4.4.3 the server strikes the ball directly onto the front wall between the service and out lines;

4.4.4 unless volleyed by the receiver, the first bounce of the ball on the floor is in the quarter court opposite the server's box without touching the short or half court lines;

4.4.5 the server does not serve the ball out.

7.7.1 the Referee, on becoming aware of a fallen object, shall stop play immediately;

7.7.2 a player becoming aware of a fallen object may stop play and appeal.

7.7.3 If the object falls from a player, that player shall lose the rally, unless Rule 7.7.5 applies or the cause is a collision with the opponent. In the latter case the Referee shall allow a let, unless the player appeals for a let because of interference in which case the Referee shall apply Rule 12.

7.7.4 If the object falls from a source other than a player, the Referee shall allow a let unless Rule 7.7.5 applies.

7.7.5 If the player has already made a winning return when the object falls to the floor, that player shall win the rally.

7.7.6 If a dropped object remains unnoticed until the end of the rally, the result of the rally shall stand.

9.1.4 allow a let if the ball either had struck or would have struck any other wall before the front wall and the return would have been good, unless Rule 9.1.5 applies;

9.1.5 if deciding the return would have been a winning return, award a stroke to the striker;

9.1.6 award a stroke to the opponent if the return would not have been good.

9.2.1 the striker may, before striking the ball, out of fear of hitting the opponent with the ball, stop and appeal. The Referee shall:

9.2.2. The striker may, because of interference, stop play and appeal. The Referee shall:

10.1.1 allow a let, if deciding that the striker could otherwise have made a good return, or

10.1.2 award a stroke to the opponent, if deciding that the striker could not have made a good return.

10.3.1 allow a let, if the striker is unable to complete a further attempt to play the ball provided a good return was possible; or

10.3.2 award a stroke to the striker, if deciding that the opponent did not make every effort to avoid the interference on the further attempt; or

10.3.3 not allow a let, if deciding that the further attempt would not have resulted in a good return.

11.1.1 If the Marker makes a call of "Foot-fault", "Fault", "Not up", "Down" or "Out" to the service, the server may appeal. If the Referee upholds the appeal, the Referee shall allow a let.

11.1.2 If, after the service, the Marker makes no call, the receiver may appeal, either immediately or at the end of the rally. The Referee, if certain that the service was not good, shall, without waiting for an appeal, stop play and award a stroke to the opponent. In response to an appeal the Referee shall:

11.2.1 A player may appeal if the Marker calls "Not up", "Down" or "Out" following that player's return. The Referee, if upholding the appeal or uncertain whether the Marker’s call was correct, shall:

11.2.2 If the Marker fails to call "Not up", "Down" or "Out" following a player's return, the opponent may appeal either immediately or at the end of the rally. The Referee, if certain that the return was not good, shall, without waiting for an appeal, stop play and award a stroke to the opponent. In response to an appeal the Referee shall:

(G6) 12.2.1 unobstructed direct access to the ball after completion of a reasonable follow-through;

12.2.2 a fair view of the ball on its rebound from the front wall;

(G7) 12.2.3 freedom to hit the ball with a reasonable swing;

12.2.4 freedom to play the ball directly to any part of the front wall.

(G8) 12.5.1 A player seeking a let or a stroke should appeal by saying "Let please".

(G9)  (G10) 12.5.2 Only the player whose turn it is to play the ball may appeal. The player must appeal either immediately the interference occurs or, when clearly not continuing play beyond the point of interference, without undue delay.

(G6) 12.7.1 there was no interference or the interference was so minimal that the player’s fair view of the ball and freedom to get to and play the ball were not affected;

(G6) 12.7.2 interference occurred but either the player would not have made a good return or the player has not made every effort to get to and play the ball;

12.7.3 the player moved past the point of interference and played on;

(G11) 12.7.4 the player created the interference in moving to the ball.

12.8.1 there was interference, which the opponent did not make every effort to avoid, and the player would have made a good return;

(G7) 12.8.2 there was interference, which the opponent made every effort to avoid, but the opponent’s position prevented the player’s reasonable swing and the player would have been able to make a good return;

(G7) 12.8.3 there was interference, which the opponent made every effort to avoid, and the player would have made a winning return;

12.8.4 the player refrained from hitting the ball which, if hit, would clearly have struck the opponent going directly to the front wall; or to a side wall but in the latter case would have been a winning return (unless in either case turning or further attempt applies).

(G12) 12.12.1 the player made significant or deliberate physical contact with the opponent;

12.12.2 the player endangered the opponent with an excessive swing.

