Question Number: 29754

Law 1- The Field 9/30/2015

RE: Under 15

Scott of Livermore, CA USA asks...

I have never seen specific dimensions or locations for the technical area, and in most youth games there is no marked technical area. Coaches routinely stand on the touch line, and move up and down the line. I have used small cones to indicate a line about 2 yards back that has been very helpful, and letting them wander a yard or so past their bench toward the end line seems reasonable. My question is; how far away from mid-field should the technical area start?

Answer provided by Referee Joe McHugh

Hi Scott
The technical area extends 1 yd on either side of the designated seated area and extends forward up to a distance of 1 yd from the touch line.
So the dimensions depend on the seating area. On some grounds the seating area can be 20/30 yards from midfield. Others just start at midfield. If there is no seating area it is a matter for the referee to decide based on the number of players to be accommodated on either side of the half way line.

Answer provided by Referee Richard Dawson

Hi Scott,
I just finished an argument with my younger brother who as the city park foreman is responsible for marking the lines on the grass fields. I suggested they put the technical areas in as well to help control crowds and teams. He told me they use almost $1000.oo a week to maintain the lines and more lines were not an option. Seriously? I think the benefits of marking out a technical area far out weights the cost of time and some powder. The excuses used to stop it are political and monetary rather than rational in my view. I used to mark out my own lines but the UNIONs responsible screamed it was their job! Yet their bosses excuse was always money! sigh I use flat comes and remain very strict on non AR interference if the coaches start crowding the touchlines interfering with the AR vision.
Cheers
Cheers