Question Number: 18541

Law 5 - The Referee 3/14/2008

Melvin Hagerman of Colorado Springs, Colorado U.S.A. asks...

This question is a follow up to question 18454

It seems to me that ordering a coach to the stands instead of sending him off entirely--into the locker room for the rest of the match, for example--might give a coach an advantage, a different perspective . . . and a chance or two to use a cell phone or Blackberry to adivse the substitute head coach! (In American football, assistant coaches are up at press-box level and can call down to the sidelines to advise the coach on playcalling). Shouldn't a coach, ordered off the bench, be forced to go to the locker room for the rest of the game, and not communicate with the bench/technical area upon threat of suspension? If its good for a player red-carded, it should be good for the coach ordered to leave!

Answer provided by Referee Chuck Fleischer

Actually when a member of the technical staff is expelled from the technical area for irresponsible behavior or bringing The Game into disrepute he is to take no further part in the match. Members of the technical staff are not to use electronic aids either.

Managers, coaches and the like, members of the technical staff, are permitted in the technical area, one at a time is permitted to give tactical instructions to the team and all are expected to conduct themselves responsibly. Should they adhere to those guide lines the Law permits them to remain in the technical area. Should they transgress beyond those limits they are in the technical area at the pleasure of the match referee.

You will find this year's MLS and other professional leagues in America very different with respect to what members of the technical staff are permitted without departing the match than earlier others. If asked to leave you'll find the match will not restart until the expelled individual departs the field and its surrounds.

Regards,

Answer provided by Referee Keith Contarino

When a coach is expelled from the match he is to leave the surrounding areas. He is not allowed to sit in the stands and he is not allowed to use a cell phone to continue coaching.

Answer provided by Referee Ben Mueller

That is correct. The coach must leave the entire vicinity of the field. That also means no electronic or cellular communication of any sort.