13.1.1 the ball in play touches any article lying on the floor (see Rule 15.3);

(G7) 13.1.2 the striker refrains from hitting the ball onto any of the walls including the back wall owing to a reasonable fear of injuring the opponent;

13.1.3 the Referee determines that an occurrence on or off the court distracted either player. A player appealing for distraction must do so immediately the distraction occurs. Notwithstanding the above the Referee may award a stroke to a player who has been distracted if that player could have played a winning return but for the distraction;

13.1.4 the Referee determines that a change in court conditions affected the result of the rally.

13.2.1 the receiver is not ready and does not attempt to return the service;

13.2.2 the ball breaks during play;

13.2.3 the Referee is unable to decide an appeal;

13.2.4 a player makes an otherwise good return but either the ball lodges in any part of the playing surface of the court, preventing it from bouncing more than once on the floor, or the ball goes out after its first bounce.

13.5.1 a player’s appeal is necessary for the Referee to allow a let under Rules 13.1.2 (striker only), 13.1.3, 13.2.1 (receiver only) and 13.2.3;

13.5.2 a player’s appeal or Referee intervention without appeal is applicable to Rules 13.1.1, 13.1.4, 13.2.2 and 13.2.4.

(G13) 14.3.1 If the receiver appeals prior to attempting to return service and the Referee decides the ball broke during that service, the Referee shall allow a let for that rally only, but if uncertain shall allow a let for the previous rally.

The categories are:

16.3.3 If bleeding is not involved the following rules shall apply:

Warning (called a Conduct Warning).

Stroke awarded to opponent (called a Conduct Stroke).

Game awarded to opponent (called a Conduct Game).

Match awarded to opponent (called a Conduct Match).

20.2.1 when one of the players appeals, including an appeal against any specification;

20.2.2 to ensure that all relevant rules are applied correctly;

In order to prevent one player from gaining an unfair rest interval through a change of equipment, the Referee, before allowing a player to leave the court to make the change, shall be satisfied that there has indeed been a material deterioration of the equipment.

The preference for another racquet, or a different pair of shoes where no physical deterioration is evident, is not sufficient reason for the player to change that equipment. The player may leave the court to effect the change as quickly as possible and must do so within 90 seconds.

If a player's glasses break or a player loses a contact lens, that player is permitted 90 seconds, after which the player must resume play.

If a player is unable to resume play because of lack of alternative equipment, the Referee shall award the match to the opponent.

Time-wasting is an attempt by one player to gain an unfair advantage over the opponent. Prolonged discussion with the Referee and slow preparation to serve or receive service are examples. The Referee shall apply Rule 17 when this occurs.

Players should be aware that during the 90-second intervals, the Referee's call of "Fifteen seconds" is advice for them to return to court. A player who is not ready to resume play on the call of "Time" is gaining an unfair advantage and the Referee shall apply Rule 17.

Rule 7.7 makes it clear that, if any object falls (or is thrown) to the floor of the court, play must cease. Since an injury may occur if a player treads on any object of significant size or texture, the Referee or Marker shall halt play with the word "Stop", or the player(s) may stop and appeal. If the fallen object is unnoticed by players and Officials until the end of the rally and the Referee judges there has been no effect on the outcome of the rally, the result of the rally shall stand (Rule 7.7.6).

Players are responsible for retaining their equipment. As a general rule, a player who drops or throws a piece of equipment will lose a stroke. Exceptions are equipment falling as a result of a collision when the Referee may allow a let or award a stroke depending on whether the player has hit a winning return. If the collision results in an appeal for interference, Rule 12 will take precedence.

If a player drops a racquet without colliding with the opponent, the Referee shall allow the rally to continue under most circumstances. It is considered that the player is already at a significant disadvantage, as the player must pick up the racquet to remain in the rally.

The Referee shall deal with a player’s deliberate dropping or throwing of an object to the floor of the court under Rule 17.

If the ball hits the non-striker the Referee shall make a decision in all cases and the Marker's call is not required until after the Referee has made this decision.

If the ball, coming from the front wall, hits the non-striker without interference occurring, the non-striker loses a stroke unless further attempt applies (Rule 10). The definition of "Attempt" makes it clear that even a fake swing of the racquet or feint at the ball is an attempt, but racquet preparation comprising only backswing with no racquet movement towards the ball is not an attempt.

Rules 9 and Rule 10 cover the various situations in which the ball going to the front wall hits the non-striker.

If the ball hits the striker (without interference) the striker loses the rally and the Marker shall call "Not up", because the striker has not struck the ball correctly. The Referee need not make a decision unless the Marker fails to make a call.

When the ball strikes either player and interference occurred, the Referee shall apply Rule 12.

