8.2 Ball Mark Protocol

This protocol is a standardized way of verifying whether a ball has landed in or out.

Important

New since 2023:

Teams can challenge a referee's in/out decision up to a maximum of 5 seconds after the end of a rally. For this, any of the players shows a "C" to the 1st referee and then points to the line. Such a challenge is not possible at side changes.

A team is entitled to a maximum of two unsuccessful challenges per set.

If a challenge cannot be effective, e.g. because the ball has touched the line before landing out or in the case where a team has already exhausted two unsuccessful challenges during the running set, the challenge is rejected as illegal. In this case of a late challenge request (i.e. later than 5 seconds after the end of the rally or at side switch), the referee rejects the challenge request by showing an "X" with the index fingers.

Procedure

The first referee leaves his stand and walks to the ball mark. If available, the responsible line judge should meet the referee near the ball mark.
Players can never participate in a ball mark protocol and have to be sent away if they approach the area.
Once the first referee has collected all needed information (identifying the ball mark, possible explanation by the line judge), he should get back on the referee stand without signaling any decision made. Back in position, the first referee shows the next serving team as well as the appropriate hand signal.
If necessary, a sanction will be applied if a team interfered with the ball mark protocol (e.g. crossing the net to look at the ball mark).

Remarks

The second referee has to make sure that the team on the opposite side of the ball mark does not cross to the opponents‘ side of the court.
Once the first referee has shown his decision, the second referee has to make sure that the scorer records the decision by the first referee and on the scoresheet.
The decision of the first referee is final and no discussion should be allowed.