PADEL RULES
Code of Conduct and Violations
Padel is a sport that values fair play and respect. The official code of conduct establishes clear standards for player behaviour and a progressive penalty system for violations.
General Conduct Standards
Players are expected to:
- Show respect to opponents, partners, referees, and spectators at all times
- Accept referee decisions without argument
- Avoid unsportsmanlike behaviour, gestures, or language
- Maintain the pace of play and not deliberately delay matches
The FIP Penalty System for Players
Code violations follow a progressive escalation per the official FIP table:
Stage 1 — Warning
The first infraction results in a warning.
- The referee announces the warning and the reason
- No points are lost
- The warning is recorded and applies for the remainder of the match
Stage 2 — Warning + Point Penalty
The second infraction results in a warning with point loss.
- The opposing team is awarded one point
Stage 3 — Warning + Disqualification
The third infraction results in a warning with disqualification from the match.
Note: Violations by both players of a pair, and even by their accredited coach, are cumulative if they arise from instructions given.
Penalty System for Coaches
Coaches are subject to a separate two-stage penalty:
| Infraction | Penalty |
|---|---|
| First | Warning |
| Second | Expulsion from the match |
Immediate Disqualification
Certain behaviours may result in immediate disqualification without the staged warning process:
- Physical assault or attempted assault of any person
- Deliberate damage to the court or equipment
- Verbal abuse of a severe or discriminatory nature
- Threatening behaviour towards referees or officials
Common Code Violations
| Violation | Typical Penalty |
|---|---|
| Racket abuse (throwing or hitting equipment) | Warning → Point penalty |
| Ball abuse (deliberately hitting ball away) | Warning → Point penalty |
| Verbal abuse (mild) | Warning |
| Verbal abuse (severe) | Point penalty or disqualification |
| Audible obscenity | Warning → Point penalty |
| Unsportsmanlike conduct | Warning → escalates |
| Coaching from outside court (where prohibited) | Warning → Point penalty |
| Deliberate time wasting | Warning → Point penalty |
| Failure to return to court on time | Warning → Point penalty |
Referee Authority
Referees have the authority to:
- Issue warnings and penalties at their discretion
- Escalate penalties if they deem behaviour particularly egregious
- Consult with the tournament supervisor for disqualification decisions
Players should accept all referee decisions and raise disputes through the proper channels — disputing a call on court can itself constitute a code violation.
Coaching During Matches
Players and teams may receive advice and instructions from a properly accredited coach during competition, but only during authorised rest periods (changeovers, set breaks). During timeouts for medical assistance, external interruptions, match suspension, or bathroom breaks, the chair umpire or referee decides whether players may receive coaching.
See also: penalties and sanctions for the full violations table · racket and equipment abuse · ball abuse · coaching rules · direct disqualification