A technical warning in Pickleball is the equivalent of code violation in tennis. It is a warning given to a player when their behavior or actions are unsportsmanlike and outside the code of conduct of the game.
In a Pickleball match, the referee has the authority to call a single technical warning to a team or a player. Based on the severity of the violation, the referee shall call a technical or verbal warning. The list of instances as to when a technical warning be issued are as follows:
- a. An objectionable language is used to communicate or directed at another player.
- b. Profanity, i.e. audible or visible cues that are foul or vulgar are used at another player or umpire.
- c. Breaking the on-court decorum by arguing with umpires, players or spectators in a manner in which the flow of play is disrupted.
- d. Abusing the ball after or during a rally by striking it in aggression, or breaking it, or hurling it at another player or spectator.
- e. Taking time between two points to intentionally disrupt the flow of the match.
- f. Unnecessarily appealing the calls of line umpires frequently.
- g. Challenging a referee’s call or decision and later losing the challenge.
- h. Receiving coaching at illegal times and by a person other than the coach or a partner.
A technical warning can be issued only once to a player. It does not result in loss of point for he player who is issued a technical warning. A technical warning given to a player for a second time can result in a technical foul which is subject to loss of a point from the player’s current score.
Details about technical foul will be covered in a separate article guide.