Times have changed and so have the rules.  Most players don't understand that in today's rules, the receiver is the one player on the court who has total control of when the next point starts.

I recently officiated some tournament matches and realized that many people either have not read or do not understand rules 4.D and 4.E.

There are three key points that I could tell weren't understood.

Point Number 1: The referee shall call the score when it is determined that the RECEIVER is in position.  So remember that only the receiver must be set. His/her partner does not have to be ready to play nor does the server's partner.  The server/receiver partners could be grabbing a quick drink, taking a nap or have their backs turned and the referee can and should call the score.

Point Number 2: Once the score has been called, the RECEIVER cannot become not ready. Doing so is a fault.  So if you don't want the referee to call the score yet, then you (THE RECEIVER) must signal you are not ready by raising your hand or turning your back. But it must be before the score is called.

Example that happened in the last match I reffed:  The receiver was in position, hands on knees, ready to go.  I called the score, and as I did, his partner strolled over and started talking to the receiver.  The server served and the receiver caught the ball claiming THEY weren't ready.  That was a clear and obvious sign that they did not know POINT NUMBER 1.

Point Number 3: The server has 10 seconds to serve after the score has been called,  Since it is assumed the referee has checked the readiness of the receiver, and they cannot become unready, the server many now serve anytime during the 10 seconds.

Undertanding these three points will help you relax when serving and receiving, because ultimately you, the players, are in control. 

See you on the courts.

Rocket