Ref’s Rule – October 2025

Thanks Neil Butler

Court Conditions

Given the changes in court construction and the types of floors being used, the rules have been changed to include clear instructions to the Referee in circumstances where the floor becomes wet.

If the court becomes wet because of sweat from the players during normal play, either player may request the court be wiped at the end of a rally If a player, while attempting to play the ball, has left a wet area on the court due to slipping, lunging, diving, or any part of their body touching the floor, then: 

• the player who caused the wet area must continue play or concede the rally;
• the opponent may request a let before hitting the ball;
• if play continues, neither player may request a let for safety reasons;
• if the Referee believes the wet area was caused deliberately to gain an advantage, the Referee must apply Rule 14. (Conduct).

The Referee:

• must decide if conditions are safe for play to continue;
• may allow a let without a request having been made, stopping play if necessary for safety reasons.

Other parts of the rules for changes on courts conditions are:

• If conditions change through no fault of either player, play must stop, and a let is allowed. When play resumes, the score at the time of the interruption stands.
• If an object falls on the court – Refer to Rule 12.2.
• If a player vomits on the court – Refer to Rule 13.1.2.
• If a player is injured – Refer to Rule 13.2. and 13.3.
• If there is blood on the court – Refer to Rule 13.3.1.5.

Question of the Month

Mary serves the ball from the left box and wins the rally. The Referee realises that Mary

should have served from the right box. What should the Referee do?

1. a) Replay the rally with Mary serving from the right box
2. b) Allow the result of the rally to stand. Then Mary serves from the left box.
3. c) Allow the result of the rally to stand. Then Mary serves from the right box.

Quote for the Month

“If you want to kill any idea in the world today. Get a committee working on it” – Charles

Franklin Kettering

Answer to Quiz

1. c) Allow the result of the rally to stand. Then Mary serves from the right box.