How Can I Recommend a USA Pickleball Rule Change About Distractions Like Loud Shouts After a Shot?

I think the rules concerning distractions should be changed and I would like to know how to recommend a change to the USA Pickleball rules. I have been seeing players make very loud shouts just after hitting a good shot and this may be distracting to opponents. I think the rules should prohibit this behavior if they don’t already deal with this situation.

Answer: USA Pickleball has started the rules change process for 2026 and recommendations for changes can be submitted. I suggest you submit any rule changes that you believe are needed prior to the deadline of June 1, 2025. After that date, it’s possible to comment on rule recommendations made by others, up until June 15. Here is the USA Pickleball web page that explains the process: usapickleball.org/what-is-pickleball/official-rules/rulebook-revision-process.

Regarding distractions, Rule 3.A.7. is very clear about the fact that a distraction must be “physical actions by a player that are ‘not common to the game’ and that, in the judgment of the referee, interfere with the opponent’s ability or concentration to hit the ball.” Note that a distraction call requires a referee, and Rule 11.J. clearly states that a distraction call is a fault on the offending team. •