Tennis players rely on their coaches to prepare them for a match, but that doesn't mean they can be there for them during the match. Rules on coaching in tennis come under the governing body in which the match is being played and may be altered depending on the type of event that is taking place. One set of rules for coaching tennis does not exist.
Professional
Men's tennis is ruled by the ATP and women's tennis comes under the regulations of the WTA. The ATP and the WTA do not allow players to receive coaching during a match. Coaching is defined by these organizations as "communication of any kind, audible or visible, between a player and a coach." The one exception to this rule comes in women's tennis when a 10-minute break is provided in case of extreme heat, coaching on court is allowed for up to 90 seconds.
Juniors
The International Tennis Federation, which governs junior tennis, and the United States Tennis Association do not allow coaching during a tennis match, with the exception of some team events as defined by the specific tournament. The USTA defines coaching as a "communication, advice or instruction of any kind, audible or visible, to a player." The ITF rules is the same, however, it also bans coaches from making obscene gestures on site or abusing an official.
College
Coaching is allowed in college tennis by a head coach and up to two other coaches designated by the head coach. According to the Intercollegiate Tennis Association rules administered by the USTA, on court coaching is allowed during the match, but "If a coach in anyway interferes with play or distracts an opposing player," he will be warned and a point penalty could be assessed to the player on court. The use of electronic communications -- cell phones or two-way radios -- is not allowed on court.
Considerations
High school tennis coaching rules are legislated by the state high school sports association where the match is being played. All rules on coaching in tennis are subject to change at any time. Check the current manual for the division you are playing in to find out what the up-to-date rules are. Also keep in mind that the penalties for coaching when it is not allowed vary from a simple warning to the coach to a default for the player.
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