[grantsrc]

Here in MO, we've been told to be very strict with sideline control. It has been a point of emphasis from the NFHS and the state for the last few years.

It all starts with a good pregame introduction with the get-back coach and the head coach.

My pregame goes something like this:
"Coach XXXXXX, I'm (insert your name here) and I will be working on your sidelines tonight. Just wanted to let you know that a point of emphasis this year by both the state and the Federation is sideline control. Our crew likes the sidelines clear and we go by the guidelines set in the rulebook. All players and other personnel need to be at least 2 yards back from the sidelines. At any given time, only three coaches can be in the coaches box. I will give you guys a few warnings if this becomes an issue but I don't foresee this as being a problem....

I provide numerous warnings throughout the evening. Each time I come up the sidelines for a kickoff I am usually reminding them to get back. If coaches are on the sidelines, I usually say, "Coach, give me a step off the sidelines please. I don't want to run you over." If the players are up and the coaches don't have their two yards, I say, "Players, back up so your coaches can stay in their coaching box."

The linesman on our crew uses this phrase, "Coach, the sideline is like an electric fence. You cross it, I zap you." Gets the point across.

If it gets out of hand, reminding them all the time, coming onto the field or just not cooperating, give them the warning. (Check with your association or state- some states say flag the warning, some states say not to) That gets the message across that you're not here to mess around.

Our area is pretty good about this because we have been on top of it for so long. If you have any other questions, email me.