When can my coach give me advice during a match?

Question

Accepted Answer

Under the ITTF regulations for international competitions (Statutes 2026, regulation 3.5.1), which domestic events may adopt or vary:

When: at any time except during rallies, as long as play isn't delayed.
Who: in an individual event, only one adviser, named to the umpire beforehand (a doubles pair from different associations may each name one). In a team event, anyone authorised to be at the playing area.
Illegal advice (e.g. during a rally) from an authorised adviser: the umpire shows a yellow card as a warning. Any further illegal advice in the same match, from anyone, gets a red card and that person is sent away from the playing area.
An unauthorised person giving advice gets a red card and is sent away straight away.
A dismissed adviser can't return until the individual match (or, in a team event, the team match) ends, unless they're needed to play. If they refuse to leave, play is suspended and the referee is called.

This applies only to advice on play. It doesn't stop a legitimate appeal or a consultation with an interpreter or association representative about a ruling.