Question Number: 24702

The Technical Area 3/18/2011

RE: Select Under 17

DS of Baltimore, MD USA asks...

The Law book states that the 'The technical area relates to matches played in stadiums with a designated seated area for technical staff and substitutes.' Does this mean that Technical Areas' are not allowed on open fields? I happen tio think that they are critical for game management.

Answer provided by Referee Keith Contarino

It's a shame LOTG reads this way. If youth coaches were to read it, they might have an argument when they wander up and down the touch line. Fortunately they never read the LOTG.

But, seriously, the team area is mentioned in Advice To Referees. Where there is no technical area there always is a team area and coaches are to remain in it. You are free to limit as you see fit unless this is addressed by competition authorities

Answer provided by Referee Joe McHugh

Hi DS
Technical areas can also be part of the competition rules so the referee needs to be aware to what is stated in those.
In the absence of a technical area the LotG also state that technical staff must behave in a responsible manner. The referee is sole judge of what is a responsible manner so the referee can remove those that are not behaving responsibly.

Answer provided by Referee Michelle Maloney

Check your local or state rules to see if a technical area or coaching/team area is 'designated'. Often it is one team on one side of the field at the halfway line and the other team on the other side.

Coaches who run the length of the field or deliberately or repeatedly cross over into the other team's bench area, if they are both on the same side of the field, should be warned they are not behaving responsibly and dealt with accordingly.