When the Ball Was "In" (Or Was It?): A Senior Pickleballer's Guide to Disputed Calls

Harold had been waiting all week for his rematch against Bill. Last Friday, Bill had called Harold's perfectly placed shot "out" on match point, a call that Harold—and everyone else on the adjacent courts—knew was questionable at best.

"Today's the day I even the score," Harold thought as he tightened his grip on his paddle. But as the game progressed, Harold faced a moment of truth: Bill's shot landed near the line on championship point. Harold saw it clearly kiss the line, but the temptation to return Bill's dubious sportsmanship from the previous week pulled at him.

Every senior pickleballer has stood in Harold's shoes, caught between competitive fire and the integrity that defines our beloved sport. How we handle these moments reveals more about us than any scoreboard ever could.

The Line Call Dilemma: A Test of Character

When Harold called "in" on Bill's shot—sacrificing the match but preserving his integrity—something unexpected happened. Bill's expression shifted from triumph to reflection.

"You know, Harold," Bill said afterward, "I've been thinking about that call I made last week. I should have given you the benefit of the doubt."

This moment illustrates the unwritten rule that elevates pickleball above mere competition: when in doubt, the ball is in. Or as coach Margie at Sun City Pickleball Club puts it: "The momentary thrill of winning through questionable calls fades quickly. The respect of your peers lasts forever."

Five Golden Rules for Disputed Calls

1. Remember the "Oh No" Test

If your immediate internal reaction to a ball is "oh no" because it might be in, then call it in. Carol from Saguaro Springs learned this the hard way when her reputation for convenient eyesight became a running joke at the courts.

2. Favor Your Opponent, Not Yourself

As 72-year-old tournament champ Frank often says, "If it's too close to call, the benefit goes to your opponent. I've never regretted being generous, but I've certainly regretted the opposite."

3. Keep a Sense of Humor

When Martin and Doris disagreed on a line call during the senior mixed doubles, Martin defused the tension with: "My eyes are 75 years old and were last calibrated during the Reagan administration, but I'm pretty sure that was in."

4. Use the Replay Solution

When Barbara and Tom reached an impasse over a crucial line call, they simply agreed to replay the point. Neither pride nor score suffered, and the game continued in good spirits.

5. Maintain Perspective

As Irene, the 83-year-old pickleball enthusiast reminds us: "At our age, just being able to see the ball, let alone hit it, is worth celebrating. I'm not going to ruin that joy over a quarter-inch of line."

The Surprising Aftermath

A month after Harold's display of sportsmanship, something changed on the Sun City courts. Line call disputes decreased noticeably. Players began calling "nice shot" when their opponents made good plays. The atmosphere shifted from competition to community.

"Harold's call that day was like dropping a pebble in a pond," observed Diana, who organizes the senior ladder matches. "The ripples changed how we all approach the game."

For senior pickleballers, the true victory isn't found on the scoreboard but in the relationships we build on the courts. As we navigate the challenges of aging through this wonderful sport, perhaps the greatest win is creating a community where integrity outweighs the temporary thrill of victory.

And Harold? He and Bill now play doubles together every Tuesday, their former rivalry transformed into one of the strongest partnerships at the club.

Remember, the ball may or may not have been in—but sportsmanship is always in style on the pickleball court.