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Rule 2: time limits

Source: FIP rulebook, revision 01.01.2026.

Official time limits in padel

  1. WO (no-show): The Referee shall declare the match lost by the pair whose players are not on court ready to play 10 minutes after the scheduled time.

  2. Warm-up: 3 compulsory minutes with the opponents before the match.

  3. Play must be continuous. The match may never be suspended so that a player can recover strength or receive instructions.

  4. Between points: maximum time of 20 seconds.

  5. Change of ends at the end of a game: maximum 90 seconds. After the first game of each set and during a tie-break, play is continuous with no break. Liquids and food may not be consumed between points.

  6. At the end of each set: maximum rest of 120 seconds.

  7. Time limits begin when a point ends and finish when the next service starts.

  8. If, through circumstances beyond the player’s control, their clothing, footwear or equipment breaks or needs replacing, a reasonable additional time shall be granted.

  9. A limited number of breaks may be permitted to visit the toilet or change clothing, if announced before the match.

  10. Changes of ends during the tie-break: 20 seconds.

Suspension of the match

If the match is suspended for reasons beyond the players’ control (rain, lack of light, an accident, etc.), on resumption they are entitled to a warm-up as follows:

Length of suspension Warm-up
Up to 5 minutes No warm-up
From 5 to 20 minutes 1 minute
More than 20 minutes 3 minutes

The match must resume exactly where and how it ended: same game, score, player serving, position on court and order of serving and receiving.

If the suspension is due to lack of natural light, play stops when the sum of games in the current set is even.

Injuries and medical attention

  1. If a player is injured or affected by a treatable medical condition, they are granted 3 minutes for attention or recovery, and may receive it again during the next two breaks within the allotted time.

  2. This attention may only be given once per player and per treatable medical condition. This right may not be transferred to a partner.

  3. In the event of an accident unrelated to play (fainting, allergic reaction, dizziness, respiratory crisis), the Referee may grant a period for attention not exceeding 15 minutes.

  4. In unusual circumstances during the match (an involuntary fall, the ball striking a player), the Chair Umpire may allow a reasonable recovery not exceeding 5 minutes.