Table tennis / Protocols & guidance
Advice and misconduct
ITTF · 2026In short
When coaching is allowed and how officials handle misconduct.
Advice without delaying play
Advice is allowed between rallies if it does not delay play. In individual events the adviser must be designated beforehand; a pair from different associations may designate an adviser each, treated together for discipline. In team events advice may come from anyone authorised at the playing area.
Warnings and sanctions
Illegal advice can lead to a warning and removal of the adviser. For player misconduct, a warning can be followed by penalty points; continued or serious misconduct is referred to the referee, who can disqualify. Abuse, deliberate equipment damage and disrespect toward officials are prohibited. Players must genuinely try to win.
Independent explanations and translations, not official federation publications. Based on the supplied ITTF Statutes 2026, effective 01/01/2026: the Laws of Table Tennis and selected international competition regulations. Independent condensed explanations with wheelchair exceptions identified. Administrative, disciplinary and event-specific chapters are not reproduced in full. References use PDF pages.
Sources & approach ↗
Sources & approach ↗