Under Part 4, Rule 4.3A(1): Interpretation No. 5

This is a difficult call because there will be instances in which the receiver will be hindered, but the ball has been hit so that it is going to result in a setup and the receiver will have time to get into good position to attempt his shot. The hinder serve, like any other hinder, is based on interference affecting the play. In the case just mentioned, there is initial interference, but the receiver still has time to get into good position so that the momentary hinder will not affect the play. In such a case, the referee should not make his call too quickly, but should watch the reaction of the receiver. If the referee feels that the receiver hesitates getting into position, a hinder should be called. If, however, the receiver moves quickly and obviously is going to have time to get into good position for a shot, the hinder should not be called.

The receiver should be given the benefit of any doubt so long as his receiving position is in the center of the court. However, if the receiver positions himself to one side of center or anticipates the serve is going to be hit to one side and moves in that direction too quickly, and the serve is hit to the opposite side, a hinder should not be called.

It is also important that the referee attempt to position himself so that he will have the same angle of view as the receiver. The best answer to this dilemma is: When in doubt, call a hinder.