FRIEND AT COURT 2010 - USTA.com

USTA Comment 29.10: A best-of-five sets match with an authorized rest
period after the third set is suspended because of darkness at one set all.
The match is resumed the next day. When Player A wins a long set, Player
B claims entitlement to a rest period. Is Player B entitled to a rest period?
No. Although this was the third set of the match, it was only the first set on
that day. If there is a prolonged interruption, such as one caused by rain, and
play is resumed on the same day, the players should be informed as to the
point at which, if any, a rest period might later be taken.
30. COACHING
Coaching is considered to be communication, advice or instruction of any kind,
audible or visible, 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.
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.
USTA Comment 30.2: Is coaching permitted during authorized rest
periods? Yes. However, an authorized rest period does not include a toilet
break, a 2-minute set break, medical timeout, bleeding timeout, when play
is suspended but the players remain on the court, when a player leaves the
court seeking the assistance of the Referee, or when equipment or clothing
is being adjusted.
USTA Comment 30.3: 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.
RULES OF TENNIS 25