatic Read the rule
    • 20 August 2002 USHA One-Wall Rules Unchanged automatic Read the rule
    • 19 January 2005 USHA Three-Wall Addendum (American three-wall) Unchanged automatic Same words as American four-wall, 31 January 1999.

  9. 1 April 2005 USHA One-Wall Rules

    Punctuation only automatic

    Compared with USHA One-Wall Rules, 20 August 2002.

    A. Receiving position. . The receiver or receivers must stand in back of the service line until the ball from the wall passes the short line. Any violation of this rule results in a point for the server (See Rule 2.1B5). 2.1 B.4).

    3 words added, 1 removed.

    Read this rule in the rulebook

  10. 15 April 2005 USHA Four-Wall Rules (American four-wall)

    Reworded machine-reviewed

    Compared with American four-wall, 31 January 1999.

    A. Receiving position. The receiver or receivers must stand at least five feet behind the short line, as indicated by the receiver’s restraining lines, until the ball is struck hit by the server. Any violation of this rule results in a point for the server. (See Rule 2.1.B.5) 2.1.B.5).

    2 words added, 2 removed.

    Read this rule in the rulebook

  11. 4 more rulebooks with the same words
    • June 2006 USHA Four-Wall Rule Changes (American four-wall) Unchanged automatic
    • 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. Read the rule
    • May 2007 USHA Four-Wall Rule Changes (American four-wall) Unchanged automatic Same words as USHA Four-Wall Rule Changes, June 2006.

  12. 13 October 2007 American three-wall (American three-wall)

    Reworded automatic

    Compared with American four-wall, 31 January 1999.

    A. Receiving position. The receiver or receivers must stand at least five feet behind the short line, as indicated by the receiver’s restraining lines, until the ball is struck hit by the server. Any violation of this rule results in a point for the server. (See Rule 2.1.B.5) 2.1.B.5).

    2 words added, 2 removed.

  13. 5 more rulebooks with the same words
    • June 2008 USHA One-Wall Rules Unchanged automatic Same words as USHA One-Wall Rules, June 2006. Read the rule
    • 2012 USHA Four-Wall Rules (American four-wall) Unchanged automatic Same words as USHA Four-Wall Rule Changes, May 2007. Read the rule
    • 2014 USHA Four-Wall Rules (American four-wall) Unchanged automatic Read the rule
    • January 2014 USHA One-Wall Rules Unchanged automatic Same words as USHA One-Wall Rules, June 2008. Read the rule
    • 6 February 2015 USHA Four-Wall Rules (American four-wall) Unchanged automatic Same words as USHA Four-Wall Rules, 2014. Read the rule

  14. 6 February 2015 USHA One-Wall Addendum

    Punctuation only automatic

    Compared with USHA One-Wall Rules, January 2014.

    A. Receiving position. . The receiver or receivers must stand in back of the service line until the ball from the wall passes the short line. Any violation of this rule results in a point for the server (See Rule 2.1 B.4).

    1 word removed.

    Read this rule in the rulebook

  15. 6 February 2015 USHA Three-Wall Addendum (American three-wall)

    Reworded automatic

    Compared with USHA Three-Wall Addendum, December 2004.

    A. Receiving position. The receiver or receivers must stand at least five feet behind the short line, as indicated by the receiver’s restraining lines, until the ball is struck hit by the server. Any violation of this rule results in a point for the server. (See Rule 2.1.B.5) 2.1.B.5).

    2 words added, 2 removed.