In deciding to play the ball on turning, a player must ensure that the return will not hit the opponent. If the player does hit the opponent with the ball after turning, the Referee shall award a stroke to the opponent, unless the opponent made a deliberate movement to prevent a good return reaching the front wall, in which case the Referee shall award a stroke to the striker.

When a player shapes to play the ball on one side and then brings the racquet across the body to take the ball on the other side, it is neither turning nor making a further attempt and, if interference occurs, Rule 12 applies. This position frequently occurs after the ball has hit the side wall and the front wall simultaneously and then rebounds into the middle of the court.

The opponent must make every effort to clear the ball after playing a return. The opponent’s route should allow the player unobstructed direct access to the ball, provided the player has not moved in to play the ball so quickly as to block the opponent’s exit. In the latter case the Referee shall allow a let, unless the player could not have made a good return, in which case the Referee shall not allow a let.

However, it is equally important for the player to make every effort to get to and play the ball. If the player does not make every effort to get to and play the ball, that is a significant factor in the Referee's assessment of whether or not that player could have reached the ball and made a good return.

The Referee shall decide the degree of effort that the player should make to demonstrate "making every effort". This does not give the player the right to abuse the opponent physically and the Referee shall penalize significant or deliberate physical contact under Rule 12 or Rule 17.

However, when interference has occurred, the Referee shall not refuse a let in situations in which the player was clearly making every effort (albeit short of physical contact with the opponent) to get to and play the ball and had demonstrated to the Referee the ability to reach the ball.

Rule 12.2.3 allows the striker "freedom to hit the ball with a reasonable swing". If the striker stops play because of the opponent not granting this freedom and appeals, the Referee shall consider following options:

The correct method of appeal when interference or Rule 13 instances have occurred is to say "Let please" and for other occurrences under Rule 11 is to say "Appeal please".

Players sometimes use other forms of appeal including a raised hand or racquet, especially when communication between players and Referee is difficult. A Referee accepting any form of appeal other than the standard "Let please" or "Appeal please" must be satisfied that the player is actually making an appeal.

The timing of an appeal on interference is important.

In the case of an appeal concerning fair view and freedom to hit the ball directly to the front wall (commonly known as "crossing the flight"), the Referee shall consider the situation at the time the player could have hit the ball.

In the case of interference on backswing, the appeal must be immediate and before the player makes any attempt to play the ball. Any attempt to hit the ball after backswing interference has occurred indicates that the striker has accepted the interference and thus forfeits the right of appeal.

If there is interference in the act of playing the ball, which includes a reasonable backswing, hit and reasonable follow-through, an appeal is justified. The Referee shall consider whether the opponent was crowding and not allowing freedom to play the ball in deciding whether to allow a let or to award a stroke.

If a player makes an appeal for interference before the result of the opponent’s return is known, this is regarded as an early appeal. If a player makes an early appeal and the opponent’s return subsequently goes down or out, the Referee shall allow the result of the rally to stand, the player winning the rally.

At all times an opponent must allow the player unobstructed direct access to play the ball.

However, sometimes the situation arises in which the opponent has caused no interference (i.e., the opponent has clearly provided the required direct access) but the player takes an indirect route to the ball which takes the player towards, or very close to, the opponent's position. The player then appeals for a let because of being "obstructed" in access to the ball.

If there is no genuine reason for this indirect route, the player has created the interference where none otherwise existed and, if the player appeals, the Referee shall not allow a let. Whether the player could make a good return is not a consideration - in order to remain in the rally the player must get to and play the ball.

This is different from two situations in which a player, in attempting to recover from a position of disadvantage, does not have direct access to the ball. In the first situation the player is "wrong-footed" and anticipates the opponent hitting the ball one way, starts moving that way, but having guessed wrongly, changes direction to find the opponent in the way. In this situation the Referee shall allow the player a let on appeal if the recovery is sufficient to demonstrate the player would have made a good return. In fact, if the opponent prevents the incoming player from playing a winning return, the Referee shall award a stroke to that player.

Secondly, if a player plays a poor return that gives the opponent a position of advantage, the Referee shall allow the player a let only if, in taking the direct line to the ball for the next return, the Referee determines that, but for the interference, that player would have been able to get to and play the ball.

Significant or deliberate physical contact is both detrimental to the game and potentially dangerous. In blatant cases the Referee shall stop the rally and award the appropriate penalty. Where the player "pushes off" the opponent and this has no significant effect on the opponent, the Referee shall allow the rally to continue and give a warning to that player at the end of the rally. Where there is a significant effect, the Referee shall stop play and apply Rule 17.

When the receiver, without attempting to return the service, appeals that the ball is broken, the Referee will normally allow a let for that rally. However, if the Referee considers that the ball broke in the previous rally, the Referee shall allow a let for the previous rally. This also applies if the service is not good.

