How do I deal with illegal advice from a coach?

Question

Accepted Answer

Under ITTF Statutes 2026, regulation 3.5.1: Who may advise: in an individual event, one person designated to you beforehand (where a doubles pair is from different associations, each may designate one, treated as a unit). In a team event, anyone authorised to be at the playing area. When: at any time except during rallies, provided play isn't delayed. Situation Action Unauthorised person gives advice Hold up a red card and send them away from the playing area Authorised adviser gives advice illegally (e.g. during a rally) Hold up a yellow card: any further offence means dismissal Anyone gives illegal advice again in the same match after a warning Red card, sent away from the playing area, whether or not they were the person warned Dismissed adviser refuses to leave or comes back early Suspend play and report to the referee A dismissed adviser can't return until the individual match ends (individual event) or the team match ends (team event, unless they're required to play), and in a team match can't be replaced by another adviser until then. This covers advice on play only: it doesn't stop a legitimate appeal or a consultation with an interpreter or association representative about a ruling. The assistant umpire must tell you about any breach of the advice or behaviour regulations.

Situation	Action
Unauthorised person gives advice	Hold up a red card and send them away from the playing area
Authorised adviser gives advice illegally (e.g. during a rally)	Hold up a yellow card: any further offence means dismissal
Anyone gives illegal advice again in the same match after a warning	Red card, sent away from the playing area, whether or not they were the person warned
Dismissed adviser refuses to leave or comes back early	Suspend play and report to the referee