Line Judge

Definition

A line judge is an official assigned to monitor one or more court boundaries and make in/out calls on balls landing near those lines. In padel, typical line judge assignments include baseline (service line, back boundary) and sideline. Line judges must have clear sightlines and be positioned to accurately determine if a ball is in or out. They signal in/out calls using hand gestures or verbally to the chair umpire. In professional matches, there are typically 2-4 line judges depending on tournament level. In some modern tournaments, electronic line-calling systems (Hawk-Eye) replace human line judges, reducing potential human error and speeding up controversial calls. Line judges must follow strict FIP protocols for positioning, signaling, and communication. A line judge's call can be appealed if a video review system is available. Line judges are essential to professional padel but absent in most recreational play.

Origin: Derived from tennis officiating; standard in professional padel tournaments.