Decisions

The referee shall make all decisions with regard to the rules and the referee has the authority to change his/her call (See Rule 3.7 Appeals). Where line judges are used, the referee shall announce all final judgments. In the absence of line judges, if both players in singles or three out of four in a doubles match disagree with a call made by the referee, the referee should consider reversing his/her call. Any reversal must be completed before the referee announces the score for the next rally. On the final rally of any game such reversal must come in a reasonable time after the rally, consistent with the amount of time that would normally transpire from the end of a rally to the subsequent calling of the score. The Chief of Referees and/or Tournament Director who has witnessed a violation of Rule 4.9 Technicals may enforce the application of the Technical (See Rule. 4.9 Technicals).

1) Spectators. The referee shall have jurisdiction over the spectators, as well as the players, while the match is in progress (See Rule 5.6). A ball that hits an official or spectator before hitting the wall shall be judged as if it had hit an opponent (See Rule 4.7A2). If a “non-seated” spectator or official interferes with a player in his attempt to play a ball, it is a hinder. In the interest of safety, when sufficient playing area cannot be provided, the referee may call a dead-ball hinder for interference that prevents a player from having a fair chance to see or return the ball (See Rule 4.7A7).