What is the purpose of placing an X over both the S circle and the R circle on the score sheet when the referee identifies the serving team?

• A. To indicate which team is serving and which is receiving
• B. To mark a fault
• C. To indicate substitution
• D. To cancel a point

Answer: (A)

Knowing which team is serving sets who will start with the ball and who will receive, which is essential for the rally and the correct rotation. On the score sheet, the S circle is for the serving team and the R circle is for the receiving team. When the referee identifies the serving team, placing an X over both circles clearly locks in that assignment for the current rally. This creates a quick, unambiguous visual cue for the scorekeeper, players, and officials so there’s no confusion about service order as play begins. It isn’t signaling a fault, a substitution, or a canceled point; those situations use other notations.