Question Number: 16732

The Technical Area 9/16/2007

RE: Select Under 15

Dave Eberle of Clarkston, Washington USA asks...

Technical Area

I have been noticing that some youth soccer coaches go up and down almost the entire length of the touchline to give tactical instructions.

Should I confine their movement? I could not find any specific guidance in the FIFA LOTG.

I sure like how the NFHS defines their coaching and team area.

Thank you for your advice.

Answer provided by Referee Richard Dawson

Ah the memories of the wandering coaches screaming instructions from both sides of the field oblivious to the fact that the kids are more confused trying to listen then playing and the fact that the only place a coach is allowed to dispense tactical information is from the technical area marked just near the midline about 3 yards back from the touchline and some ten or so yards long and five or so yards deep. Absolutely confine their movement as neccessary! The kids will likely thank you for it. Tactical info is not a barrage of non stop shouting instructions it is quick meaningful information at appropriate times in a positive frame work. The key is within your area ARE the technical areas actually marked out?? If they are not it is much harder to restrict the movement but NEVER let them interfere with your ARS and if they fail to act responsibily remind them that their presense is not required to finish a match could keep them more confined!
Cheers

Answer provided by Referee Gary Voshol

When I was on the committee that re-wrote our rec association operating rules, I put a line in about coaches staying inside their technical area "if one was provided". That's the problem on most park fields - there isn't anything marked. We do usually have a line stretching 10 yards on either side of the center line, about 4-6 feet back from the touchline, which qualifies as a technical area. Unfortunately the parents seem to think that is the line where the legs of their lawn chairs go.

Absent a defined technical area, many league rules allow the coaches to wander from 18 to 18 - or if both teams are on the same side of the field, from center circle to 18. Frequently getting in the AR's way, of course. Sigh.

Answer provided by Referee Chuck Fleischer

The coach running up and down the touchline does not know the Game. My suggestion is perpetuate this myth: Coach, that big old circle out there is also there to show coaches how far up and down the field they can go. Works for me!

Regards,

Answer provided by Referee Keith Contarino

ABsolutely limit their area. They just get in the ARs way and become a nuisance.