USA Pickleball ref Maddie Toren will teach you all about pickleball timeouts, including the types of timeouts, when can they be called, regular vs. equipment timeouts in pickleball, and how many pickleball timeouts can you call in one game?
Standard timeout
The standard timeout can be called before or after any point.
A standard timeout lasts up to 1 minute.
Each team is entitled to two timeouts for a game to 11 or 15, and three for a game to 21.
Medical timeout
Any player needing medical attention during a match should request a medical timeout.
The medical timeout can last up to 15 minutes.
If the player is unable to resume play, the match will be declared retired.
Each player is entitled to one medical timeout for the match.
If a medical timeout is requested and no valid medical condition exists, the player or team will be charged a standard timeout (if available) and issued a technical warning.
Equipment timeout
In officiated matches: If there are issues with equipment (which includes: your paddle, apparel, etc.), and the referee determines an equipment change or adjustment is necessary for fair and safe continuation of the match, the referee may award an equipment timeout of reasonable duration.
In non-officiated matches: Players will work out a reasonable accommodation among themselves for equipment malfunctions.
You do not need to use your standard timeouts before taking an equipment timeout.
There is no limit on how many equipment timeouts you may receive.
Official timeouts
There are official timeouts between games and end switch.
Official timeouts will occur when the final point is made.
You will receive up to 2 minutes between games, and 1 minute between end switches.
For example: At 6 points during a third game there will be a 1-minute official timeout.
Official timeouts are treated the same as standard timeouts, so coaching is allowed during this time.
If you would like to learn more details about these rules refer to the official rulebook at USAPickleball.org.
Maddie Toren is a pro pickleball official and the first-ever teen-certified referee. This is Episode 3 of “10 Things That Most Pickleball Players Don't Know But Should.”