Question Number: 30446

The Technical Area 5/22/2016

RE: Rec Under 11

RoyE of Peachtree City, Georgia USA asks...

Our team had an injured player and an injury time-out was called by the ref. The opposing team's coach called his players to the sideline and coached them during the injury time out. I think this showed poor sportsmanship, but what is the rule if any?

Answer provided by Referee Gary Voshol

There are no rules regarding what can be done during stoppages for injuries. Players must remain on the field, and coaches must remain off the field. But other than that, players are free to do things like have a water bottle handed to them from the sidelines and coaches are allowed to coach. The team with the injured player is allowed to do the same things, so this is not a case of one team gaining from an injury on the other team.

Answer provided by Referee Jason Wright

Hi Roye,
It's fairly common for this to happen. There are no laws preventing this - just as long as the players stay on the field and subs/team officials stay off the field.

Answer provided by Referee Joe McHugh

Hi
No law to prevent this as long as the players stay on the field of play and the coaches stay off the field of play. Most pro teams do this and use the opportunity also to take liquids.
Anyway I think too much store is placed on coaching. My experience is that for many player they are not listening, not focused or for that matter in this situation tired without perhaps the physical fitness to carry out the end of game instructions.