What are verbal warnings, technical warnings and technical fouls?

The referee can assess these any time during a match while players are near the court, including before it starts. Play is not stopped: the assessment is applied after the rally ends, with a brief explanation.

• Verbal or technical warning (minor unsportsmanlike conduct): objectionable language, profanity, aggressive arguing that disrupts play, ball abuse, delay of game, excessive line call appeals, receiving coaching from anyone other than a partner outside time-outs and between games, and other minor behaviour. Only one verbal warning may be given to each player or team per match. A warning does not lose a point or change the server.
• Technical foul (extreme unsportsmanlike conduct): reckless paddle or ball throwing, extremely objectionable language, threats, a second technical warning in a match, and other extreme behaviour. One point is deducted from the offender's score (if their score is zero, one point is added to the opponent's). A technical foul does not change the server.

Behaviour after the match, while a player is still near the court, must be brought to the Tournament Director, who may apply a warning or foul to that player's next match.

Source: 2026 Official Rulebook, Section 22, https://pickleballcanada.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/2026-Official-Rulebook-EN.pdf