1. If a player has visible bleeding, the Referee shall require the player to leave the court immediately. The Referee shall not permit play to resume while the bleeding is visible. The Referee shall permit recovery time for bleeding according to Rule 16.1. A player, unable to stop bleeding within the total time the Referee permits, shall either concede one game to gain a further 90 seconds and then continue play without bleeding, or concede the match.

If a player's clothing has become blood-stained as a result of the injury, the player shall change that clothing before resuming play.

If the bleeding recurs after recovery time has been allowed, the Referee shall allow no further recovery time, except that the player may concede the game in progress and use the interval between games to recover.

2. A player suffering illness or disability on court has the option, except where blood is visible, of completing the game in progress or of conceding that game or the match.

A player who does not wish to concede the match, but who requires recovery time or who needs to leave the court, shall concede the game. After informing the Referee, the player shall take the 90-second interval between games for recovery, then be ready to play; or concede the match. The player may concede only one game.

If a player vomits or otherwise makes the court unplayable, the Referee shall award the match to the opponent, irrespective of whether the sick player is able to resume play (Rule 17). The Referee's decision with regard to court conditions is final.

In the case of symptoms of tiredness, alleged injuries not reasonably evident to the Referee or pre-existing ailments, the Referee shall not permit recovery time (except that the Referee shall allow the player concerned the option of conceding one game to take the 90-second interval between games and then resume play). Included in this category are cramps, whether abdominal pains or muscle cramps, actual or impending nausea and breathlessness including asthmatic conditions.

3. If a player is injured the Referee, after confirming that the injury is genuine, shall advise the players of the requirements of the Rules, inform the players of the category of the injury and shall ascertain the player's intentions regarding a resumption of play.

When a player suffers a self-inflicted injury, i.e., an injury which clearly does not involve the opponent as described in Rule 16.3.1.1, the Referee shall allow the recovery time permitted in Rule 16.3.3.1. Such an injury could be the result of a blow, especially to the face or head, as a result of the player colliding with the walls or floor, or a possible muscle tear or sprained joint causing the player to stop suddenly.

It is the responsibility of the injured player to be back at the court when the Referee calls "Time", either to resume play, or to request an extension of recovery time, if required, in the case of an injury which is still bleeding. If the player is not present when "Time" is called the Referee shall award the match to the opponent.

The player shall make the decision to resume play. The Referee's role is to decide whether an injury exists, to apply and monitor time-intervals and to apply the Rules when the total allocated recovery time has elapsed.

Coaching of players is permitted only during the interval between games. Coaching does not include brief comments of encouragement between rallies that clearly have no effect on the continuity of play. The Referee shall decide whether comments are permissible encouragement or improper coaching.

The use of external communication aids is prohibited.

The Referee may penalize coaching in any form during play by applying Rule 17 to the player being coached.

The penalties available to the Referee under Rule 17 are:

Warning (called a Conduct Warning).

Stroke awarded to opponent (called a Conduct Stroke).

Game awarded to opponent (called a Conduct Game).

Match awarded to opponent (called a Conduct Match).

The guidelines for applying the penalties are as follows:

When the Referee imposes the first penalty for a particular offence, it should be a warning, stroke, game or match depending on the seriousness of the offence. However, any subsequent penalty for the same type of offence for the same player should not be less severe than the previous penalty for that offence. Thus the Referee may award more than one warning or stroke for the same type of offence if the Referee decides that the offence does not warrant a more severe penalty.

When issuing penalties the Referee shall use the following terminology:

Conduct warning (player or team's name) for (Offence).

Conduct stroke (player or team's name) for (Offence), stroke to (opponent or opposing team's name).

Conduct game (player or team's name) for (Offence), game to (opponent or opposing team's name).

Conduct match (player or team's name) for (Offence), match to (opponent or opposing team's name).

The Marker shall repeat only that part of the Referee's decision that affects the score.

If it is not possible to have two Officials for a match, a single Official acts as Marker and Referee. The Official calls the play and the score as Marker and answers appeals as Referee.

The correct order of calls is:

Examples are:

Match introduction:

End of a game:

Start of subsequent game:

After award of Conduct penalty:

Addressing the players: Officials should use the player’s surname/family name, rather than the given name, when addressing players. This eliminates any appearance of familiarity that players or spectators could interpret as favouritism.

Explanations: Following an appeal by a player, the Referee normally gives the decision and play resumes. However, on some occasions, it may be appropriate to explain the decision to the players. In those cases the Referee may give a concise explanation following the decision. It is helpful to the players if the Referee uses the terminology of the appropriate rule when explaining a decision.