This happened me today for the first time. I had never seen this before.
Here is the rule:
IFP Official Tournament Rulebook
Section 12. I. (p.38)
“The Net Posts. The net posts are positioned out of bounds. If a ball strikes the net post or anything attached to the net post, it is a fault and a dead ball is declared. This rule does not include the net, the net cable, or rope between the net posts.”
I errantly thought that the ball would be in play and good. This is not correct regarding the Net Post. If it hits a part of the net post (which should be out of bounds), then it is a fault and the player or team of the player hitting that ball loses that service. Who knew? [edited July 10, 2017 to correct an error]
We have net posts where the net cable actually runs across the top of the post. So if a ball drops on the very top of the post it actually touches this thin wrapped cable. So if the ball hits here and errantly spins back in is still considered a fault?
According to the official rules (see notation above), it states: “This rule does not include the net, the net cable, or rope between the net posts.” It would be my interpretation that if it hit the cable holding the net and not the posts, the ball would still be in play. It specifically lists “the cable” and “the net” as being in play.
You can download a free PDF version of the rule book here – https://www.usapa.org/ifp-official-rules/
Is the center metal support post a fault if struck either serving or returning. The ball goes wonky when it hits this post.
It is my understanding that if the ball touches the center post BEFORE striking the ground, it is a do-over not a fault!