Disagreement Over a NVZ Infraction in a Non-Officiated Match — What’s the Call?
This post has been updated in 2026 according to the USA Pickleball Official Rulebook (2026).
Here’s the Scenario. You Make the Call.
In a non-officiated pickleball match, (and from the other side of the net) you notice your opponent has their foot on the NVZ Line during execution of the volley. You call them on the fault. Both players on the other team disagree. What’s the call?
Who Has the Authority to Call Faults on the Opponents?
This is a scenario that frequently sparks confusion about who has the authority to call faults on whom in non-officiated, sanctioned play. Can your opponents call you (and it be subsequently enforced) for non-volley zone infractions?
- What about service foot faults?
- Double bounces?
- Illegal serves?
- Illegal contact above the wrist?
- Distractions?
What does your opponent across the net have the authority to call and enforce if there is disagreement?
These are all examples of calls in which at least one of the players from the “offending” team must “admit” the fault. If both players from the “offending” team deny a non-volley zone infraction or service foot fault, a replay occurs. However, all other supposed infractions (faults) called by your opponents are unenforceable if there is, indeed, disagreement.
Shown below are relevant rule excerpts from the USA Pickleball Official Rulebook.
USA Pickleball Official Rulebook
Rule #9.B.3
Calling Non-Volley Zone Faults and Service Foot Faults on Opponent. Players may only call non-volley zone faults and service foot faults on an opponent.
Rule #9.B.4
No Enforcement of Other Faults. If a player believes an opponent has committed any type of fault other than a non-volley zone fault or a service foot fault, they may mention the specific fault to the opponent upon completion of the rally, but they have no authority to enforce the fault. The final decision on fault resolution belongs to the player that allegedly committed the fault.
Related Articles
For more information on Non-Volley Zone/Kitchen Rules, check out the articles below:
For information on all of the Pickleball Rules, check out our complete guide.
Final Thoughts
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In a sanctioned match if server doesn’t call the score or serves while calling the score may a fault be called?
Hi Al, I’m going to reference a couple of rules for you in the official rulebook to help clarify:
Hope this helps.