These recommendations were published on January 31st for a 30 day public comment period. After the comment period, the recommendations will be forwarded to the USAPA Board as recommended changes to the rules. Any changes to the rules (if any), the final wording, and formatting will be decided by the USAPA Board.

If you have any comments, pro or con, please contact your local ambassador or send comments use the link provided in the USAPA website.

The recommendations were reformatted below for consistency. For the original document, please go to the USAPA website (Click here).

Formatting notes: 

The current rules are in normal type. 

The recommendations and official comments to be included in the rules are in bold or shaded. 

Pro's and Con's for the changes, in blue, are for commentary purposes only. They are not part of the recommended rules.

Section 9 -- Non-volley Zone Rules

9.A. The non-volley zone is formed by the non-volley line that is parallel to the net and stretches across the court, and the two (2) sidelines extending :from the net to the intersection of the non-volley line.

The non-volley zone is (the area on the court floor) formed by the non-volley line that is parallel to the net and stretches across the court, and the two (2) sidelines extending from the net to the intersection of the non-volley line. The non-volley lines are included in the non-volley zone.

9.B. A fault will be declared if in the act of volleying the ball, a player, or any article of clothing (e.g., jewelry, tissues, hair clip, etc.) or any part of the paddle, enters into the non-volley zone or touches any non-volley zone line. For example, a fault will be declared if in the act of volleying the ball, one of your feet touches a non-volley zone line

A fault will be declared if in the act of volleying the ball, a player, or any article of clothing (e.g., jewelry, tissues, hair clip, etc.) or any part of the paddle, enters into (touches) the non-volley zone or touches any non-volley zone line. For example, a fault will be declared if in the act of volleying the ball, one of your feet touches a non-volley zone line.

9.C. A fault will be declared if in the act of volleying the ball, a player's momentum causes the player, any article of the player's clothing, or any part of the player's paddle enters into the non-volley zone or touches any non-volley zone line before the ball is declared dead.

A fault will be declared if in the act of volleying the ball, a player's momentum causes the player, or any article of the player's clothing, or any part of the player's paddle enters into (touches) the non-volley zone or touches any non-volley zone line before the ball is declared dead.

Examples:

9.C.1. You volley the ball and your momentum carries you into the non-volley zone but after your opponent returns the ball. It is a fault because the ball was in play.

You volley the ball and your momentum carries you into (and you touch) the non-volley zone but after your opponent returns the ball. It is a fault because the ball was in play.

9.C.2. You volley the ball and you lose your balance and touch the non-volley line with either your hand or your paddle. Your opponent returns your shot. It is a fault because the ball was still in play.

You volley the ball and you lose your balance and touch the non-volley line (or zone) with either your hand or your paddle. Your opponent returns your shot. It is a fault because the ball was still in play.

9.C.3. You volley the ball and your momentum carries you into the non-volley zone but after your return strikes your opponent's body. There is no violation of the non-volley zone rules because once the ball strikes the player it is declared a dead ball.

You volley the ball and your momentum carries you into (and you touch) the non-volley zone but after your return strikes your opponent's body. There is no violation of the non-volley zone rules because once the ball strikes the player it is declared a dead ball.

9.C.4. You volley the ball and your momentum carries you into the non-volley zone but after the ball strikes your opponent's paddle and is headed out of bounds. The ball is in play until it bounces out of bounds. Since you fell into the non-volley zone before the ball bounced out of bounds it is a fault.

You volley the ball and your momentum carries you into (and you touch) the non-volley zone but after the ball strikes your opponent's paddle and is headed out of bounds. The ball is in play until it bounces out of bounds. Since you fell into the non-volley zone before the ball bounced out of bounds it is a fault.

9.D. A fault will be declared if the player violates the intent of the non-volley zone rule. All volleys must be initiated outside of the non-volley zone. A maneuver such as standing within the non-volley zone, jumping up to hit a volley, and then landing outside the non-volley zone is prohibited. If you are inside the non-volley zone for any reason, you cannot volley the return until your feet are legally positioned (i.e., on the floor) outside the non-volley zone

A fault will be declared if the player violates the intent of the non-volley zone rule. All volleys must be initiated outside of the non-volley zone. A maneuver such as standing within the non-volley zone, jumping up to hit a volley, and then landing outside the non-volley zone is prohibited. If you are inside the non-volley zone for any reason, you cannot volley the return until (both) your feet are legally positioned (i.e., on the floor) outside the non-volley zone

9.E. A player may step on the non-volley line or enter the non-volley zone at any time except when that player is volleying the ball There is no violation if your partner returns the ball while you are standing in the non-volley zone.

9.F. A player may stay inside the non-volley zone to return balls that bounce into the non-volley zone. That is, there is no violation if a player does not exit the non-volley zone after hitting a ball that bounces into the non-volley zone.