Question Number: 22977

League Specific 3/22/2010

RE: High School

Tiana Longino of Ellijay, GA United States asks...

Is it illegal for your coach to coach the team while a player is hurt?

Answer provided by Referee Michelle Maloney

If the game has been stopped for the injured player to be evaluated and/or removed from the field, then yes, it is inappropriate for the coach to be coaching his team during the stoppage according to NFHS rules. It is hard to catch sometimes, when a referee is dealing with the injured player, the trainer on the field and any player problems that may have resulted around the injury. This is also true of the AR, although they would be most likely the one to see the problem. The first thing to do is to politely remind the coach the rules do not allow the practice, and that a repeat will require the attention of the referee (read possible caution).

This would not be a problem in a USSF game as long as there was no delay in getting the game restarted

Answer provided by Referee Joe McHugh

Hi Tiana
It is illegal for a coach to give advice/coach players during an injury stoppage in a NHFS game. It is not a problem in a game played under the LotG.

Answer provided by Referee Gary Voshol

As Ref McHugh notes, this is prohibited in NFHS games.

In other games, a coach's priority should be with the injured player. If there are separate medical personnel available (e.g. a trainer), the coach can begin to think about how the game will be played. "Jason, you take Tom's spot at midfield, and we'll bring Eric on as striker. And Grant, when you make an overlapping run ..." No problem whatsoever as long as the injured player is being properly cared for.