Archived CRA columns, articles and special updates about the Rules of Racquetball
Today’s discussion will focus on the safety zone – the 5 foot area between the short line and the receiving line. There seems to be uncertainty by many players about the interpretation of rules as they apply to both the server and receiver. For example, during the 2014 U.S. Open…
I have heard over the years from tournament directors that one of the most difficult challenges is coordinating the referees. Some of the frustration of tournament directors comes from players that avoid this duty. Racquetball is one of the few sports that requires its players to referee matches. Sadly, many…
The USAR National Doubles tournament is right around the corner. The Doubles in the Desert will be held again this year in Tempe, Arizona, at the Arizona State University Recreation Center. The tournament is routinely held over the week of Valentine’s Day allowing a reprieve from the colder weather. In…
Many players over the past couple years have asked when USA Racquetball would reinstate the 2-serve rule to coincide with the IRT. Short answer – the rule was amended on September 1, 2013. This begs the question as to how USA Racquetball makes the decision to amend the rules. The…
In preparing to play a semifinal match at the 2013 USAR National Doubles tournament, I initiated a conversation with the assigned referee before warm-ups. When I questioned her about my opponent warming up on the court without proper eyewear, she promptly noted she “was only there to keep score.” As…
When does a court hinder result in stoppage of play? Sounds obvious, although it depends on which set of rules are applicable. The Mile High WPRO stop held recently at the Denver Athletic Club offered divisions with three sets of rules – WPRO, CPRT and amateur. Kudos to Deb Beldring…
The sport of racquetball has inherent hazards due to multiple bodies in a limited space and a ball travelling at high velocity. How many players are struck with a ball or racquet during each tournament? My son received eight stitches after being struck with a racquet in the mouth. Additionally,…
The following article – authored by Gary Mazaroff, long-time Director of the American Professional Racquetball Organization (AmPRO) – illustrates the danger in modifying the rules of racquetball based on personal preference and/or interpretation. I frequently hear statements from club players like, “we don’t play by that rule.” I urge all…