Question Number: 17933

Law 3 - Number of Players 11/16/2007

RE: Rec and travel High School

Steve Cerretani of Howell, NJ USA asks...

Is it just common courtesy for the coaches to stay on their half of the field while coaching, and not go past the 50, or is it a rule?

Answer provided by Referee Gary Voshol

Coaches are to stay within the technical area. If that area is not painted, it generally is considered to be within a short distance of the bench laterally, and up to 1 meter/yard from the touchline. No wandering albatross, please.

Answer provided by Referee Chuck Fleischer

NFHS Rule 1, Sect. 5, Art. 1:

The team areas shall extend from 10 yards on each side of the halfway line for a distance of 20 yards. and each area shall be marked by a solid line. Coaches, bench personnel and team members shall be restricted to the team area. Exception: When teams are placed on the opposite sides of the field, each team area shall be located as specified above and shall be placed diagonally across from each other.


NFHS Rule 1, Sect. 5 Art. 2:

The official area shall extend 5 yards on each side of the halfway line.

NFHS Rule 1, Sect. 5 Art. 3:

The team areas shall extend from 10 yards on each side of the halfway line for a distance of 20 yards. and each area shall be marked by a solid line. Coaches, bench personnel and team members shall be restricted to the team area. Exception: When teams are placed on the opposite sides of the field, each team area shall be located as specified above and shall be placed diagonally across from each other.

There shall be designated specific areas for each team's bench, separated by an official area for entering substitutes, scorers and timers. These areas shall be at least 10 feet from the touchline.

It is a rule.

Regards,

Answer provided by Referee Ben Mueller

No it is a requierment. Coaches are expected to stay in their technical area or they should face a consequence.

Answer provided by Referee Richard Dawson

Wandering coaches usually get my one sympathy look and and please do not do that in memory of my own antics when I first started. .
If the league or grounds people are prepared to do the markings of the technical areas a referee duties are so much easier and coaches have clear boundries to act reasonably!
Cheers