Rule 11: interference

Source: FIP rulebook, revision 01.01.2026.

What is interference in padel?

Interference is deemed to occur when a player commits an act, deliberate or involuntary, that hinders an opponent in playing a stroke.

Consequences by type of interference

• Deliberate interference: the referee awards the point to the opponent.
• Involuntary interference: the referee orders the point to be replayed (a let).
• A second involuntary interference by the same pair: the referee penalises them with the loss of the point, awarding it to the opposing pair.

Worked examples

Shouting while an opponent smashes. That is deliberate, so the point goes straight to the opponent: it is not replayed.

Accidentally crossing into the line of play. That is involuntary, so the point is replayed. Nobody loses anything the first time.

Doing it again by accident. On a second involuntary interference by the same pair the leniency ends: the point goes to the opponents. The rule separates the isolated accident from the habit.

Who decides. Always the referee, and only they judge whether the act was deliberate. It is not something the pairs can settle between themselves.