When is coaching allowed, and how do I penalize illegal coaching?
Rule- USA
- USTA
- Junior tournaments
- 18 and under
- Friend at Court
- Point Penalty System
- 2026 rules
- Officials
In USTA sanctioned play, outside of specified team events, coaching is not allowed (USTA Comment 30.2; Reg. IV.C.10):
- Between points or during a change of ends
- During a 2-minute set break or any warm-up
- During a toilet or change of attire break, medical time-out, bleeding time-out, or equipment problem
- While a player is seeking an official's assistance
Coaching is allowed during a 3- or 10-minute rest period, and during a suspension of play in which players leave the playing area. A temporary interruption where players stay on court isn't a suspension for this purpose.
Players may read notes prepared before the match, but may not receive information on phones, smartwatches or similar devices on court (Comment 30.1).
"Audible or visible coaching" is a code violation under the Point Penalty System (Table 14), charged to the player: point, game, default.
Added 21 Oct 2026