  16. 24 more rulebooks with the same words
    • 22 January 2017 USHA Four-Wall Rules (American four-wall) Unchanged automatic Same words as USHA Four-Wall Rules, 6 February 2015. Read the rule
    • 22 January 2017 USHA One-Wall Addendum Unchanged automatic Same words as USHA One-Wall Addendum, 6 February 2015. Read the rule
    • 22 January 2017 USHA Three-Wall Addendum (American three-wall) Unchanged automatic Same words as USHA Three-Wall Addendum, 6 February 2015.
    • 27 January 2019 USHA Four-Wall Rules (American four-wall) Unchanged automatic Same words as USHA Four-Wall Rules, 22 January 2017. Read the rule
    • 27 January 2019 USHA One-Wall Rules Unchanged automatic Same words as USHA One-Wall Addendum, 22 January 2017. Read the rule
    • 12 July 2019 American four-wall (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 (American four-wall) Unchanged automatic Same words as American four-wall, 12 July 2019. Read the rule
    • 26 January 2020 USHA One-Wall Rules Unchanged automatic Same words as American one-wall, small ball, 12 July 2019. Read the rule
    • 20 September 2020 USHA One-Wall Rules Unchanged automatic Read the rule
    • 21 September 2020 USHA Four-Wall Rules (American four-wall) Unchanged automatic Same words as USHA Four-Wall Rules, 26 January 2020. Read the rule
    • 22 January 2021 USHA Four-Wall Rules (American four-wall) Unchanged automatic Read the rule
    • 22 January 2021 USHA One-Wall Rules Unchanged automatic Same words as USHA One-Wall Rules, September 2020. Read the rule
    • 9 December 2021 USHA Four-Wall Rules (American four-wall) Unchanged automatic Same words as USHA Four-Wall Rules, 22 January 2021. Read the rule
    • 23 January 2022 USHA Four-Wall Rules (American four-wall) Unchanged automatic Read the rule
    • 23 January 2022 USHA One-Wall Rules Unchanged automatic Same words as USHA One-Wall Rules, 22 January 2021. Read the rule
    • 27 November 2022 American four-wall (American four-wall) Unchanged automatic Same words as USHA Four-Wall Rules, 23 January 2022.
    • 17 January 2024 American four-wall (American four-wall) Unchanged automatic
    • 26 January 2024 USHA Four-Wall Rules (American four-wall) Unchanged automatic Read the rule
    • 26 January 2024 USHA One-Wall Rules Unchanged automatic Same words as USHA One-Wall Rules, 23 January 2022. Read the rule
    • 17 July 2024 American one-wall, small ball Unchanged automatic
    • 26 January 2025 USHA Four-Wall Rulebook (American four-wall) Unchanged automatic Same words as USHA Four-Wall Rules, 26 January 2024. Read the rule
    • 26 January 2025 USHA One-Wall Rulebook Unchanged automatic Same words as American one-wall, small ball, 17 July 2024. Read the rule
    • 26 January 2025 USHA Three-Wall Addendum (American three-wall) Unchanged automatic Same words as USHA Three-Wall Addendum, 22 January 2017.

Rule 4.4, item B

Begins: “B. Fly return. In making a fly return, the…”

  1. 20 June 1990 USHA Four-Wall Rules (American four-wall)

    First recorded automatic

    B. Fly return.
    In making a fly return, the receiver must play the ball after it passes over the short line and no part of his body may extend on or over the plane of the short line when contacting the ball.
    A violation results in a point for the server.
    After contacting the ball, the receiver may step on or over the short line without penalty.

    Read this rule in the rulebook

  2. 14 October 1994 USHA One-Wall Rules

    First recorded automatic

    B. Fly return. In making a fly return, the receiver must play the ball after it passes over the short line, and no part of his body may extend on or over the plane of the short line when contacting the ball. A violation results in a point for the server. After contacting the ball, the receiver may step on or over the short line without penalty.

    Read this rule in the rulebook

  3. 31 January 1999 USHA Four-Wall Rules (American four-wall)

    Changed machine-reviewed

    Compared with USHA Four-Wall Rules, 20 June 1990.

    B. Fly return.
    In making a fly return, the receiver must may play the ball anytime after it passes over the back edge of the short line and no part of his body may extend on or over the plane of the back edge of the short line when contacting the ball.
    A violation results in a point for the server.
    After contacting the ball, the receiver may step on or over the short line without penalty.

    10 words added, 1 removed.

    Read this rule in the rulebook

  4. 31 January 1999 American four-wall (American four-wall)

    Changed machine-reviewed

    Compared with USHA Four-Wall Rules, 20 June 1990.

    B. Fly return.
    In making a fly return, the receiver must may play the ball anytime after it passes over the back edge of the short line and no part of his body may extend on or over the plane of the back edge of the short line when contacting the ball.
    A violation results in a point for the server.
    After contacting the ball, the receiver may step on or over the short line without penalty.

    10 words added, 1 removed.

  5. 2000 USHA One-Wall Rules Unchanged automatic Same words as USHA One-Wall Rules, 14 October 1994. Read the rule
  6. 9 March 2001 USHA One-Wall Rules Unchanged automatic Read the rule

  7. 7 October 2001 USHA One-Wall Rules

    Reworded machine-reviewed

    Compared with USHA One-Wall Rules, March 2001.

