diff --git a/docs/api.md b/docs/api.md
index c2d2ea1..4032860 100644
--- a/docs/api.md
+++ b/docs/api.md
@@ -672,7 +672,10 @@ or the type of a parameter.
 ### wait_for_event
 
 Blocks execution until a joystick event occurs, then returns an `InputEvent`
-representing the event that occurred.
+representing the event that occurred. 
+
+wait_for_event should not be used at the same time as direction_up, direction_left,
+direction_right, direction_down, direction_middle or direction_any functions.
 
 ```python
 from sense_hat import SenseHat
@@ -709,6 +712,9 @@ print("The joystick was {} {}".format(event.action, event.direction))
 Returns a list of `InputEvent` tuples representing all events that have
 occurred since the last call to `get_events` or `wait_for_event`.
 
+get_events should not be used at the same time as direction_up, direction_left,
+direction_right, direction_down, direction_middle or direction_any functions.
+
 ```python
 from sense_hat import SenseHat
 
@@ -726,6 +732,8 @@ joystick is pushed in the associated direction (or in any direction in the case
 of `direction_any`). The function assigned must either take no parameters or
 must take a single parameter which will be passed the associated `InputEvent`.
 
+These functions should not be used at the same time as wait_for_event or get_events.
+
 ```python
 from sense_hat import SenseHat, ACTION_PRESSED, ACTION_HELD, ACTION_RELEASED
 from signal import pause
diff --git a/sense_hat/stick.py b/sense_hat/stick.py
index 896a9f8..93f5f9d 100644
--- a/sense_hat/stick.py
+++ b/sense_hat/stick.py
@@ -189,6 +189,9 @@ def wait_for_event(self, emptybuffer=False):
         events will be thrown away first. This is most useful if you are only
         interested in "pressed" events.
         """
+        if self._callbacks:
+            raise RuntimeError('Cannot use wait_for_event when callbacks are assigned')
+        
         if emptybuffer:
             while self._wait(0):
                 self._read()