I receive a lot of inquiries from Villages residents wanting to discuss the “Rules of Pickleball.” Usually they have one of those “gray zone questions” our local rules haven’t fully defined. When I am not sure of the rule, I enjoy doing research to find an “official” answer. Here are some of the questions I received recently that I thought were different and more interesting than the usual inquiries. Question: Sometimes, just after hitting a ground stroke, I realize that the ball has actually landed outside of the court. If I’ve already returned the ball, is it too late to call fault? Answer: No, but the amount of time you have to declare the ball “out” is limited. Here’s the rule” All “out” calls must be made instantly. Instantly is defined as call “out” prior to the ball being hit by your opponent or before the ball has gone out of play. Question: Sometimes players waiting to play on the sidelines make calls that cast doubt on what players on the courts have declared. Should their input be considered? Answer: No – in fact, never. Players who offer unsolicited opinions while waiting from the sidelines are one of the reasons that The Villages won’t allow you to bring guns on the courts while you’re playing. Spectators may be prejudiced, unqualified, and certainly are not in position to see the call. Question: My opponent was serving to me when my partner declared the server foot-faulted because both feet whereon/over the baseline when they served the ball. Can my partner or I call a foot fault on our opponent? Answer: No. Only the partner of their server or the server can call foot faults that take place at the time of serve. You have every right to suggest that a fault may have occurred, but you or your partner cannot declare a fault. Question: My opponent hit a ball that landed in my non-volley zone (NVZ). I ran into the NVZ and returned the ball after it bounced. Before I could exit the NVZ the ball came right back at me. I jumped into the air, returned the ball and both of my feet landed back in my court outside the NVZ. They say I faulted: I say I didn’t. Who is right? Answer: They are right. You’re faulted. Volleys can be initiated only when the player has both feet positioned outside the NVZ. Question: If I miss the ball while attempting to serve, do I get another try? Answer: Missing the ball is a fault, so you don’t get another chance. ? There is no penalty if you let the ball drop to the ground or catch it in the air without attempting to hit the ball, but if you “whiff” the ball, you lose your serve. Question: What options do I have if I am served the ball before I am ready? Answer: If you’re about to receive the serve and you’re not ready, raise your hand or paddle to signal the server not to serve. If the serve is made anyhow, you must make no attempt to return the ball. Any attempt to return the ball implies that you were ready, and like it or not, the ball is in play. Let me remind you of something important. As soon as the ball comes over the net into your court, you become the referee. You are responsible for all officiating on your side of the net and your opponent has every right to believe you are rules-oriented and will make calls with integrity. Editors note: Don't miss Geoge''s next artical on The No Volley Zone | 
