Question Number: 13327

Character, Attitude and Control 7/12/2006

RE: Other

Austin of Dekalb, IL USA asks...

This question is a follow up to question 8515

The coaches near the line drive me absolutely insane as an AR. I am a small man so I cannot exactly knock them over.

Further my request to put an indian arrowhead on my flag as a deterrent was denied as too dangerous :( LOL

Fortunately, the CRs I work with are aware of this and are very strict. First violation is a warning, second is a caution, third time the offending coach eats it and is expelled.

I do the same for my ARs when acting as center. If its the parents infringing, the coaches get two chances to get it under control. Again, third time and the coach will eat an expulsion

Answer provided by Referee Richard Dawson

HI Austin,
now you know why there is SUPPOSED to be a technical area. That is where the coaches are supposed to stay! On public fields it can be difficult at times to keep spectators away from the lines when no seated area is at hand. I suggest a dotted line /row of markers 3 yards around the perimeter of the playing field as an easy to see deterrent. I also suggest such information is included in on the field signage and in information packets upon registration. Of course security personal could be effective if available . Holding a coach TOTALLY responsible for spectators seems a bit harsh. I agree they should assist you in keeping things on the low down but idiots are often idiots regardless of who we make responsible for their actions. In my neck of the woods we place both teams within the technical areas on one side of the field while spectators are only allowed on the opposing side of the field3 to 5 yards away from the touchline and not behind the goal. The registration packets explains this as well as the fines and punishment for any team that fails to follow guidelines! Cheers

Answer provided by Referee Ben Mueller

I had an incident where I stepped on a spectators foot and twisted my ankle. Since then, I always make parents/kids move 3 yards back.

Answer provided by Referee Keith Contarino

I'm surprised you have this much trouble. I tell them at the beginning of the match they need to stay at least a yard off the line or I can't see. I remember one coach who got right on the line while the ball was going past him. He turned to me and said "how'd you miss that?" I said, "Now you know why I told you to stay a yard off the line." End of problem. Parents and small children are a bigger nuisance. As a center, I've had to stop the game and move ALL the parents back a few yards and make them keep their kids behind them. Always amazes me to see parents put 2 year olds in harms way

Answer provided by Referee Chuck Fleischer

The first time I find a "whatever" in my way on the line I beg forgiveness from them if, heaven forbid, I should accidentally bump into them and knock them down. I am 68" tall so I ain't all that huge but when do it "just" right almost everyone hits the floor.

Besides I already have mentioned something about that. A simple "I'm sorry, I was watching offside and missed you" is all the sympathy they get from me and I get a free shot!

Y'all be careful now, y'hear..

Regards,