    B. Fly return. In making a fly return, the receiver must play the ball after it passes passes, from the wall, over the short line, and no part of his body may extend on or over the plane of the short line when contacting the ball. A violation results in a point for the server. After contacting the ball, the receiver may step on or over the short line without penalty.

    4 words added, 1 removed.

    Read this rule in the rulebook

  8. 3 more rulebooks with the same words
    • 8 April 2002 USHA One-Wall Rules Unchanged automatic Read the rule
    • 20 August 2002 USHA One-Wall Rules Unchanged automatic Read the rule
    • 19 January 2005 USHA Three-Wall Addendum (American three-wall) Unchanged automatic Same words as American four-wall, 31 January 1999.

  9. 1 April 2005 USHA One-Wall Rules

    Changed machine-reviewed

    Compared with USHA One-Wall Rules, 20 August 2002.

    B. Fly return. In making a fly return, the receiver must play may hit the ball anytime after it passes, from passes completely through the wall, over plane of the back edge of the short line, line and no part of his his/her body may extend on or over the plane of the back edge of the short line when until after contacting the ball. A violation results in a point for the server. After contacting the ball, the receiver and his/her partner may step on or over the short line without penalty.

    23 words added, 9 removed.

    Read this rule in the rulebook

  10. 15 April 2005 USHA Four-Wall Rules (American four-wall)

    Changed machine-reviewed

    Compared with American four-wall, 31 January 1999.

    B. Fly return. In making a fly return, the receiver may play hit the ball anytime after it passes over completely through the plane of the back edge of the short line and no part of his his/her body may extend on or over the plane of the back edge of the short line when until after contacting the ball. In doubles, this also applies to the receiver’s partner. A violation results in a point for the server. After contacting the ball, the receiver and his/her partner may step on or over the short line without penalty.

    21 words added, 4 removed.

    Read this rule in the rulebook

  11. 4 more rulebooks with the same words
    • June 2006 USHA Four-Wall Rule Changes (American four-wall) Unchanged automatic
    • 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. Read the rule
    • May 2007 USHA Four-Wall Rule Changes (American four-wall) Unchanged automatic Same words as USHA Four-Wall Rule Changes, June 2006.

  12. 13 October 2007 American three-wall (American three-wall)

    Reworded automatic

    Compared with American four-wall, 31 January 1999.

    B. Fly return. In making a fly return, the receiver may play hit the ball anytime after it passes over completely through the plane of the back edge of the short line and no part of his his/her body may extend on or over the plane of the back edge of the short line when until after contacting the ball. In doubles, this also applies to the receiver’s partner. A violation results in a point for the server. After contacting the ball, the receiver and his/her partner may step on or over the short line without penalty.

    21 words added, 4 removed.

  13. June 2008 USHA One-Wall Rules Unchanged automatic Same words as USHA One-Wall Rules, June 2006. Read the rule

  14. 2012 USHA Four-Wall Rules (American four-wall)

    Changed machine-reviewed

    Compared with USHA Four-Wall Rule Changes, May 2007.

    B. Fly return. In making a fly return, or any other legal return, the receiver may hit the ball anytime after it passes completely through the plane of the back edge of the short line and no part of his/her body may extend on or over the plane of the back edge of the short line until after contacting the ball. In doubles, this also applies to the receiver’s partner. A violation results in a point for the server. After contacting the ball, the receiver and his/her partner may step on or over the short line without penalty.

    5 words added.

    Read this rule in the rulebook

  15. 2014 USHA Four-Wall Rules (American four-wall) Unchanged automatic Read the rule
  16. January 2014 USHA One-Wall Rules Unchanged automatic Same words as USHA One-Wall Rules, June 2008. Read the rule

  17. 6 February 2015 USHA Four-Wall Rules (American four-wall)

    Reworded machine-reviewed

    Compared with USHA Four-Wall Rules, 2014.

    B. Fly return. In making a fly return, or any other legal return, the receiver may hit the ball anytime after it passes completely through the plane of the back edge of the short line and line; however no part of his/her body may extend on or over the plane of the back edge of the short line until after contacting the ball. In doubles, this also applies to the receiver’s partner. A violation results in a point for the server. After contacting the ball, the receiver and his/her partner may step on or over the short line without penalty.

    2 words added, 2 removed.

    Read this rule in the rulebook

  18. 6 February 2015 USHA One-Wall Addendum

    Changed machine-reviewed

    Compared with USHA One-Wall Rules, January 2014.

