Question Number: 16896

Law 3 - Number of Players 9/25/2007

RE: gold Under 12

sandi of langley, bc canada asks...

when there is an injured player on the field and the ref instructs the coach to enter the playing to tend to the player. This occured but then the opposing coach called their team and players to the sidelines for playing instruction - i have never seen this before. It was 3 minutes to half time. most teams take a knee out of respect, remaining on field awaiting the game to resume. Is there any written guideline or protocol on field injuries?

Answer provided by Referee Gary Voshol

The old "take a knee". I believe that one was created to keep U-littles from gathering around their injured compatriot, getting in the way. In many cases it is not good to kneel or sit - it could lead to cramping, especially if the ground is cold or wet.

As long as the players are not showing disrespect by doing something like laughing at the injury, their behavior is fine. They can go over to the sideline to get water or to converse with their coach. They must all stay on the field, and be ready to resume play when the injured player has been taken care of. Something to consider: perhaps the coach was telling his players to be more careful so no one else gets hurt.

Some competitions may have local rules that say a coach is not allowed to give instructions to players during an injury stoppage. This is because the coach of the injured player is busy taking care of that, and does not have the opportunity to speak with his own players; it gives the other team an advantage at the expense of an injured player. In upper level matches, it is a medic or trainer who is attending the hurt player, and both teams can move toward their respective bench areas to speak with their coaches.

Answer provided by Referee Steve Montanino

The coach should not be providing coaching instruction during these injury stoppages. There is nothing in the laws of the game that prohibit this behavior, per se, but I consider as unclassy. Check your local rules of competition, without something written specifically you may not be able to do much about it. Though if you're very creative, perhaps you can come up with one that doesn't make you lose any credibility.

Answer provided by Referee Chuck Fleischer

Here we have a coach giving tactical instructions to his team from his technical area whilst his players are on the field. It is his right. Perhaps bad form, but a right none the less.

Regards,