Anthem AZ Pickleball Club

Hello APPL Players and Spectators,

As our league continues to grow, we want to ensure everyone enjoys a fair, respectful, and rule-abiding playing environment. This bulletin serves as an official reminder and clarification regarding sideline coaching, which has recently caused some confusion. Our goal is to keep everyone informed and help avoid unintentional rule violations.

The APPL rule says “Per USAP rules, coaching by anyone is only allowed after completion of each game, between rounds and during timeouts (not during water breaks). Coaching is verbal or nonverbal communication during a game from anyone other than a player’s partner that is offered to assist a player in a match (i.e. providing direction for strategy, line calls, time outs, etc.)”

We understand that sideline coaching can sometimes happen unintentionally — a quick comment, reaction, or gesture in the heat of the moment. However, any commentary or gesture that guides play, corrects a decision or indicates what to do is considered coaching. To eliminate confusion for the future, here is additional clarification.

Verbal coaching
Anything shouted that gives strategy, instruction, or advice counts as coaching, including:

• “Hit it down the center”
• “Dink it”
• “Let it go”
• “Move up”
• “Target the backhand”
• “Watch the middle”
• “Call a timeout”

Even if it seems harmless or encouraging, if it tells a player what to do, it is considered coaching and is not allowed outside of official timeouts.

Non-verbal coaching
Coaching is not limited to words. Gestures also count, including:

• Raising a finger to signal a ball was out
• Shaking your head “no”
• Thumbs up/down
• Making a T with hands to request a timeout
• Hand signals about positioning

When coaching is allowed
Coaching is only permitted:

• During official timeouts
• Between games and rounds

Thank you for helping us maintain good sportsmanship and competitive integrity across all APPL matches. We appreciate your cooperation and understanding as we work together to keep play fair and enjoyable for everyone.

The APPL Team