Question Number: 23809

League Specific 8/22/2010

RE: D1 Boys Under 16

Rob of Houston, TX USA asks...

Is there a rule about where parents can sit while on the side line? Can they be along the sideline near the corner?

Answer provided by Referee Dennis Wickham

The spectators must stay far enough from the touchline that they do not interfere with the assistant referee or invade space that the players may need during throw-ins or in the run of play. My favorite tournament adds a blue spectator line that provides 2 yards clearance. (It applies to coaches and subs as well). Almost all leagues bar spectators behind the goal lines (unless in a stadium).

Otherwise, there are no standards. This summer, it seemed that the tournament rules on where spectators would sit changed every weekend. Opposite sides/same sides/home team chooses/visiting team chooses/all players on one side/ players on opposite sides.

Answer provided by Referee Michelle Maloney

That depends on the league rules. Some leagues have parents on one side, and coaches/players on the other. Some have each team with its supporters on the side opposite their opponents.

Supporters/fans/parents should not be within 3 to 6 feet of the field, because they can interfere with play and with the operation of the assistant referee. How far up or down the touchline fans can locate is also subject to local rules.

Answer provided by Referee Gary Voshol

You would need to check your local rules. Our leagues specify that the teams are to be on opposite sides of the field, along with all of their supporters. With two incidents in two years between opposing fans, I make very few exceptions to that rule anymore. There is one U12 field where there is so little space along one touchline that is an exception.

We have another rule that all spectators are to be between the 18 yard lines, so as not to make interfering comments when play is near the goals. That rule is not always enforced. Sometimes the only shade in the area is behind the goal - you think I'm going to make Grandma move and suffer heatstroke? As long as people are behaving properly, I let them sit where they want.