USA PICKLEBALL OFFICIAL RULEBOOK 

USA Pickleball is the National Governing Body of American pickleball that formulates and interprets all the rules of the sport in a manner that preserves the traditional nature and character of the sport and the skills traditionally required to play the sport.

The text below was copied from the USA Pickleball Official Rulebook to provide players with an understanding of the rules and the organization. You can download a copy of the 2024 Rules be clicking the button below.

USA PICKLEBALL was organized to perpetuate the growth and advancement of pickleball on a national level and to set goals for worldwide play and recognition. USA Pickleball is committed to furthering the growth and development of pickleball among all players.

USA Pickleball is the National Governing Body of American pickleball that formulates and interprets all the rules of the sport in a manner that preserves the traditional nature and character of the sport and the skills traditionally required to play the sport. All such decisions by USA Pickleball are final and not appealable.

The purpose of the rulebook is to provide pickleball players with the rules necessary for recreational, social, organized league and tournament play. Some sections of this rulebook are designed to be used only for the conduct of USA Pickleball-sanctioned tournaments. A sanctioned tournament allows players to obtain a rating on a national or international basis.

Non-sanctioned tournaments may also use these sections as guidelines. Tournament Directors for non-sanctioned tournaments may be flexible in the use of these guidelines to better fit the skills, ages, and diversity of their players. USA Pickleball enthusiastically encourages these non-sanctioned tournaments to promote knowledge and growth of the sport, and skill development, while having fun playing pickleball.

USA Pickleball published the sport's first official rulebook in March 1984. 

These rules will not be changed without good cause. Comments and opinions are always welcome by USAP.