Medical Timeout Rules

Injuries happen in padel. The rules provide a structured framework for handling them fairly without disrupting the flow of the match more than necessary. See timings for all other time limits, and changes of sides for the changeover schedule during which medical treatment is typically taken.

Standard Medical Timeout

Each player is entitled to a 3-minute medical timeout for injury treatment.

• The timeout is granted for the treatment of an injury that occurs during play
• It cannot be transferred to the partner — each player has their own separate entitlement
• The 3-minute break may be repeated in the following two changeovers (but stays within the regulation changeover time), for the same treatable condition
• If the injury occurs during a changeover, the medical treatment time is 3 minutes and may similarly be repeated during the next two changeovers

When It Can Be Requested

A medical timeout can be requested:

• When a player sustains an injury during play
• At the next available changeover or break in play after the injury occurs
• At the referee’s discretion in cases of clear distress

Accidental Injury Timeout

If a player suffers an event that is not a direct consequence of the game — such as fainting, an allergic reaction, dizziness, a respiratory crisis, or a similar incident — the referee may, at their discretion, grant time for medical attention not exceeding 15 minutes.

This is separate from the standard 3-minute medical timeout and is granted at the referee’s discretion only.

Suspension and Resumption After Injury

When play resumes after a medical timeout:

• The score, service order, and court positions are exactly as they were when play stopped
• Players resume from the same ends they were on
• No warm-up time is granted for a medical timeout (warm-up is only granted for external delays — see Timings)

Retiring from a Match

If a player’s injury prevents them from continuing and they retire from the match:

• The opposing team wins by walkover
• Any sets already completed count in the final result
• The retiring player/team must inform the referee before leaving the court