Play stoppage
1) Foreign Object. If a foreign object enters the court, or any other outside interference occurs, or if a player loses a shoe or other properly worn equipment, the referee shall stop the game if it interferes with the continuance of play or poses an immediate danger. However, safety permitting, one rally-ending attempt should be allowed (See Rule 4.8.H).
Interpretation
In most cases, if a foreign object (such as a ball from an adjacent court) enters the court, the referee should immediately stop play and call a hinder because of the distraction and for safety reasons. However, it might happen that a player would lose a shoe, headband or even a glove. In these cases, the referee should allow the opposing player one opportunity to hit a rally-ending shot if all of the following conditions are met:
1. The referee believes the opposing player is in no danger of stepping on the lost object;
2. The opposing player does not appear to be distracted by the lost object;
3. And the opposing player apparently has an opportunity to hit an offensive, rally-ending shot.
If the player is allowed the one offensive shot, one of the following calls should be made immediately afterward: If the player skips the ball in, that player loses the rally. If the player hits a kill shot or pass shot that cannot be retrieved, that player should be awarded the rally. If the player who lost the equipment is able to retrieve the shot, a hinder should be called.
2) Player. If a player stops play for any reason other than safety or equipment the referee shall consider this to be an appeal for concurrence and the player stops play at his/her own risk. If the appeal is upheld, the player’s call shall stand. Otherwise, the player loses the rally or the referee may call for a replay.