    B. Fly return. In making a fly return or any other legal return, the receiver may hit the ball anytime after it passes completely through the plane of the back edge of the short line and no part of his/her body may extend on or over the plane of the back edge of the short line until after contacting the ball. A violation results in a point for the server. After contacting the ball, the receiver and his/her partner may step on or over the short line without penalty.

    5 words added.

    Read this rule in the rulebook

  19. 6 February 2015 USHA Three-Wall Addendum (American three-wall)

    Reworded automatic

    Compared with USHA Three-Wall Addendum, December 2004.

    B. Fly return. In making a fly return, or any other legal return, the receiver may play hit the ball anytime after it passes over completely through the plane of the back edge of the short line and line; however no part of his his/her body may extend on or over the plane of the back edge of the short line when until after contacting the ball. In doubles, this also applies to the receiver’s partner. A violation results in a point for the server. After contacting the ball, the receiver and his/her partner may step on or over the short line without penalty.

    28 words added, 6 removed.

  20. 4 more rulebooks with the same words
    • 22 January 2017 USHA Four-Wall Rules (American four-wall) Unchanged automatic Same words as USHA Four-Wall Rules, 6 February 2015. Read the rule
    • 22 January 2017 USHA One-Wall Addendum Unchanged automatic Same words as USHA One-Wall Addendum, 6 February 2015. Read the rule
    • 22 January 2017 USHA Three-Wall Addendum (American three-wall) Unchanged automatic Same words as USHA Three-Wall Addendum, 6 February 2015.
    • 27 January 2019 USHA Four-Wall Rules (American four-wall) Unchanged automatic Same words as USHA Four-Wall Rules, 22 January 2017. Read the rule

  21. 27 January 2019 USHA One-Wall Rules

    Changed machine-reviewed

    Compared with USHA One-Wall Addendum, 22 January 2017.

    B. Fly return. In making a fly return or any other legal return, the receiver may hit the ball anytime after it passes completely through the plane of the back edge of the short line and no part of his/her body may extend on or over the plane of the back edge of the short line until after contacting the ball. A violation results in a point for the server. After contacting the ball, the receiver and his/her partner may step on or over the short line without penalty.

    5 words removed.

    Read this rule in the rulebook

  22. 19 more rulebooks with the same words
    • 12 July 2019 American four-wall (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 (American four-wall) Unchanged automatic Same words as American four-wall, 12 July 2019. Read the rule
    • 26 January 2020 USHA One-Wall Rules Unchanged automatic Same words as American one-wall, small ball, 12 July 2019. Read the rule
    • 20 September 2020 USHA One-Wall Rules Unchanged automatic Read the rule
    • 21 September 2020 USHA Four-Wall Rules (American four-wall) Unchanged automatic Same words as USHA Four-Wall Rules, 26 January 2020. Read the rule
    • 22 January 2021 USHA Four-Wall Rules (American four-wall) Unchanged automatic Read the rule
    • 22 January 2021 USHA One-Wall Rules Unchanged automatic Same words as USHA One-Wall Rules, September 2020. Read the rule
    • 9 December 2021 USHA Four-Wall Rules (American four-wall) Unchanged automatic Same words as USHA Four-Wall Rules, 22 January 2021. Read the rule
    • 23 January 2022 USHA Four-Wall Rules (American four-wall) Unchanged automatic Read the rule
    • 23 January 2022 USHA One-Wall Rules Unchanged automatic Same words as USHA One-Wall Rules, 22 January 2021. Read the rule
    • 27 November 2022 American four-wall (American four-wall) Unchanged automatic Same words as USHA Four-Wall Rules, 23 January 2022.
    • 17 January 2024 American four-wall (American four-wall) Unchanged automatic
    • 26 January 2024 USHA Four-Wall Rules (American four-wall) Unchanged automatic Read the rule
    • 26 January 2024 USHA One-Wall Rules Unchanged automatic Same words as USHA One-Wall Rules, 23 January 2022. Read the rule
    • 17 July 2024 American one-wall, small ball Unchanged automatic
    • 26 January 2025 USHA Four-Wall Rulebook (American four-wall) Unchanged automatic Same words as USHA Four-Wall Rules, 26 January 2024. Read the rule
    • 26 January 2025 USHA One-Wall Rulebook Unchanged automatic Same words as American one-wall, small ball, 17 July 2024. Read the rule
    • 26 January 2025 USHA Three-Wall Addendum (American three-wall) Unchanged automatic Same words as USHA Three-Wall Addendum, 22 January 2017.

