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  1. The Three-Referee System uses a Central Referee (CR) and two Side Referees (SRs) who must work
    together as a team. All should be the highest accredited referees available. If the 3 Officials are not of a
    similar standard, then the Referee of the highest standard should normally act as the CR.
  2. The CR, who is also the Marker, controls the match and must consult with the SRs before the match and
    if necessary (and if possible) between games, to try and ensure consistency of rules application and
    interpretation. One of the SRs keeps score as a backup. In the event of a discrepancy the CR’s score is
    final.
  3. The two SRs should be seated behind the back wall in line with the inside line of the service box on each
    side, one row in front of the CR.
  4. The SRs make decisions at the end of rallies – not during them – on the following matters only:
    4.1 When a player requests a let; or appeals against a call or lack of a call of down, not up, out, or fault
    by the CR.
    4.2 If any Referee is unsighted that Referee’s decision is “Yes, Let.”
    4.3 If the CR is unsure of the reason for an appeal, the CR must ask the player for clarification.
    4.4 If a SR is unsure of what is being appealed, the SR must ask the CR for clarification.
  5. Only the CR decides all other matters including time-periods, conduct, injury, distraction, broken ball,
    fallen object, and court conditions, none of which may be appealed.
  6. Every appeal must be decided by all 3 Referees, simultaneously and independently.
  7. A majority decision of the 3 referees is final, unless a video referee system is in operation.
  8. The decision of the 3 Referees must be announced by the CR without revealing the individual decisions.
  9. In the case of 3 different decisions (Yes Let, No Let, Stroke), the final decision will be “Yes, Let.”
  10. Players may speak only to the CR. Dialogue must be kept to a minimum.
  11. The Referees may give their decisions using (in order of preference):
  12. Electronic consoles; or
  13. Referee Decision Cards; or
  14. Hand signals.
  15. If hand signals are used:
    Yes, Let = Thumb and forefinger in the shape of an ‘L’.
    Stroke = Clenched fist.
    No Let = Hand held out flat, palm downwards.
    Ball was Down / Not Up / Out / Fault = Thumb Down.
    Ball was Good = Thumb Up.
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