Question Number: 27299

The Technical Area 4/7/2013

RE: Leaugue Under 15

Darren of Missoula, MT USA asks...

Hello, Is there any LOTG stating anything about a coach coaching from the sideline during a U14 state league game? My son's coach was recently asked to 'stop coaching.' I could not find anything about this in the LOTG. He is not loud, obnoxious or derogatory as I have coached with him. Thanks

Answer provided by Referee Keith Contarino

Hi Darren. Thanks for the question.
In your area are both teams on the same touchline? The reason I ask is to try to figure out which 'sideline' the coach is to be on in the first place.

The LOTG stipulate Coaches are to stay within their Technical Area and give tactical advice only. Most fields don't have a Technical Area demarcated but the first requirement is the Coach has to be on the same sideline the team is. This may sound obvious but we used to have coaches and assistant coaches wander to the other side of the field and start shouting instructions in instances where both teams were on the same sideline. This, of course, is not allowed.
Another possibility for the referee's actions was the Coach had strayed from his unmarked Technical area. What I used to do when no Technical Area was marked was show each coach where they could be which generally was 3-5 feet either end of their bench. In no instance were they allowed any farther than the top of the penalty area and in the other direction, I wanted them at least 5 yards from the Center Line as the last thing I wanted was to have opposing Coaches within a few feet of each other.

Finally, when the Referee said "Stop Coaching" he may have meant "Stop Yelling" even though you say your coach is not loud

Answer provided by Referee Joe McHugh

Hi Darren
Providing technical advice is permitted under the Laws of the Game. It is regulated though to being done from the technical area and that the behaviour must be responsible.
The instruction also is that the 'advice' has to be tactical. The Law used to be that after providing the advice that the coach had to return to his seating position. Modern coaches do not like to sit and the Law was amended in 2009 so that one team official could stand for the duration of the game at the edge of the technical area.
Tactical instructions do not include comments on decisions, engaging with opponents and referees are entitled to prevent that type of behaviour.