TO: All Captains, Players and Friends of Players
Tennis is a game built on sportsmanship. When playing on a USTA League team you represent your club,
region and section both on and off the courts. Everyone is to make themselves aware of both the
National and Eastern Rules in regards to Sportsmanship.
From Friend at Court:
30. COACHING
Coaching is considered to be communication, advice or instruction of any kind and by any means to a
player. In team events where there is a team captain sitting on-court, the team captain may coach the
player(s) during a set break and when the players change ends at the end of a game, but not when the
players change ends after the first game of each set and not during a tie-break game. In all other
matches, coaching is not allowed.
Case 1: Is a player allowed to be coached, if the coaching is given by signals in a discreet way?
Decision: No.
Case 2: Is a player allowed to receive coaching when play is suspended?
Decision: Yes.
Case 3: Is a player allowed to receive on-court coaching during a match?
Decision: Sanctioning bodies may apply to the ITF to have on-court coaching allowed. In events where
on-court coaching is allowed, designated coaches may enter the court and coach their players under
procedures decided by the sanctioning body.
USTA Comment 30.1: A player may bring to the court written notes that were prepared before the start
of the match and may read these notes during the match. A player may not use electronic devices such
as cell phones, digital messaging systems, radios, mp3 players, cd and dvd players, cassette players, and
any device capable of receiving communication. Hearing aids and watches not capable of receiving
messages are permitted. A player desiring to use any other electronic device should first ask the Referee
whether the device may be used.
26 RULES OF TENNIS
USTA Comment 30.2: Is coaching permitted during authorized rest periods? Yes. Coaching is permitted
during an authorized 3-minute or 10-minute rest period. However, an authorized rest period does not
include:
• A toilet/change of attire break;
• A 2-minute set break;
• Medical timeout;
• Bleeding timeout;
• When players remain on court for a short stoppage of play such as
during slight rain or repair of the net or net strap;
• When a player leaves the court seeking the assistance of the
Referee; or
• When equipment or clothing is being adjusted.
USTA Comment 30.3: How should an official handle a situation in which the official suspects that
coaching is occurring in a foreign language? Officials must be sensitive to others who speak another
language as their primary language. They should be receptive to the fact that people communicate in a
variety of languages. Officials should first monitor the situation if they suspect coaching when they hear
detailed conversations in other languages. Officials should inform anyone who is speaking to a player to
cease such conversations (other than words of encouragement) and remind them that such
conversations may be construed as coaching.
USTA Comment 30.4: Is coaching permitted in the USTA League programs? No. Even though the USTA
League programs are team competitions for adults and seniors, coaching is not permitted under league
rules, except during authorized rest periods or as otherwise permitted.
BE ADVISED THAT VIOLATION OF THESE RULES AND OTHER RULES INVOLVING SPORTSMANSHIP WILL BE
DEALT WITH HARSHLY. VIOLATIONS OF THESE RULES MAY INCLUDE BUT ARE NOT LIMITED TO
FORFEITING OF POINTS, COURTS, MATCHES AND/OR SUSPENSION OF PLAYERS. IF YOU HAVE A
COMPLAINT OR QUESTION THE CAPTAIN AND ONLY THE CAPTAIN SHOULD FORWARD THESE
COMPLAINTS TO AN APPROPRIATE LEAGUE OFFICIAL. AT NO TIME SHOULD A PLAYER OR CAPTAIN
CONFRONT ANOTHER PLAYER OR CAPTAIN.
Have fun, and good luck!