THE TEAM

2-aside

  • Each team consists of two (2) players on court.

  • There are no gender requirements.

  • Substitutions may be made between games.

Teams may play with a minimum of one (1) player for the entire game. Teams meeting this minimum will not be considered a default or forfeit. 

Please refer to the Urban Rec Default, Forfeit & Substitute Policy for player eligibility requirements.

Substitutes

  • Substitutes are permitted provided they:

    • Have created an Urban Rec account, and

    • Have signed the most up-to-date Urban Rec waiver

  • Substitutions are running subs and can occur at any time during play.

GAME SPECIFICS

Game Time

  • Teams are scheduled within a 45-minute timeslot.

  • As many games as possible will be played during the allocated time.

  • If time expires during a game, the current rally will be completed before the result is recorded.

Court Boundaries

  • Games are played on a standard pickleball court measuring 13m x 6m.

  • Court measurements may vary depending on venue and available line markings.  

Starting the Game

Captains will play Scissors, Paper, Rock.

The winner may choose to:

  • Serve first, or

  • Choose which end of the court to start from.

Scoring

  • Only the serving team may score points.

  • Games are played to 11 points, winning by 2 points.

  • Each game won contributes to your overall results for the league night.

RULE SPECIFICS

The Serve

  • Serves must be made underhand.

  • Contact with the ball must be below the server's waist.

  • At least one foot must remain behind the baseline until after the ball is struck.

  • The serve must travel diagonally into the opponent's service court.

  • Only one serve attempt is permitted. If the serve clips the net and lands in, play continues.

Service Sequence

Urban Rec uses the standard doubles pickleball serving sequence.

  • Only the serving team can score points.

  • At the beginning of each game, only the first server has the opportunity to serve before a side out.

  • After the first side out, both players on each team have the opportunity to serve before service changes to the opposing team.

  • Servers continue alternating sides each time their team wins a point.

League Hosts are available to assist with the serving sequence if required.

Double Bounce Rule

After every serve:

  • The receiving team must allow the ball to bounce before returning it.

  • The serving team must also allow the return to bounce.

After these two bounces, players may volley the ball or play it after a bounce.

The Kitchen (Non-Volley Zone)

The Kitchen extends 2.13 metres (7 feet) from each side of the net.

Players may enter the Kitchen at any time except when volleying the ball.

It is a fault if:

  • A player volleys while standing in the Kitchen.

  • A player's momentum carries them into the Kitchen after volleying.

  • A player touches the Kitchen line while volleying.

Line Calls

  • Any ball touching a boundary line is IN.

  • A serve contacting the Kitchen line is OUT.

Players are expected to make honest line calls.

Faults

A fault occurs when:

  • A serve lands outside the correct service court.

  • The ball lands out of bounds.

  • The ball is hit into the net.

  • The Double Bounce Rule is broken.

  • A player volleys from inside the Kitchen.

  • The ball bounces twice before being returned.

  • A player touches the net while the ball is in play.

  • An illegal serve is made.

ADDITIONAL URBAN REC RULES

Optional Rotational Serving

League Managers may choose to use a Rotational Serving format in Beginner or Recreational leagues where it better suits the experience of participants.

Under this optional format:

  • Every player receives a turn to serve before service rotates to the opposing team.

  • The serving order follows a continuous rotation between all four players.

This variation is intended to simplify serving for new players and is only used where advised by the League Host.

Calling the Score

The server should clearly call the score before each serve.

if the incorrect score is called, play should be stopped before the next serve so the score can be corrected.

Line Calls

Players are responsible for making honest line calls on their side of the court.

If teams cannot agree on a call, the point should be replayed or referred to the League Host.

Court Etiquette

Please help keep games safe and enjoyable by:

  • Waiting until rallies have finished before retrieving stray balls.

  • Calling "Ball!" immediately if a ball enters another court.

  • Respecting neighbouring courts during play.

Safety always comes first.

Host Discretion

Not every situation can be covered by the rulebook. League Hosts may intervene where an action is technically legal but clearly unsafe, unfair or against the spirit of the game.

URBAN REC SPECIFICS

Fun First Policy

All Urban Rec leagues are fun-first, regardless of skill level.

Our League Hosts aim to create a safe, welcoming and enjoyable environment by:

  • Coaching where needed

  • Making calls appropriate to the level of play

  • Encouraging communication and sportsmanship

Urban Rec expects a degree of self-officiation. Respect, good vibes and camaraderie go a long way.

Discipline

  • League Hosts have final say on all unresolved issues.

  • If a player is acting disrespectfully or outside the spirit of the game, the Host may:

    • Ask the player to sub off and take a break

    • Issue further warnings

    • Ask the player to leave the court if behaviour continues

We’re here for good times, not bad attitudes. Play fair.

Inclusion

Urban Rec is committed to providing a safe, inclusive and welcoming environment for all participants.

  • Gender diverse, transgender and non-binary players are welcome

  • Participants of all sexualities, cultures and backgrounds are supported

Urban Rec has zero tolerance for bullying, discrimination or sexual harassment.

Note that the above details are generic Pickleball rules. The rules for each specific league may differ.



View Pickleball Leagues View Pickleball FAQ