Coaching

13.G.1.j. Receiving coaching at anytime during a rally by anyone other than a partner.  A player's coach, family member or spectator may signal time-out to the player or the team in between rallies; however, the player and/or his partner must signal the time-out request to the referee in order for it to be recognized by the official.Except during time-outs and in between games, receiving coaching from anyone other than a partner.

13.G  Verbal Warnings, Technical Warnings, and Technical Fouls

13.G.1.j. Except during time-outs and in between games, receiving coaching from anyone other than a partner.

This rule change gives coaches, family members and spectators an opportunity to signal time-out to a player or team, so they can speak with them, disrupt momentum, give them a break, etc.  The player(s) then have an opportunity to disregard the signal or request a time-out from the referee.  This rule may minimize or alleviate anyone yelling out (in any language) from the sidelines since they will now have a universally recognized way to signal time-out to the players.

This rule change does not interrupt the momentum of play and it gives players control over when they want to receive coaching.

A coach, family member or spectator wants to speak with a player or team, but he/she doesn't have a way to signal this request.  This rule change will allow the person to make the request in a way that doesn't interfere with the momentum of the game.  Additionally, if the player or team does not want to stop play, they can ignore the request.  This gives the players full control as to when they receive coaching.