Rules question from the courts…….

Another question from a player !  (Keep ’em coming!)

“If my partner catches the ball after I have yelled, “out,” is that ok?”

Let’s look to the IFP rulebook again.   This rule covers a variety of circumstances but clearly answers the question.

Section 7 – Fault rules:  A fault is any action that stops play because of a rule violation. A fault will be declared for the following:   (I am skipping to the rule applicable to the question.)

• Rule 7.F.  The ball in play strikes a player or anything the player is wearing or carrying. There is one exception to this rule: if the ball strikes the player’s paddle hand below the wrist, the ball is still in play. If the ball strikes a player standing out of bounds before a fault has occurred, that player loses the rally. In doubles, if the serve strikes the receiver’s partner, it is a point for the serving team, providing it is not a let serve or a fault serve. This rule also includes balls that appear to be hit out of bounds: during play, if you catch the ball or try to stop it from heading out of bounds, you lose the rally.

Remember, a ball is not considered dead or out of bounds until it hits the floor or an object or player.  So, the answer is an easy one.  No, you may not catch a ball that is heading out of bounds, even one that is obvious to all.

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