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Breaking: New Serve Rule for MLP
Team KOTC
September 25, 2024
New Serve Rule/Clarification for MLP
Yes, we’ve got another one, folks. Perhaps motivated by some questionable serves and related challenges in NYC, the MLP has released clarification on the existing serve rule, as highlighted:
6. Serves
Players will be allowed to use the Volley Serve at events. The Drop Serve is currently not permitted. Any serve that touches the net and lands in the appropriate service area will be considered a Let and re-served. The ball release must be visible to the referee and will be re-served if not visible. Service faults are at the referee's discretion and will not be challengeable by teams.
A. Service Faults
If a referee identifies a service fault, they will stop play to identify the fault and call for a re-serve. Each player will be allowed one (1) re-serve per game due to a service fault violation before a fault and side-out are assessed. MLP service faults include:
1. Highest point of the paddle head at wrist level or above when the paddle strikes the ball (paddle head below the wrist must be clear and discernible to the referee).
2. No clear and discernible upward arc in arm swing at the time the ball is struck with the paddle.
3. Server imparting spin on the ball during release.
4. Foot fault at the baseline or the imaginary extension of the centerline or sideline.
5. Both feet off the ground at moment the ball is struck.
6. Serving while the score is being called.
PPA also recently revised their serve standards, but it’s important to note the rules do differ by league. MLP players are allowed to release the ball with a toss, and the height on the body (above/below waist) is not restricted.
The key takeaways to this change are clarifying that both the paddle head position AND the player's upward arm motion must be clear and discernible to the referees, and players cannot challenge an opponent’s serve.
In addition to the verbiage clarification, they have modified their on-court policy: “A maximum of three (3) team representatives (owners, GMs, and coaches) are permitted to be positioned next to and/or behind the player bench during games. In situations where space is limited, MLP reserves the right to reduce the number of team representatives allowed behind the bench to ensure safety and maintain an organized environment.”
These revised rules will be enforced starting with tomorrow’s MLP Virginia Beach event. (Stay tuned for our full preview & matchup guide, coming later today!)
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