Can I coach or encourage my child from the side of the court?

No coaching. Under the Competition Code of Conduct (LTA Competition Regulations 2026), players must not receive coaching during a match, including the warm-up, unless play is suspended and the players have left the court.

"Coaching" is interpreted widely: any communication, audible or visible, between a player and someone off court, including a relative, may be treated as coaching. Signals and gestures count, not just words.

Why it matters for your child: parents count as "Player Support Personnel", and a player is responsible for their support personnel. If you're judged to be coaching, your child can receive a code violation (warning, then point penalty, then game penalty).

Disputes on court: if there's a disagreement over a call, your child should call the Referee or court supervisor. Spectators and parents must not try to resolve the issue or influence any decision.

General conduct: parents and other supporters must behave professionally at the venue and must not attack, disparage or criticise players, organisers, officials or the LTA, including on social media. Breaches can be dealt with under the LTA Disciplinary Code.