What is a technical in racquetball?
A · Advanced · Rallies and conduct · 4 of 5For minor misconduct the referee gives a technical warning, with no point lost. Deliberate abuse, such as swearing, threats, hitting the ball hard between rallies or slamming the racquet, is a referee technical: one point off, without changing the serve, even taking a score of 0 to minus one. Three referee technicals disqualify the player or team.
How it works
- Technical warning: no point.
- Referee technical: minus one point.
- Serve: unchanged.
- From 0: to minus one.
- Three technicals: disqualification.
- Coaches: same conduct rules.
- Appeals: to line judges, two per game.
- Technicals: cannot be appealed.
The glossary has the referee technical, the technical warning, the delay of game, the appeal, the line judges and the referee.
Tricky cases
Can a score go below zero?
Yes, after a referee technical.
Can I appeal a technical?
No.
How many failed appeals per game?
Two.
Both line judges disagree with the referee. Result?
The call is reversed.
Why the rule exists
A point penalty bites at once, and a negative score makes it bite at the start of a game too.
Where it differs
| Where | What changes | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Technical | Minus one | L 3.16(a) |
| Three | DSQ | L 3.16(a) |
| Appeals | Two failed | L 5.7 |
From the rule book
International Racquetball Federation (IRF), Official Rules of Racquetball (2024-2026), Rules 3.16 and 5.5 to 5.8. Checked 15 October 2026. Official document: IRF Official Rules 2024-2026.