Question Number: 20009

The Technical Area 9/20/2008

RE: u10c Under 10

Rachel Sandoval of Modesto, CA united states asks...

Is there a rule that says the coach has to stay within 10ft of the half field? So that she/he can not go up and down field coaching players.

Answer provided by Referee Gary Voshol

The Laws of the Game have this to say about the technical area, the area around the seating area for the team:

'The technical area relates to matches played in stadiums with a designated seated area for technical staff and substitutes as described below.
While the size and position of technical areas may differ between stadiums, the following notes are issued for general guidance:
? the technical area extends 1 m (1 yd) on either side of the designated seated area and extends forward up to a distance of 1 m (1 yd) from the touch line
? it is recommended that markings are used to define this area
? the number of persons permitted to occupy the technical area is defined by the competition rules
? the occupants of the technical area are identified before the beginning of the match in accordance with the competition rules
? only one person at a time is authorised to convey tactical instructions and he must return to his position after giving these instructions
? the coach and other officials must remain within its confines except in special circumstances, for example, a physiotherapist or doctor entering the field of play, with the referee's permission, to assess an injured player
? the coach and other occupants of the technical area must behave in a responsible manner'

Notice that this is primarily for fields in stadium settings, were a fixed team bench is provided. However, many leagues make rules regarding the technical area that is used for their games. Sometimes this area is marked (a line outside the side line) or sometimes just described.

Typically if teams are both situated on the same side of the field, their respective technical areas will be on either side of the half line, separated by some distance, perhaps 10 yards each way of the half line because this corresponds to the limits of the center circle. The technical area may go for a set distance, or may extend all the way to a point even with the top edge of the penalty area.

If teams set up on opposite touchlines, often the technical areas will be centered on the half line and extend some distance each way. Again, the center circle gives a good visual reference of 10 yards each side of the half, which may be the distance specified in league rules. Sounds like that may be in effect for your league.

Answer provided by Referee Keith Contarino

Coaches are supposed to stay in their technical area. Unfortunately, virtually no leagues bother to line the technical areas the way they should. In general, I don't allow coaches to go farther than about five feet from the center line and the top of the penalty area. In Georgia, both teams are on one touchline and the parents on the other. It's best to not let opposing coaches get too close to each other

The following questions were asked as a follow up to the above question...

See Question: 21442