Pickleball’s meteoric rise has brought increased competitiveness, but a recent on-court controversy has led to a major rule change to prioritize player safety. The United States Pickleball Administration Association (UPA-A) has introduced a new regulation following a widely publicized incident in which top-ranked player Ben Johns intentionally targeted Vietnamese-American prodigy Quang Duong with a forceful shot to the head.
A Controversial Shot That Changed the Game
The incident unfolded during the quarterfinals of The Majors World Championship. In a heated moment during the second set, Ben Johns smashed a shot directly at Quang Duong’s face with significant force. Fortunately, Duong reacted quickly, narrowly dodging what could have been a serious injury. However, Johns later admitted his intent, stating that he wanted to “teach” Duong a lesson, believing the young player often relied on aggressive shots to score points.
Johns’ actions and comments sparked widespread criticism throughout the pickleball community, prompting the UPA-A to take immediate action to prevent similar situations in the future.
(Credits to: MJ Pickleball via Youtube)
New Rule: Zero Tolerance for Reckless Headshots
In response, the UPA-A has implemented a rule explicitly prohibiting reckless or intentional shots aimed above an opponent’s shoulders. The association classified such behavior as “extremely unsportsmanlike” and established strict penalties for violators:
First Offense: If a player deliberately or recklessly strikes an opponent in the head or neck, their team will receive a technical penalty, awarding a point to the opposing team. Additionally, the offending player will be fined a minimum of $2,500. At this stage, both teams will be warned against retaliation.
Second Offense: A repeat violation will result in a minimum fine of $5,000 for the offending player, and their team will be disqualified from the match.
Retaliation Clause: If the opposing team retaliates and also violates the rule, the retaliating player will receive a technical penalty, a point deduction, and a minimum fine of $5,000.
Further Violations: Any additional offenses targeting the head or neck will result in an automatic match forfeit. The offending player may also face further disciplinary actions, including suspensions.
Repeat Offenders: Players with multiple violations or particularly egregious infractions may be subject to additional fines or suspensions at the discretion of tournament officials and the UPA-A disciplinary committee.
Ensuring Fair Play and Sportsmanship
The UPA-A defended the necessity of the new regulation, highlighting the importance of respect in professional play. “While the modern game has become faster and more competitive, respect for opponents remains paramount. We encourage players to play aggressively while avoiding harm to their opponents,” the UPA-A stated. “UPA-A officials will evaluate the intent, direction of the ball, and overall context of the play when determining infractions. This rule is designed to protect player safety and maintain the integrity of professional competition, ensuring that pickleball remains a sport based on skill, strategy, and sportsmanship.”
A Defining Moment for Pickleball’s Future
This rule change marks a crucial step forward for pickleball, reinforcing the balance between competitive play and athlete safety. While aggressive tactics are an essential part of the sport, the UPA-A has drawn a firm line between strategic intensity and dangerous conduct.
The incident involving Quang Duong may have been controversial, but it has resulted in a rule that strengthens fair play and safeguards athletes at all levels. As pickleball continues its global expansion, the message from the sport’s governing body is clear: competition should be fierce, but never at the expense of player safety and mutual respect.