Rule 4.4, item C

Begins: “C. Legal return. After the ball is legally served,…”

  1. 20 June 1990 USHA Four-Wall Rules (American four-wall)

    First recorded automatic

    C. Legal return.
    After the ball is legally served, one of the players on the receiving side must strike the ball either on the fly or after the first bounce, and before the ball touches the floor the second time, to return the ball to the front wall either directly or after it has touched one or both side walls,the back wall, the ceiling, or any combination of those surfaces.
    A returned ball may not touch the floor before touching the front wall.
    A ball may be played off the back wall as well as the front wall, provided the ball does not touch the floor a second time.
    Failure to make a legal return results in a point for the server.

    Read this rule in the rulebook

  2. 14 October 1994 USHA One-Wall Rules

    First recorded automatic

    C. Legal return. After the ball is legally served, one of the players on the receiving side must strike the ball either on the fly or after the first bounce, and before the ball touches the floor a second time, to return the ball to the wall on or between the lines first and make it rebound into the playing zone. A returned ball may not touch the floor before touching the wall. Failure to make a legal return results in a point for the server.

    Read this rule in the rulebook

  3. 31 January 1999 USHA Four-Wall Rules (American four-wall)

    Punctuation only automatic

    Compared with USHA Four-Wall Rules, 20 June 1990.

    C. Legal return.
    After the ball is legally served, one of the players on the receiving side must strike the ball either on the fly or after the first bounce, and before the ball touches the floor the second time, to return the ball to the front wall either directly or after it has touched one or both side walls,the walls, the back wall, the ceiling, or any combination of those surfaces.
    A returned ball may not touch the floor before touching the front wall.
    A ball may be played off the back wall as well as the front wall, provided the ball does not touch the floor a second time.
    Failure to make a legal return results in a point for the server.

    2 words added, 1 removed.

    Read this rule in the rulebook

  4. 31 January 1999 American four-wall (American four-wall)

    Punctuation only automatic

    Compared with USHA Four-Wall Rules, 20 June 1990.

    C. Legal return.
    After the ball is legally served, one of the players on the receiving side must strike the ball either on the fly or after the first bounce, and before the ball touches the floor the second time, to return the ball to the front wall either directly or after it has touched one or both side walls,the walls, the back wall, the ceiling, or any combination of those surfaces.
    A returned ball may not touch the floor before touching the front wall.
    A ball may be played off the back wall as well as the front wall, provided the ball does not touch the floor a second time.
    Failure to make a legal return results in a point for the server.

    2 words added, 1 removed.

  5. 18 more rulebooks with the same words
    • 2000 USHA One-Wall Rules Unchanged automatic Same words as USHA One-Wall Rules, 14 October 1994. Read the rule
    • 9 March 2001 USHA One-Wall Rules Unchanged automatic Read the rule
    • 7 October 2001 USHA One-Wall Rules Unchanged automatic Read the rule
    • 8 April 2002 USHA One-Wall Rules Unchanged automatic Read the rule
    • 20 August 2002 USHA One-Wall Rules Unchanged automatic Read the rule
    • 19 January 2005 USHA Three-Wall Addendum (American three-wall) Unchanged automatic Same words as American four-wall, 31 January 1999.
    • 1 April 2005 USHA One-Wall Rules Unchanged automatic Same words as USHA One-Wall Rules, 20 August 2002. Read the rule
    • 15 April 2005 USHA Four-Wall Rules (American four-wall) Unchanged automatic Same words as American four-wall, 31 January 1999. Read the rule
    • June 2006 USHA Four-Wall Rule Changes (American four-wall) Unchanged automatic
    • 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. Read the rule
    • May 2007 USHA Four-Wall Rule Changes (American four-wall) Unchanged automatic Same words as USHA Four-Wall Rule Changes, June 2006.
    • 13 October 2007 American three-wall (American three-wall) Unchanged automatic Same words as American four-wall, 31 January 1999.
    • June 2008 USHA One-Wall Rules Unchanged automatic Same words as USHA One-Wall Rules, June 2006. Read the rule
    • 2012 USHA Four-Wall Rules (American four-wall) Unchanged automatic Same words as USHA Four-Wall Rule Changes, May 2007. Read the rule
    • 2014 USHA Four-Wall Rules (American four-wall) Unchanged automatic Read the rule
    • January 2014 USHA One-Wall Rules Unchanged automatic Same words as USHA One-Wall Rules, June 2008. Read the rule
    • 6 February 2015 USHA Four-Wall Rules (American four-wall) Unchanged automatic Same words as USHA Four-Wall Rules, 2014. Read the rule

  6. 6 February 2015 USHA One-Wall Addendum

    Reworded machine-reviewed

    Compared with USHA One-Wall Rules, January 2014.

