Changing bat in doubles

Bob James Asked 10 years ago

Hi,

i was wondering whether, in doubles, you and your partner are able to switch bats between points. I know that you can't get a new bat, but i couldn't find an answer to this anywhere. Thanks.

Alois Rosario Answered 10 years ago

Hi Bob,

You have an interesting question. My first reaction would be no but I don’t know how the rule covers that.

I will send it out to our expert, Graeme Ireland.

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Bob James Posted 10 years ago

Thanks Alois!

Alois Rosario from PingSkills Posted 10 years ago
We have a reply from Graeme Ireland, who in my opinion is the best in the business of Umpiring and Refereeing in the World. Thanks again Graeme for clearing things up.

Hi Alois,

No, this is not allowed. As you know, in terms of 3.4.2.4 a racket can only be changed if it has been accidentally damaged, and in this scenario both players would be illegally changing their rackets. Whilst a doubles pair is sometimes treated as a single entity, in many cases it is treated as two individuals, and this is one of those cases.

Regards
Graeme