Question Number: 27147

Other 1/30/2013

RE: Rec, Competitive Under 15

James of Mobile, USA asks...

Many teams, especially in rec, have only one coach. Now, if I remove this single coach in the technical area as a result of irresponsible behavior, what exactly happens next?

It's something I've never considered, it's never been mentioned in my certification, yet I feel it's pretty important.

Is it required for teams to have a 'coach' or some sort of non-player/non-substitute in the technical area?

If so, would a team that loses its only coach be forced to forfeit?

Is it ever acceptable to allow a parent or someone not originally in the technical area to enter the technical area in place of the removed coach?

Answer provided by Referee Joe McHugh

Hi James
It is not an issue in open age games. However at underage Child Protection Guidelines will apply and without a 'responsible adult' being present, continuing the game poses a very high risk for the match officials should anything untoward happen.
In Ireland and the UK the game would be abandoned if the only 'responsible adult' is removed from the technical area and its sorrounds. Indeed in some Leagues it is complusory to have at least two adults present and the removal of one results in an abandonment.
As regards a replacement it is not just as simple as a parent entering the technical area. Guidelines would suggest that the adult has to be meet the CP conditions for coaching and the taking of responsibility which can include apllication form vetting, certifications etc
My advice is that if there is any doubt / concerns abandon the game and allow the League authorities to deal with it.

Answer provided by Referee Gary Voshol

Many leagues will require having someone on the roster as the coach, and that person usually has to have passed some kind of risk management process.

No responsible adult, no play. Kind of makes you think the coach would be more circumspect, no?

Answer provided by Referee Keith Contarino

I assume Mobile is in Alabama. Roll Tide!
In Georgia this is covered in the State handout. Any responsible adult may take over. You need a driver's license and the adult will sign the area on the scorecard that the coach is to sign and he/she must behave in a responsible manner