What changes during a game?

Example: from deuce, A wins a point and B wins the next; then B wins a point and A wins the next. Under the previous advantage option, play continues until a pair wins two consecutive points. With Star Point, the next point wins the game. See the 2021 rulebook and FIP’s Star Point explanation.

For Star Point, receivers choose the receiving side without swapping positions. In mixed matches, the receiver must be the same sex as the server. FIP 2026, Rule 1.

Adoption, commencement and tour rollout

FIP’s General Assembly approved the addition on 28 November 2025. The public announcement followed on 18 December 2025. These are distinct from commencement. Official adoption announcement.

The rulebook’s cover specifies 1 January 2026 as its application date; this is the effective date recorded here. FIP 2026 rulebook.

FIP announced competition implementation from the CUPRA FIP Tour’s Melbourne event, scheduled 5–11 January 2026, and Premier Padel’s Riyadh P1, scheduled 9–14 February 2026. These later event starts do not change the general rulebook commencement date. Official rollout explanation.

Who is affected?

FIP’s announcement names Premier Padel, CUPRA FIP Tour, FIP Promises and amateur FIP Beyond for 2026 implementation. Players, officials and spectators in those circuits need to recognise the deciding point. The announcement does not establish a separate commencement date for every junior age group. FIP circuit scope.

This records an adopted 2026 change, not a pending proposal. Do not assume every domestic, junior or recreational match uses Star Point: consult its competition regulations. For broader scoring guidance, see Padel scoring, golden point and tiebreaks.

Official evidence

Change status

Confirmed change

Effective from:

Before and after

Before and after
Situation International Padel Federation (FIP) · Regulations of the Padel Game — revision applicable 28.05.2021 · Historical FIP general playing rules; Rule 1 offered advantage and golden-point scoring.International Padel Federation (FIP) · Rules of Padel — revision applicable 01.01.2026 · FIP general playing rules; competition regulations determine the scoring option used.
Star Point added as a scoring optionThe 2021 edition offered repeated advantage scoring and a golden point at the first deuce. It did not include Star Point.The 2026 edition adds Star Point as Option 2 while retaining advantage and golden point. After two unsuccessful advantage cycles, the third deuce is settled by one deciding point.

Rule editions and sources