    C. Legal return. After the ball is legally served, one of the players on the receiving side must strike the ball either on the fly or after the first bounce, and before the ball touches the floor a second time, to return the ball to the wall on or between the lines first and make it rebound into the playing zone. A returned ball may not touch the floor before touching the wall. Failure to make a legal return results in a point for the server.

    25 words removed.

    Read this rule in the rulebook

  7. 5 more rulebooks with the same words
    • 6 February 2015 USHA Three-Wall Addendum (American three-wall) Unchanged automatic Same words as USHA Three-Wall Addendum, December 2004.
    • 22 January 2017 USHA Four-Wall Rules (American four-wall) Unchanged automatic Same words as USHA Four-Wall Rules, 6 February 2015. Read the rule
    • 22 January 2017 USHA One-Wall Addendum Unchanged automatic Same words as USHA One-Wall Addendum, 6 February 2015. Read the rule
    • 22 January 2017 USHA Three-Wall Addendum (American three-wall) Unchanged automatic Same words as USHA Three-Wall Addendum, 6 February 2015.
    • 27 January 2019 USHA Four-Wall Rules (American four-wall) Unchanged automatic Same words as USHA Four-Wall Rules, 22 January 2017. Read the rule

  8. 27 January 2019 USHA One-Wall Rules

    Reworded machine-reviewed

    Compared with USHA One-Wall Addendum, 22 January 2017.

    C. Legal return. After the ball is legally served, one of the players on the receiving side must strike the ball either on the fly or after the first bounce, and before the ball touches the floor a second time, to return the ball to the wall on or between the lines first and make it rebound into the playing zone. A returned ball may not touch the floor before touching the wall. Failure to make a legal return results in a point for the server.

    25 words added.

    Read this rule in the rulebook

  9. 19 more rulebooks with the same words
    • 12 July 2019 American four-wall (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 (American four-wall) Unchanged automatic Same words as American four-wall, 12 July 2019. Read the rule
    • 26 January 2020 USHA One-Wall Rules Unchanged automatic Same words as American one-wall, small ball, 12 July 2019. Read the rule
    • 20 September 2020 USHA One-Wall Rules Unchanged automatic Read the rule
    • 21 September 2020 USHA Four-Wall Rules (American four-wall) Unchanged automatic Same words as USHA Four-Wall Rules, 26 January 2020. Read the rule
    • 22 January 2021 USHA Four-Wall Rules (American four-wall) Unchanged automatic Read the rule
    • 22 January 2021 USHA One-Wall Rules Unchanged automatic Same words as USHA One-Wall Rules, September 2020. Read the rule
    • 9 December 2021 USHA Four-Wall Rules (American four-wall) Unchanged automatic Same words as USHA Four-Wall Rules, 22 January 2021. Read the rule
    • 23 January 2022 USHA Four-Wall Rules (American four-wall) Unchanged automatic Read the rule
    • 23 January 2022 USHA One-Wall Rules Unchanged automatic Same words as USHA One-Wall Rules, 22 January 2021. Read the rule
    • 27 November 2022 American four-wall (American four-wall) Unchanged automatic Same words as USHA Four-Wall Rules, 23 January 2022.
    • 17 January 2024 American four-wall (American four-wall) Unchanged automatic
    • 26 January 2024 USHA Four-Wall Rules (American four-wall) Unchanged automatic Read the rule
    • 26 January 2024 USHA One-Wall Rules Unchanged automatic Same words as USHA One-Wall Rules, 23 January 2022. Read the rule
    • 17 July 2024 American one-wall, small ball Unchanged automatic
    • 26 January 2025 USHA Four-Wall Rulebook (American four-wall) Unchanged automatic Same words as USHA Four-Wall Rules, 26 January 2024. Read the rule
    • 26 January 2025 USHA One-Wall Rulebook Unchanged automatic Same words as American one-wall, small ball, 17 July 2024. Read the rule
    • 26 January 2025 USHA Three-Wall Addendum (American three-wall) Unchanged automatic Same words as USHA Three-Wall Addendum, 22 January 2017.

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